How do you navigate around your homes?(self.Blind)
submitted by Jekinsmctee
Always wondered if blind people had to use a cane to map out where they are in their home or could just know where they are based off memory of their movements?
I feel like if I closed my eyes and only moved around based off feeling around i'd probably get the know-how of where walls and furnitures are after about a month or two.
Envrin3 points3y ago
I've been completely blind a little over 3 years now, and it's really not that hard. All I need is someone to show me around once, I commit it to memory, then am pretty much fine after that. Might take a few extra times to get used to exactly where that end table, or kitchen island, or the fridge is or whatever, but nothing that really causes a problem.
Envrin3 points3y ago
PS. Oh, and on this topic, one pet peeve I have is hotels who decided it was a good idea to put the electric outlets in the middle of the wall instead of down close to the floor.
AllHarlowsEve3 points3y ago
If you close your eyes and really focus, you can likely picture where all your furniture is in your house.
My grandparents have had their houses set up in exactly the same way since I was an early teenager. I have no issues not using my cane in either house, with the exception of when there's a lot of family around, since they tend to leave bags, toys, and various nonsense around.
I've also only been to my boyfriend's mom's house maybe 5-10 times and I can still picture where things are in most locations.
Laser_Lens_42 points3y ago
It's a combination of navigating by air pressure, memorization, and just a little bit of arm flailing for certain areas. Mostly memorization though
Jekinsmctee [OP]1 points3y ago
Thanks! That was what I was thinking.
BlueRock9562 points3y ago
We know where items are, so we can orient ourselves using landmarks. Nobody uses their cane, but then again most people get rid of coffee tables and other painful things out of the way. When I go to hotels I walk once around the room using the cane, and I then leave it by the door.
Stick812 points3y ago
Open floor plans help, with most items along the wall, with a few key items placed as islands or landmarks withing the space. Furniture choice plays a big role for me as well, items with soft easy to clean upholstery, and no sharp corners.
MakihikiMalahini-who2 points3y ago
It takes a minute or 2\*
hopesthoughts1 points3y ago
Just by memory. Lol but I'm the lurchiest turner ever. Mostly because it's fun. Oh, and I can't walk in a straight line anyway hah.
KingWithoutClothes1 points3y ago
Navigating around the house is actually quite easy. I do, however, bump into quite a lot of stuff and hurt myself. It's a bit hard to avoid this because I live in a relatively small European apartment. Although my wife and I don't have too much stuff, the apartment feels quite full. Also, the apartment has recently been fully renovated but it was actually built in the early 1970s. In those days, people in my country were really into things like narrow hallways. I often miscalculate my exact direction and miss the door opening, crashing into the door frame. This happens especialy when I move quickly because I'm in a hurry. In the beginning I used to get very angry and swear a lot because sometimes it can hurt like shit but I've grown used to it. I guess it's just part of being blind. I could be more careful but sometimes I'm simply too impatient for that.
What's far more challenging than navigation around the house/apartment is re-locating items. This is especially true if the item isn't something you use regularly. Most blind people have a very clear system and every item has its special spot. For example a lot of sighted people misplace their keys, their wallet or their glasses. None of this could happen to me because when I'm done using something, I make absolutely sure it goes back to where it belongs. If I didn't do that, I'd go crazy from constantly searching stuff. My wife and I employ a cleaning lady that comes once a week to clean our apartment and sometimes she takes certain items away from their spot and doesn't put them back. It's particularly tricky because she puts those items somewhere different every time she comes. For example she might take my computer hard drive off the coffee table to clean it but then she puts it on the big living room table. Or next to the TV. Or on the book shelf. Or the couch. Basically, it could be anywhere. I've tried to explain to her that she shouldn't do that but I think she finds it hard to avoid. I completely understand it - after all, it's not an issue for sighted people. If the hard drive lies on the couch next to coffee table, you immediately see it. But if you're blind, it might as well be on the dark side of the moon. Luckily my wife is sighted and so she can help me easily relocate all my things because otherwise that would be very annoying after a while.
Nandflash1 points3y ago
We don't have to think about it. I'm sure you could do it too without much of an adjustment period if you had your eyes closed.
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