Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, December 5, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Global Positioning Systems that help lost drivers find their way, are coming in handy for one high school student.

From figuring out where the bus is, to knowing what street corner he's on, Grade 9 student Alex Kenny is becoming a fan of GPS technology.

Alex Kenny, in his first year at St. Patrick high school, uses a talking Global Positioning System to help get around. - Christine Grimard/NNSL photo

That's because Kenny, who takes the city bus daily to go to school, is legally blind.

The Trekker is a speaking GPS system that tells Kenny where he is at various points of interest that he's programmed in all over town.

" It's just like when we look for landmarks" said Deb Bignell, an orientation and mobility specialist who teaches Kenny to use the GPS along with orientation skills. " He doesn't have to look for signs, they speak to him."

When Bignell last visited Yellowknife Nov. 30, she worked with Kenny on getting around indoor environments, such as the TD bank, the pool and Centre Square Mall. Bignell comes to Yellowknife three times a year to work with Kenny.

Progress is being made. Kenny is so confident with the GPS, he's ready to start giving directions.

" You know exactly where you are, you can tell someone where to go to get to a certain address," said Kenny.

Kenny has had the GPS since May last year, and with his talent for technology, Bignell said he already knows how to use it better then her.

Although he's confident with the GPS, Kenny still relies on his white cane skills to get around, as the device is only accurate up to five metres.

But Kenny has a few tricks up his sleeve to help him get around, using sound to give him an idea of what's around him.

" You can rely on echoes. If a hallway is open to the left you can tell by the echo of the opening," he said. " You're hearing doesn't physically increase (if you're blind) but you pay more attention."

As a next step to improving his orientation, Kenny is considering getting a seeing eye dog. The companion would help him walk in a straight line, and to know when sidewalks start and end. Along with the benefits of getting around a little easier, however, come the same concerns of anyone looking to get a pet.

" There's care that's involved in taking care of a guide dog, you have to take them out every day, groom them," he said, adding the seeing eye dog would also draw more attention. Bignell joked it may help him meet girls.

The dog may be especially useful in winter conditions that make it harder to get around. As the snow piles up, sidewalks and curbs get covered up, making it more difficult to feel his way around.

Kenny has some help, from people like Bignell and school support staff. Even the city has helped out, changing where the bus stops so it's easier for him to approach.