The Guide Dog Foundation Offers Trekker Training

The Guide Dog Foundation is pleased to offer our graduates the benefits of GPS technology. Through the use of the same global positioning satellites used by automobile navigation systems, people who are visually impaired now have access to some of the same information taken for granted by sighted drivers and pedestrians. The Trekker GPS system is based on an off-the-shelf PDA with a cleverly designed tactile overlay and a standard GPS receiver, with software that makes the system fully accessible. As a person walks with the Trekker, he or she can access information about approaching intersections, street names and points of interest and establish and follow routes.

After research and testing, the Guide Dog Foundation has found the Trekker system to be a valuable enhancement to orientation, especially when combined with the ease of mobility enjoyed by guide dog teams. The Foundation is now offering the Trekker system, training, transportation and accommodation at our campus at no charge to qualified Guide Dog Foundation graduates.

Training will generally last 3 to 4 days with classroom sessions and practical lessons on the street. Guide dog instructors will help integrate the Trekker into the work of the guide dog team. Those who wish to purchase the optional Maestro organizer (Calendar, Address Book, Notepad, Daisy Books) can do so for $300 and receive an additional day of training in its use.

There are a few prerequisites for taking part in the program, including, but not limited to:

1. Access to a computer running Windows 2000 or XP. This is necessary to install new maps and information on the Trekker.

2. The ability to work in Windows and operate adaptive equipment and software.

3. Sufficient manual dexterity to manipulate buttons on such devices as cell phones.

4. A need for the device (for example walking or traveling on a regular basis).

5. Be using your current guide for at least 6 months and be a safe working team.

To find out more about Trekker, please visit the Humanware website.

To apply for the Guide Dog Foundation‘s Trekker training program please contact Barrie Madasu at barrie@guidedog.org.