Abstract

Accessible Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are changing the way many people with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) travel. GPS provides real-time orientation information so that a traveler with a visual impairment can make informed decisions about path of travel and destination. Orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists are often asked to teach their clients how to use GPS. Finding the time and resources to learn new technology, however, can be challenging. O&M specialists are often juggling large caseloads and have limited budgets for professional development. Although accessible GPS is becoming a commonly used orientation tool in the field of visual impairment, many O&M instructors are unsure of how to include GPS in daily travel problem-solving processes or how to request training in its use. To help meet this need, staff members of the California School for the Blind have created a free curriculum guide, "Finding Your Way: A Curriculum for Teaching and Using the BrailleNote with Sendero GPS." The curriculum was designed for O&M instructors who want to learn how to use the Sendero GPS with BrailleNote and then teach it to their students. It can also be used by consumers who wish to teach themselves GPS skills.

Citation

Greenberg, M.D. & Kuns, J. (2012). A Free Program for Using and Teaching an Accessible Electronic Wayfinding Device. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 106(10), 703-705. Retrieved March 22, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/113509/.

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Keywords

• curriculum
• educational technology
• Geographic Information Systems
• Geographic Location
• Guides
• navigation
• Special Schools
• Travel Training
• Visual Impairments
• Visually Impaired Mobility