RECOVERY TECHNIQUES FIVE OPTIONS-”TAPIN”

A sequential methods of regaining orientation.

PRESENTED BY THE STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY O&M FACULTY Bill Bryan, COMS Bob Bryant, COMS Barry Stafford, COMS Assistants: Laura Watson, Undergraduate O&M Student Brenda Lee, Graduate O&M Student

RECOVERY-CANE CHECKING PROCEDURE 1. Move toes to grass. 2. Check straight in front 3. Check 45º away from parallel street 4. Clear toward parallel street until cane is pointed toward the street

OPTION ONE -(toward street) If there is a sidewalk, turn 90 degrees facing the parallel street Shoreline on the side of the desired direction of travel If a sidewalk is located take it and clear both sides If the street is located, turn 180º and shoreline away from the street. If there is not a sidewalk toward the parallel street try option two.

OPTION TWO (away from street) If grass or street is located on the street side, check 180º away from the parallel street. If there is a sidewalk, turn 90 degrees and shoreline on side of desired travel. If there is no sidewalk away, try option three

OPTION THREE (Plow through) If there is grass locate at 90 degrees on both sides, try to continue straight ahead. Clear 180º every three to four steps to check for sidewalk If surface becomes unsafe to travel on try option four.

OPTION FOUR (residential curb travel) ONLY USE IF:  ON LEGAL SIDE (LEFT) OF STREET  STREET IS SAFE TO TRAVEL ON Travel to street, walk along the edge and use touch trail technique until sidewalk or corner is located.  If cannot use safely, go to option five.

OPTION FIVE Plan a new route

ADVANTAGES THESE OPTIONS WILL CORRECT: Veering into and out of driveways Off-set sidewalks toward and away from the street Sidewalks covered with sand, grass, leaves, etc. Dead end sidewalks

STREET RECOVERY Option one of sidewalk recovery will also work when veering to the left or right of the sidewalk after a street crossing. The three point will be utilized instead of shorelining.

RECOVERY FROM THE PARALLEL STREET Stop and turn at least 90 degrees away from the parallel street. Travel to the curb and clear 180 degrees checking for a sidewalk. If sidewalk is not located, turn 90 degrees in the same directions as you turned to get out of the street and 3 point until a sidewalk is located.

VERIFYING PROPER DIRECTION OF TRAVEL Place parallel traffic on the correct side If there is no traffic or it is on the wrong side, shoreline on the side the parallel street should be on Take the first sidewalk, it will either take you to the parallel street or you will be on the correct sidewalk