Learning the Way

For me, learning the way is always one of my best techniques when it comes to dealing with unfamiliar territory. It is best for me because it makes me more independent. When I had enough vision, I used to depend on such landmarks as counting pathways and driveways; counting doors and cubicles; using color and contrast to help me identify places; and even using contrast between sidewalks and grassy embankments. I also used to count hallways and corridors and use contrasts between carpeting and bare floors. In short, I used a combination of my limited vision and my sense of direction to do it all. I also used sounds and my sense of smell to help me.

That was then and this is now. Today, I use my cane a lot more to help me count doors, corridors, hallways, and driveways and pathways. I am no longer able to use color and contrast to help me but that's okay. Having previously had vision enables me to picture layouts in a room because believe it or not, most rooms and hallways have similar layouts and if you have been lucky to have seen the physical layout of such things as a reception area, classroom, or office, it sure helps.

I use the so-called touch technique with my cane to help me locate carpeting and I trail the edge of carpets to help me orientate myself. I depend more heavily now on sounds and my sense of smell. Believe it or not, smell helps me to locate different places such as: Cafeterias, restaurants, and even certain offices and other areas.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and tell others how blind persons find their way. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.