Dear List,
I just started a new job. I'm a rehabilitation teacher, working probably
mostly with older people who have lost significant vision, and I will
usually be working in their homes. The geographic area I will cover is
relatively large, and I intend to use paratransit, public transit when
available, and taxicabs to travel around the county. The Division of
Rehabilitation Services for whom I work is willing to purchase assistive
technology for me to use, but they are hesitant to purchase the GPS system
with the PK, principally because they have never trained anyone in its use,
they don't know how useful it will be to me as a guide dog user, and they
are under the impression that they can't add it later - i.e., that it
cannot be purchased separately from the PK.
I, on the other hand, believe that having access to the GPS system with the
PK will make me a much safer traveler, and a more competent blind person -
and guide dog user. I am looking for people who travel somewhat as part of
their jobs, who use guide dogs, and who also have found the GPS system to
be helpful.
Are there any of you on this list?
Would you be willing to share your experiences with me, so that I can share
these first-hand accounts with the assistive technology folks who will be
purchasing whatever equipment we can finally agree upon?
Thank you for your help.
Penny
