Episode 1: Community

Planning and performing money transactions is a great skill which helps cultivate independent living among visually impaired students. In this episode, we emphasize self-advocacy as one's biggest asset for engaging with their community and living a rich life.  Action step: After listening to this episode, listeners are encouraged to explore their community and learn about the different restaurants and stores in their town. 

Knowledge of addresses systems/patterns is important for staying oriented during navigation. It's also useful when learning the layout of streets within a city. In today’s episode we talk about the “anatomy” of an address, breaking down its components to explore what it all means!   Action step: After listening to this episode, listeners are encouraged to recall their own addresses as well as take some time to understand the address systems in their own cities. 

Today we explore how to identify and analyze traffic light intersections. We also wrap up our discussion on intersections in general. Traffic light intersections can be different sizes and shapes, and include different features/systems. Today we discuss APS's, as well as break down the differences between timed and actuated systems. Action step: After listening to this episode, listeners are encouraged to identify any traffic light intersections near their homes.

In this episode we discuss the importance of identifying, analyzing, and crossing stop sign intersections accurately and safely (focus is on +-shaped intersections with 2-way traffic flow). We discuss where stop sign intersections are usually found, based on various environmental cues. Action step: After listening to this episode, listeners are encouraged to identify the type of neighborhood they live in (residential, rural, or commercial) and locate any stop sign intersections nearby.

There are many different types of transportation available to both sighted and visually impaired travelers. In this episode we talk about 3 popular types: buses, taxis, and ride-share services such as Uber. We also interview an Uber driver. DISCLAIMER: Passengers need to be at least 18 years old to ride Uber alone. Action step: After listening to this episode, listeners are encouraged to research the different types of transportation options available in their town.  

The white cane is an iconic symbol for O&M and can serve various purposes. In this episode we break down the main functions of a white cane, including increased community understanding, safety, walking speed, and landmark/clue recognition. Action step: After listening to this episode, listeners are encouraged to critically think about how and when they should be using their cane, and to practice explaining and demonstrating their white cane knowledge to other people.

The focus of today's episode is on large-scale distances and cardinal directions. Cardinal directions should be utilized by visually impaired travelers to give and receive accurate directions. We also talk about the difference between types of measurements, including feet and miles. Action step: After listening to this episode, listeners are encouraged to make a map of their neighborhood as well as practice with cardinal directions in and around their house.

In this episode we explore the basics of small scale measurements and map making, while reinforcing directional and spatial concepts. Being able to make approximate measurements between distances is foundational for room familiarization and travel planning.  Action step: After listening to this episode, listeners are encouraged to make a very simple map of a room within their home.

Knowing how to identify landmarks and clues is crucial for proper orientation among visually impaired students. Landmarks and clues can be big or small, and can be categorized into sounds, smells, temperatures, physical objects, etc. Action step: After listening to this episode, listeners are encouraged to take a walk through their neighborhood to identify any landmarks or clues around them that can aid in navigation.

Community is foundational for cultivating and expanding O&M-related knowledge. It also increases students' confidence and helps them to be better self-advocates. Don't take community for granted!  Action step: After listening to this episode, listeners are encouraged to call, text, or email me.