Week 4 - Improv

This week I experienced that being a mobility instructor requires a lot of imporv and sometimes a little 'cover up' (I know that sounds strange). Bus routes can be confusing, and finding a certain bus stop that in theory should exist, but for some reason doesn't, can be very embarrassing. This week I worked with a client in downtown Tallahassee. I know the area well from working it in my O&M II class, but I didn't really pay attention to the bus stops. So the client gets off the bus, I instruct her on how to get to our destination. Later she reversed the route perfectly, she knew what streets we were crossing, and at this point I'm feeling like a pretty good teacher. Then I realize the inbound bus stop I want just isn't there...it just does not exist. I was nervous because this is my second time teaching this client. In our last lesson I took her on a bus going the wrong direction out of the FSU stadium and ended up building some great rapport while we rode the bus full circle, which wasted about 45 minutes. So here I am with this client again, and I messed up the bus route, again. I froze, I didn't want to wander around, and I wanted the client to be involved. So that's when I had the idea to turn my mistake into a teachable moment. I explained to her that this happens sometimes, and we can't just freeze or wander around until we are lost. I asked her if she had any ideas. She suggested we call the Star Metro info line. I had given her the phone number on our last lesson. It was perfect! She was able to call the bus info line, and with some mild coaching she asked questions and lead us to a bus stop. She made a mistake when asking one of the questions, she forgot to mention we wanted an inbound bus. This was just another opportunity for her to learn something, and build her confidence. Hopefully now if she ever gets lost and we are not there, she'll know who to call and exactly what to ask. The idea of her being more empowered to get around independently really made me happy. I have another bus lesson with her in 2 weeks, I'm looking forward to see how she feels about it. Other than that, it was a fun week! I'm working hard and getting those hours!