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Northern Illinois University

Center for Access-Ability Resources

Route Training

CAAR offers individualized campus orientation to students with visual impairments. Detailed step-by-step route instructions are prepared and provided in braille, large print, or on cassette tape. Several individualized appointments can be made so that a student can review new routes as needed.

  1. Complete a "Request for Route Assistance" form. This should be done as soon as you know your schedule or need for a new route.

  2. When CAAR notifies you that the route has been completed, pick up the materials from the office and familiarize yourself with them before your appointment to learn the route.
  3. Meet with the person teaching you the route. Multiple appointments can be made for complex routes.
  4. If you have a complex route and are uncomfortable with independent travel, a sighted guide (see SIGHTED GUIDES) can be provided during the first few days of classes until a route is confidently learned.

A large tactile wall map of central campus is available at CAAR for clarification of routes. Upon request, a student can obtain a braille booklet that contains a tactile campus map from CAAR.

Students with visual impairments are expected to travel to classes independently. Sighted guides can be provided for unusual circumstances such as construction barriers. If you are uncomfortable with independent travel, you may find sighted guides on your own (volunteer or paid) to assist you in your travel.

Students are encouraged to plan schedules so courses that entail longer, more intricate routes be taken during the fall semester, if possible. This reduces travel difficulties caused by extreme winter weather conditions experienced during the spring semester.

Priority will be given to routes required for necessary academic activities and to other student support services. CAAR does not provide route training to locations off campus. If you are in need of orientation and route training to or from areas of the DeKalb community, you should contact VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) for assistance.