Glad you are getting the training!

One big thing is, if you aren't sure, ask questions. Even the best instructors don't know what someone may not know. For example, I always review basic knowledge when I start to teach traffic light street crossings (what a red light means, what happens on green lights, parallel vs perpendicular) to make sure the client understands the terminology.

I came across a client who did not know what an advance green light was. What was surprising (and a little scary) was that this client worked for 30 years as a truck driver before he lost his vision in his 50s.

Hi Emily

Glad to hear you're getting help to get around even after loosing your site.

As for people to chat to, if you use Discord, tI've found a server full of blind and vi people, where we just chat about everything and nothing.

If you wan't to join, here's an invite: $1

Hope that helps. You're also very welcome to send me a pm :)

Wish you well.

When you're learning to use the white cane, try not holding it in front of your stomach. I had my O & M training when I was in high school. It was a hard learning experience. Please feel free to message me if you have specific questions.

My inbox is always open if you want to chat. I was diagnosed with my eye condition three years ago and I’ve been doing O&M for almost a year now. My condition is also progressive.

What I’ve found helps is discussing with your instructor what your daily routine is like, your plans for the future and where you’d like to go. By doing this, it allowed us to prioritize specific things for training.

A big one for me was multi-lane intersections, training my ears to surges of traffic, off road travel and night travel.

It’s also important that you have and maintain a good relationship with your instructor. I’m currently a guide dog user but once she retires I’ll have to connect with my instructor again. Most schools require an O&M report during then application process.

Hope all goes well! 🌻

Do you have any specific questions?