Module 3: Turning with Glide

Section 15 of 41

Making turns

Glide will turn both by request, and by default. You can request a turn by pushing the left or right button. Glide will turn by default if the clear path forward has ended and the best way to continue is to the left or right. Pressing the left or right button will result in a strong, 90 degree-turn, 9 o’clock or 3 o’clock. Making a slight turn 1 o’clock right or slight left 10 o’clock will be accomplished without using the right and left buttons.

Glide may not immediately turn when you press the button, it will only turn where it is safe to do so. This is similar to how guide dogs perform “intelligent disobedience” by refusing a command that is unsafe. If you know that a left turn is coming up soon, go ahead and press the left button but continue walking forward. The same technique can be used when you anticipate a right turn is coming up. While walking forward, press the right button and wait for Glide to find a safe place to turn right. When it does, you will feel the wheels engage in a right turn. Keep your body behind your hand and follow Glide through the turn. Try this by walking parallel to a wall, counter, or large furniture item followed by a clear path opening to the right or left.

If you have a table with clear walking space around all sides, we will learn to make turns by going around it clockwise then counterclockwise. If you do not have a table with clear space around it, continue using the box Glide arrived in. Position yourself with Glide so the table or box is on your left. With your palm facing down, place your hand on the grip, allowing your fingers to curl underneath and your thumb to rest along the top of the handle. Your thumb will feel two raised bumps, the one on the left is the left button. Check your alignment and put Glide in the ready position. Using your thumb, push the left button and start walking forward. Do you feel Glide turning left? Follow your hand without steering, keeping your body directly behind Glide’s handle. Remember to keep your grip hand in front of your hip and grip arm relaxed against your side. After making one left turn, push the left button again. Keep walking and wait for Glide to make the left itself. Follow it, and push the left button for a third time. After you make a third left turn, push the left button once more and you should arrive back at your starting point. Try this activity again before moving on.

Now position yourself with Glide so your table or box is on your right. With your palm facing down, place your hand on the grip, allowing your fingers to curl underneath and your thumb to rest along the top of the handle. Your thumb will feel two raised bumps, the one on the right is the right button. Check your alignment and put Glide in the ready position. Using your thumb, push the right button and start walking forward. Do you feel Glide turning right? Follow your hand without steering, keeping your body directly behind Glide’s handle. Remember to keep your grip hand in front of your hip and grip arm relaxed against your side. After making one right turn, push the right button again. Keep walking and wait for Glide to make the right turn itself. Follow it, and push the right button for a third time. After you make a third right turn, push the right button once more and you should arrive back at your starting point. Try this activity again before moving on.