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Second Sense - Beyond Vision Loss

Mobility

A street scene under an overcast sky, with snow swirling and slick sidewalks.

Redefining Independence

July 14, 2022 | 1 Comment

by Siobhan Midgley, CVRT, COMS, TVI

It’s a blizzardy Saturday in Chicago; sidewalks slick, visibility low, fingers and toes frozen. I get a text from my client, and he has a conundrum. His usual route to his book club is just one stop away on the L. He knows the route well and normally has no difficulties traveling it. But he […] Read More »

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Make exercise fun with bright colors. Shown here are pink weights, yoga block and yoga band on a pink yoga mat

Accessible and Fun: Exercise Programs You Can Do at Home

January 19, 2022 | Leave a Comment

by Kathy Austin

Did you have a few too many delectable dishes and spirits over the holidays? Are your clothes a little bit more snug? Or perhaps the mix of Omicron and January’s cold and snow is preventing you from visiting the gym. If so, we have compiled some at-home exercise programs for you to try. You can […] Read More »

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Catharine is stopped at a street corner asking for assistance from a fellow pedestrian.

A Tool for Your Orientation and Mobility Toolbox: Asking the Public for Assistance

October 20, 2021 | Leave a Comment

by Eleni Gaves, COMS

As we celebrate White Cane Awareness Day, Eleni Gaves, our orientation and mobility specialist, talks about a skill that many with vision loss are reluctant to use – asking the public for assistance. Check out her suggestions and tips to become more comfortable with this useful tool for independent travel. Getting out and around brings […] Read More »

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Two dogs from Guild Eyes Guide Dog School: Rowan, an active guide, is a yellow lab and Weller, a retired guide, is a black lab.

You’ve Made the Decision, Now it’s Time to Choose Your Guide Dog School

September 15, 2021 | 3 Comments

by Kathy Austin

  One lazy summer afternoon relaxing in a lounge chair while vacationing on a lake, I said to my husband, “I think I need to get a guide dog.” I’m not quite sure why I had the sudden realization but it just seemed like time. I was becoming wary of stairs  and tripping on curbs. […] Read More »

Man walking with a white cane.

Choosing the Right White Cane: Factors to Consider

May 26, 2021 | Leave a Comment

by Eleni Gaves, COMS

Getting a first cane can seem overwhelming up front. From different sizes to materials and then to cane tips, there’s a lot of variety. And certainly, there is a lack of clarity about what each thing does or why so many variations exist. Add in the fact that you may be wondering how to hold […] Read More »

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Ready for an Outing? Effective Route Planning Strategies

March 1, 2021 | Leave a Comment

by Brad Blair

  Brad is hosting a route planning workshop on March 17 at 4:30 PM CST via our conference line, 312-809-1004.  This is a great opportunity to ask specific questions about the strategies he shares here.   The Coronavirus seems to be receding — finally. Restaurants, sports venues, movie theaters and art galleries are once again […] Read More »

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Gear for mobility during winter travel

Winter Travel with Vision Loss:  A Common Sense Approach

January 6, 2021 | Leave a Comment

by Eleni Gaves, COMS and Brad Blair, O&M intern

  Whether you are fully sighted, losing your vision or blind, traveling in inclement winter weather is challenging. It requires planning and adaptations. These tips and methods will help you plan safe, productive travel. Many of these tips are similar to what anyone with 20/20 vision needs to do, but with methods adapted for those […] Read More »

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A large group of pedestrians crossing Michigan Avenue with the Chicago Cultural Center in the background.

GPS for the Traveler with Vision Loss: An Overview

December 15, 2020 | Leave a Comment

by Brad Blair

  Global positioning system (GPS) technology is nearly everywhere. Today, GPS is in nearly every car on the road and every phone carried in a person’s pocket or purse. It’s now taken for granted that if you are planning a route from Chicago to Portland, or even just across town, you will use GPS systems. […] Read More »

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Compass Directions on the outside of circle are used in creating a mental map

Mental Map: A Tool for Traveling with Less Worry

October 1, 2020 | Leave a Comment

by Eleni Gaves, COMS

  When you travel to a new destination, how do you know how to get there? What steps do you take to prepare so you will find your destination with minimal risk of getting lost? A sighted person can use GPS, consult a physical map, read street signs and look out for visual landmarks. People […] Read More »

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Kathy's guide dog, Rowen, patiently waiting on the front porch during the coronavirus

Keeping Your Guide Dog Sharp During the Coronavirus

May 7, 2020 | 5 Comments

by Kathy Austin, CVA

Rowen is a go-go, very active guide dog. When our stay at home orders were imposed because of COVID 19, I was a little concerned that our walks around the neighborhood for exercise wouldn’t be quite enough for him. My neighborhood is quiet with little traffic, very different from downtown Chicago on a busy weekday […] Read More »

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