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Second Sense - Beyond Vision Loss

Advanced Orientation and Mobility: Wayfinding

Saturday, September 23 - 10:15 am - 1:15 pm

Wayfinding encompasses all of the ways people and animals orient themselves in physical space and navigate from place to place. Historically, it referred to the techniques used by travelers over land and sea to find unmarked and mislabeled routes. These techniques included dead reckoning (a way of estimating direction and distance traveled), maps, compasses and astronomical positioning.

While you may not need to traverse over the seas, wayfinding concepts apply regularly to activities of daily life such as getting around the airport, walking through the mall or any environment that you may not be entirely familiar with. Useful wayfinding strategies include sounds, smells or tactile elements such as braille or objects that can be identified with a white cane. Technology is also evolving to include indoor and outdoor GPS as well as live visual interpreting services like Aira or Be My Eyes.

We have planned an outing to Lincoln Park Zoo to help you incorporate a variety of wayfinding techniques into your travels. During our outing you will use these different wayfinding skills to travel around the zoo. We will visit different exhibits, receive a live animal chat and explore the tactile displays provided by the zoo.

Itinerary

10:15 am: Arrive at the East Gate (2150 N. Cannon Drive)
10:30-11:45 am: Wayfinding program, animal chats and tactile displays
12:00-1:00 pm: Lunch at Bird’s Eye Bar and Grill
1:00-1:15 pm: Pickup at East Gate (2150 N. Cannon Drive)

Is This Outing Right for You?

Please review the following questions to determine if this outing is right for you.

1. Have you completed a formal orientation and mobility training program?
2. Are you able to navigate your iPhone using VoiceOver or other features without assistance?

Special Notes

  • If you are using CTA, Uber, Lyft or TAP, your ride will likely drop you off at the West Gate. If this occurs, one of our orientation and mobility specialists will be there to escort you to East Gate.
  • If traveling with a guide dog, please bring a gentle leader since this is a highly distracting environment. If you choose not to bring your dog, human guide can be provided if needed
  • Second Sense will be providing lunch to participants.

Registration is required for this outing. Space is limited to 6 participants
To register please call Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or email Kathy Austin.