Virtual Capture: BNSF Metra Train Passing Through Communities

Overview

Conducted a random experiment on with an iPhone with Googlemaps: Captured one of my Westbound Metra commutes from Chicago Union Station to the Rte-59/Aurora station by using live Googlemaps.  By using Googlemaps on my iPhone, it was an interesting and fun way to identify landmarks / communities that the express commuter train passes through going ~60 mph.

YouTube Link
** You can pause/forward/rewind the video if you want to study certain areas in depth.

Observations and takeaways from the experiment

• Captured roughly 37 minutes of Googlemaps usage
• The train route is approximately 30 miles in length
• Roughly equal to 730 MB of iPhone video
• Used iMovie (Mac) to speed up and playback the video to 8X the normal speed to compress it down to roughly 3 minutes long vs the 37 minutes of actual video time (includes the removal/editing out time spent at 2 stops and other screen distractions).  
• Playing back the video at 20X was just too fast to really grasp/read nearby locations and landmarks.
• Export of the video in 720p resulted in a file size of 2.15 GB.
  
• The Googlemaps ‘My Location’ blue dot roughly shows you the path you are traveling. Per Google, accuracy of the location is dependent on several factors - how far you are from a cellular tower, if there is anything blocking your signals and reception.  Thus the blue location dot can at times appear to veer off track or jumpy.  Either way this still provides a good representation of paths being traveled.

Conclusion

• While there are other apps and ways to capture your travel routes, this was just an experiment to see what it would look like with Googlemaps.  
• This could be a good way to track your walk, if you go jogging or biking.  Though I advise against using mobile devices while driving unless you are a passenger.
• Experimenting with technology and software is a fun way to find out what works, which can give you ideas for future projects for home or work!

For any questions, feedback, or comments feel free to email me at: mooredlm@gmail.com or leave a comment.

Technology Needs for Deaf in Apartments and Retirement Centers

by Donald Moore, October 2018

Overview

This is a shorter version of of a posting I did for the Illinois Association of the Deaf's website, which focuses mainly on the human and technology needs for deaf consumers in apartments and retirement centers.  If you want to read the full version, read “Apartments and Retirement Centers for the Deaf” article on IAD’s website.

In 2017, I had the opportunity to visit “Martha’s Vineyard Place”, which is a Deaf Apartment complex, in Dallas, Texas during a side excursion while on a combined business/personal trip.  The complex is entirely new and is open for residents.  See below flyer and contact the apartment management directly for any residency questions. 

Current and Future Living Arrangements

While many deaf are currently living in apartments, condos/town-homes and single family homes - have not yet considered what type of living arrangements may be desired or needed in the future.  This can be challenging considering the social and communication needs of deaf residents when approaching retirement or requiring senior and assistive care. 

Some places only offer housing for those requiring low-income assistance.  Oftentimes, availability is limited and there can be long waiting lists.  It is a possible that with the large number of “baby boomers” (1946-1964), and the “Rubella Bulge” (1960’s) entering their senior years - that availability will become limited. 

Always check on availability in advance and do not assume there is space immediately ready.

Very few places offer full accommodations for deaf residents.  Some accommodations may be non-existent or minimal.  While everyone’s accommodative needs may be different, the need for social interaction with others is equally important.  The need for on-going human and social interaction is one of the basic needs as identified within Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.  Thus this is where the value of deaf designed centers is important.  Especially within the Physiological needs as shown in Maslow's Hierarchy of needs chart (see below).  Again there is a very small subset of communities that offer full inclusion for deaf residents.

What is Full Inclusion for Deaf?

Staff that can sign and communicate well with residents, the availability of hearing assistive devices for entry gates/doors, fire and security alert systems.  As well as communication systems such as the availability of video phones/conferencing, and the wide-availability of high-speed Internet and WI-FI access for two-way video (i.e. FaceTime, Skype and VRS/VRI), and email.  Not only that, the residency of other residents with similar communication needs (signing in ASL) allows others to fully participate in conversations, social and gaming activities.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs 

Source: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html 

Conduct the appropriate research and follow up will help you determine availability and the match for your needs.

Donald Moore can be reached at mooredlm@gmail.com for any questions, feedback or comments.