So I've completed several more steps towards my goal of starting
classes by this Fall. I've completed my financial aid application and submitted
it, it has been processed and forwarded to the school that I will be attending.
Just waiting to hear from them with a package of more information. On February
27, The orientation and mobility instructor from DSB did a home visit and made
her assessment right here in my home. She had a lot of questions about my
adaptive skills and how I go about my day here at home and when I leave my
home. She recommended that I get a new long white cane with a variety of tips
to help me travel better with training as well. She'll be helping me learn how
to cross the street using the audio initiated crosswalks and to identify
certain markers on the sidewalks and to get around my compound if I wanted to
check my mail or just walk around the neighborhood. She also recommended
several thermometers for my body temperature as well as for cooking. Need to
make sure that chicken is fully cooked right? She'll also be back to place
several tactile markers in my kitchen space, my oven especially. I'm excited to
get some more orientation training so I can travel independently. On March 11,
I have my assessment on technology at the DSB office. I was like a kid in a
candy store, there was all kinds of assistive Technology devices for the blind
both high-tech and low tech. I tried out several different tactile markers that
I can work with and found that I can use the high-profile foam and Loc dots on
my keyboard. I tried out both the JAWS and Mac platforms and chose to stay with
Apple Voice over. A Mac Air 13 inch laptop is recommended with an external hard
drive and a full-size keyboard. A victor streamer will be very useful for my
text books and notetaking at school. Both of these devices I will be provided
training, DSB will provide me with two instructors, one will be for the Mac and
iPhone which will be a Distant training program and the other instructor will
help me with the victor streamer. The distant training program is very
convenient because I can work with my instructor at my own pace anytime even
from my own home via Skype. There is only one instructor who specializes in Mac
for the blind and he is in New Jersey. I will also be getting a four-in-one
copier/printer/fax/scanner. Last but not least one of my favorite devices is
the Pen Friend, a labeling device. Oh I love this gadget! It is both useful in
the home and for school, maybe someday in my workplace. It is shaped like a
karaoke microphone with a scanner at the bottom. There is a record button that
I can speak into and identify the items that I am labeling, I just hold it over
the label that is provided, record and scan. A beep will sound to let me know a
label has been identified, I scan again and the label will repeat my recording.
Each label, which comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, have their own
identifying codes. I can stick a label on a magnet so I can identify my chicken
noodle soup From my tomato sauce, that way I don't have to keep changing the
label. How awesome is that? This will also be great to keep my files organized and do record
management.. I'm looking forward to avail myself with all the opportunities
that is offered. I'm glad that all of these Devices will be provided to me at
no cost on my part. I am pleased with the services from the division of
services for the blind because through this assessment The specialist was able
to identify what works best for me and for what I will be using it for. I'm
saddened that a friend of mine back home had recently been given a Mac computer
however she has not been able to use her computer because she is unable to
receive the training needed. I recommend that whenever an AT device is going to
be purchased for a client that it would make logical sense to provide the
necessary training to access that computer. Don't know if my friend gave up
because the last time I spoke to her he was still waiting for word from DVR
regarding training from the only AT specialist at GSAT.. There is so much red
tape to go through, meanwhile, time is passing, and it is discouraging. My
friends enthusiasm to pursue her goal of starting a business is slowly fading.
When we have the opportunity, given the tools and proper training in a timely
manner, we can succeed in becoming productive members in our community. I will
keep you all posted on what's up next.
Si Tracy
Guma’ Mami programs provide opportunities for individuals to enjoy life, strive to reach their full potential, and be part of Guam’s community.
It is the mission of Guma’ Mami, Inc., to facilitate the full inclusion and integration of adults withintellectual disabilities and other disabilities into their communities through individual and family supports. We provide supportive services in a residential and community setting in order to enable individuals to live as full members of their communities.
For more information visit: www.gumamami.org
It is the mission of Guma’ Mami, Inc., to facilitate the full inclusion and integration of adults withintellectual disabilities and other disabilities into their communities through individual and family supports. We provide supportive services in a residential and community setting in order to enable individuals to live as full members of their communities.
For more information visit: www.gumamami.org
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