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Trunk & Fashion Show for Professionals on the Go: Resource List

Margaret Tomasik & Kara Hackney

The following information is a summary of potential items that may be useful for professionals who are on their feet all day, traveling from place to place, working with students/clients in all kinds of weather. The information was collected in part from a survey of orientation and mobility specialists, but can apply to any professionals in the field. Additional resources for the information collected are the websites listed in each section. The information is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but rather a guide to assist with organization, preparation, and comfort no matter what the environmental elements. Listed brand names and retail companies are suggestions only and are included to give examples of the potential options available.

Index:

Items to Have with You during Lessons………………………page 2

Methods of Carrying Items during Lessons………………..…page 3

Items to Have in Your Car…………………………………..….page 3

Methods of Organizing Items in Your Car………………….…page 5

Cold Weather………………………………………………….…page 6

Warm Weather…………………………………………….…….page 8

Rainy Weather………………………………………………..…page 10

Suggestions for Students/Clients……………………………...page11

List of Retail/Brand Options……………………………………page12

  1. Items to Have with You during Lessons:
  2. Miscellaneous
  3. Cell Phone
  4. Identification – school/agency & driver’s license
  5. Important phone numbers (e.g., school, client, emergency numbers, etc.)
  6. Client address
  7. Wallet: credit card and/or cash and coins for bus or parking meters
  8. Car keys
  9. Business cards
  10. Calendar/agenda
  11. Wrist watch
  12. Dog bags – when working with guide dog team
  13. Tissues
  14. Snack: almonds, granola bars, Nutri-Grain bars, Luna bars, etc.
  15. Water
  16. Hat or sun visor
  17. Weather wear: gloves, mittens, hand warmers, packable rain coat, umbrella, Yaktrax, etc.
  1. Health/Safety
  2. Diabetic intervention items: hard candy, blue cake frosting (better to not use red or white), glucose tablets, etc.
  3. CPR mask
  4. Latex or non-latex gloves
  5. EpiPen (depending on student)
  6. Sunscreen
  1. Teaching Tools
  2. Bus pass
  3. Student IEP (copy)
  4. Lesson Plan
  5. Student/Client Functional Vision Information (copy of pertinent information)
  6. Compass – Braille or Talking
  7. Map – Large Print/Tactile
  8. Sun Lenses
  9. Low Vision devices (e.g., monocular)
  10. Public Transportation schedules
  11. Extra cane tips
  1. Note-taking Tools
  2. Small notebook
  3. Pen or pencil
  4. iPhone or iPad
  5. Small digital recorder (or use cell phone)

  1. Methods of Carrying Items during Lessons:
  2. Going Light
  3. Small shoulder bag:

Dakine Jive Shoulder Bag at REI $15.00

Crossbody Handbags at Target $14.99 - $29.99

  1. Fanny pack or waist pack:

REI Single Shot Waistpack $29.50 – includes mesh pocket for water bottle

Eastsport 2-pack Belt Bag at Wal-Mart $9.00

  1. Wallet bag or Wristlet (with strap):

REI Hailey Wallet $19.50

LPLP Linea Pelle Crossbody Wristlet at Target $19.99

  1. Runner Wallet or Shoe Pack:

Runner’s World Shoe Pack at REI for $6.00 – fits credit cards, cash, ID, and key; can attach to shoe or belt; water resistant

  1. Keychain Wallet
  2. Carabiner clips: for hooking keys, small wallet, or small water bottle to belt/bag
  3. Jacket with good pocket space – built in pocket for phone, cash/credit cards/id, small notebook, etc.
  1. Need More Room
  2. Messenger or Shoulder Bags

Everest Large Cotton Canvas Messenger Bag at Wal-Mart $19.99

Messenger Bags at Target $19.99 - $40.00

Sherpani Milli Satchel at REI $44.95

  1. Backpacks

Eastsport Trapezoid Mesh Backpack at Wal-Mart $9.00

Flash 18 Pack at REI $34.50 – includes hydration-compatible compartment for CamelBak reservoir (easy water access)

  1. Items to Have in Your Car:
  2. Miscellaneous
  3. Charger for cell phone & computer
  4. Lap top or iPad
  5. Food: snacks, etc.
  6. Water, water, water
  7. Calendar/agenda
  8. Extra Business cards
  9. Mileage log/chart
  10. Thank you cards
  11. Napkins/paper towels
  12. Towel
  13. Books on CD and Music
  14. Deodorant
  15. Eye drops
  16. Hand lotion
  17. Hand sanitizer
  18. Pain Reliever, allergy medication, etc.
  19. Trash bags
  20. Flashlight
  21. Coupons/Discount cards for gas stations, coffee shops, etc.
  22. Maps/Gazetteer/GPS
  23. Sunscreen
  1. Weather Gear
  2. Extra hats, gloves/mittens, & jackets
  3. Rain coat
  4. Rain boots
  5. Change of clothes & socks
  6. Sandals
  7. Ice scrapper
  8. Umbrella
  9. Hand warmers
  1. Car Related
  2. Fix-a-Flat
  3. Jumper cables
  4. Flares
  5. Fire extinguisher
  1. Work/Teaching Supplies
  2. Canes & Cane tips: different sizes, different types, & cane repair kit (red/white reflective tape, wrench, pipe cutter, etc.)
  3. Tape measure
  4. Tactile supplies: Wheatley Kit, Draftsman, bump dots, Braille labels, etc.
  5. Brailler
  6. “Simon Says is Not the Only Game”
  7. TAPS Book and/or other curriculum resources
  8. Sun Lens Kit – NoIR, Cocoons, etc.
  9. Functional Vision Assessment Kit & eye charts
  10. Low Vision Devices
  11. Pockettalker PRO – personal amplifier
  12. 20/20 Pens
  13. Bold-line Paper
  14. Compass – Talking and/or Braille
  15. Auditory Source
  16. Sleep shades
  17. Toys
  18. Handouts: agency information, list of local & national resources for the blind, support groups, catalogs, etc.
  19. Public Transportation Information/Schedules
  20. Scissors
  21. Eye Glasses repair kit
  22. Paperwork: intake forms, assessment forms, student file, copy of IEP, etc.
  23. Important phone numbers
  24. Extra pocket book for student use
  25. Traffic cones
  26. String
  1. Health/Safety
  2. Reflective vests
  3. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
  4. First Aid Kit
  1. Methods of Organizing Items in Your Car:
  2. General
  3. Plastic boxes with lid
  4. Bags – all kinds
  5. Car Organizers – trunk and seat design
  6. Secure items like Brailler so it cannot move – safety issue
  7. Canes
  8. Plastic gardening pots – different pots for range of cane lengths
  9. Golf bag
  10. Plastic box with lid
  11. Cane Tips
  12. Plastic boxes with lid
  13. Coffee can with lid
  14. Paperwork
  15. 3-Ring Binder
  16. Portable plastic file box
  17. Canvas bag with labeled folders
  18. Teaching Supplies
  19. Any kind of bag
  20. Plastic containers with lid
  21. Rolling cart with wheels and handle
  22. Car organizer bags – portable & fold flat when not in use
  23. Sun Lens Kit
  24. Plastic boxes – smaller & flat
  25. Shoe organizer (type that hangs on door)
  26. Portable Options
  27. Collapsible boxes, bags, car organizers with handles
  28. Rolling cart or bag on wheelswith handle
  29. Examples
  30. Starite Large Trunk Organizer at Target $19.98
  31. High Road Trunk Organizer - Compact at Target $14.29
  32. High Road Back Seat Organizer at Target $10.49
  33. Whitmore Rolling Utility Cart at Target $22.99
  34. Handy File Box at Staples $12.99
  35. Storex File Box with Organizer Drawer at Staples $15.79
  36. 3 Gallon Tote, Clear Plastic with lid at Staples $10.49
  37. Expanding Folding Crate on Wheels at Staples $23.99
  38. Car Organizer at Staples $34.99 – built-in cooler compartment, two outside mesh pockets; collapses for easy storage

  1. Cold Weather:
  2. Tips for Staying Warm
  3. Layer, layer, layer:
  4. WIW = Wicking 1st (base layer) – Insulating 2nd (middle layer) – Water/Windproof 3rd(outer layer)
  5. Use handwarmers in mittens, pockets, or toe of boot
  6. Keep head, neck, hands & feet toasty – your extremities let off the most heat
  7. Use glove with mitten flip combo –this allows hands to be covered but flip back the mitten to free the fingers as needed
  8. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers retain more heat when they touch each other
  9. Stay dry – nothing makes you colder than being wet (base layer of clothing should wick sweat away from your body and outer layer should be water and wind proof and it can be insulating)
  1. Types of Materials
  2. Cotton – not a good material for cold weather because it absorbs sweat, keeping moisture near your skin, which will make you colder; it loses its insulation value when wet.
  3. Down – an excellent lightweight insulator; loftiness of down traps air to retain warmth; compressible; the higher the “fill-power” the higher quality of down and higher insulating value. But it does not work when wet! There are down coats with a protective shell, but they are expensive.
  4. Fleece – a good first layer because it wicks moisture away from your skin; very good breathability; FYI, most fleece is made by the same company and then used by different brands, so in general nobody makes fleece that’s better than anybody else’s.
  5. Polypropylene – is a synthetic wicking material that can be used as a first layer
  6. PrimaLoft& other synthetic insulators – “synthetic down” (polyester) good insulation value; comparable to 500-fill-power down; retains insulation power when wet (unlike down); less bulky than down, but does not insulate as well as down at lower temperatures.
  7. Silk – a natural fiber good for wicking moisture away from the body, recommended as a good first (base) layer.
  8. Wool – a great cold weather material; it wicks moisture away better than any other fabric (e.g., even fleece) and traps warm air near the skin. It is able to insulate even when wet and is now made with more comfortable texture like merino weaves (e.g., Smartwool).
  9. Waterproof & water resistant – see “Rainy Weather” section
  10. Windproof–fabric laminate often added to fleece to add wind resistance; “Windstopper” (made by Gore) is windproof and breathable but not waterproof.
  11. Helpful Websites:
  12. How to Choose Insulated Outerwear:
  13. Tested On Ice – Winter Wear:
  14. Figuring Fabrics:
  15. The Layering Guide:
  16. The Down vs. Synthetic Insulation Guide:
  17. Outdoor Clothing & Footwear Recommendations:
  1. Clothes
  2. First layer – long underwear, leggings, camisole, etc. Should be material that wicks sweat away (see material list above)
  3. Turtleneck (insulating or wicking)
  4. Long-sleeve shirts (insulating or wicking)
  5. Sweater (insulating)
  6. Long pants (insulating thick material that helps block wind)
  7. Thick socks: Smart Wool, Wool blend, hiking socks, skiing socks, etc.
  1. Outerwear
  2. Vest – down, windproof fleece, etc. (can be used in layering under coat)
  3. Reflective vest – for safety/visibility
  4. Windproof performance fleece
  5. Layered Coat: outer waterproof shell with inner fleece lining that zips in/out
  6. Waterproof shell with hood
  7. Down parka
  8. Longer coat to cover legs
  9. Reflective piping on coat to stay visible
  10. Brand Examples:
  11. Columbia
  12. Eddie Bauer
  13. Lands’ End
  14. LL Bean
  15. Mountain Hardwear
  16. North Face
  1. Shoes
  2. Hiking Boots – waterproof
  3. Hiking Shoes – lower cut & waterproof
  4. Tennis shoes with good traction
  5. Clogs or other leather uppers (can use waterproofing on leather)
  6. Comfortable snow boots or insulated boots (add cushioning by inserting shoeinsolesto provide more comfort)
  7. Helpful Websites:
  8. How to Choose Hiking Boots:
  9. Winter Boots Guide:
  10. Brand Examples:
  11. Clarks
  12. Crocs
  13. Dansko
  14. Keen
  15. LL Bean
  16. Merrell
  17. North Face
  18. Salomon
  19. Sorel
  20. Ugg
  1. Accessories
  2. Gloves – insulated, wool, leather, lined, or fleece
  3. Glove/Mitten combo – flip mitten top to free fingers for work
  4. Scarf
  5. Hat –lined, wool, or fleece
  6. Hat with brim or sun visor – blocks sun but not sound
  7. Hat with ear flaps that can be lifted – allows for better hearing when needed
  8. Hand warmers: small packets of air-activated hand warmers, give off up to 10 hours of heat; HeatMax HotHand box of 40 pairs at Wal-Mart for $19.86
  9. Yaktrax: fit-over your shoes/boots for better traction available at many different stores during winter months
  1. Warm Weather:
  2. Tips for warm weather
  3. Drink water! Stay hydrated!
  4. Dress in removable layers when going from inside to outside
  5. Use cooling bandana around neck
  6. Wear natural breathable fabrics that are thin, lightweight, and loose-fitting
  7. Lighter colored fabrics reflect light and heat better than dark fabrics
  8. Hat with wide brim to shade head/face
  9. Comfortable breathable footwear
  10. Use UV protected clothing
  11. Sunscreen
  1. Types of Materials
  2. Cotton – soft, durable, breathable, but does not wick moisture away and is slow drying
  3. Linen – durable, lightweight, breathable, but wrinkles easily
  4. Silk – lightweight, breathable, and moisture wicking
  5. Rayon – smooth feeling fabric, dries quickly, does not insulate body heat, butis not as “wicking” as other fabrics and may be dry clean only
  6. Tencel–similar to rayon, soft, breathable, lightweight, and quick drying
  7. Nylon – synthetic fabric, breathable, lightweight, dries quickly, & wicks moisture
  8. Websites:
  9. What are the Best Fabrics to Wear in Tropical Climates:
  10. Understanding Sun Protection Clothing:
  11. How to Choose Travel Clothing:
  1. Clothes
  2. Lightweight fishing shirt
  3. Polo shirts
  4. Short-sleeve shirts – cotton
  5. Tank-tops – nice button-up with collar, cotton, linen (can wear light sweater or shirt over it when inside)
  6. Sun dresses
  7. Skirts
  8. Shorts – Bermuda, walking, etc.
  9. Hiking pants with zip-off pants leg to convert to shorts
  10. Lightweight cotton pants
  11. Capri pants
  12. Khaki slacks
  13. Socks – lightweight cotton, running socks, or thin dress socks
  1. Outerwear
  2. Light jacket (e.g., windbreaker, rain jacket, etc.)
  3. Lightweight loose fitting cotton or linen button-up shirts (can wear over tank-top or t-shirt)
  4. Lightweight thin sweater with front zipper (can wear over tank-top or t-shirt)
  5. UV protected clothing/jackets
  6. Brand Examples:
  7. North Face
  8. Patagonia
  9. Sierra Design
  10. Shoes
  11. Tennis shoes – Keds or breathable running shoes like Nike Pegasus
  12. Hiking shoes – low cut and waterproof
  13. Comfortable flats
  14. Comfortable sandals – close toed, good traction, breathable
  15. Brand Examples:
  16. Chacos
  17. Crocs
  18. Keen
  19. Reef
  20. Teva
  1. Accessories
  2. Hat with brim
  3. Sun visor
  4. Sunglasses
  5. Sunscreen
  6. Cooling neck wraps (e.g., ThermaFreeze – Neck ICE Cooler Wrap Bandana)
  7. Frogg Toggs “Chilly Pad” or “Chilly Dana” (cooling bandana)
  8. Deodorant
  1. Rainy Weather:
  2. Tips for wet weather days
  3. Wear a longer rain coat to cover legs or consider wearing rain pants that go over your work pants
  4. Have a change of clothes just in case
  5. Keep a pair of rain boots in car just in case it storms
  6. Wear a water resistant hat with a wide brim to block rain but not hearing
  7. Carry a packable rain jacket (fits into a small compactable stuff sack) or compact foldable poncho just in case it pours while out on route
  8. Wear brighter colors to be visible
  1. Types of Materials
  2. What is “waterproof” vs. “water-resistant”?
  3. Waterproof = repels nonstop precipitation; can be either “breathable” or “non-breathable.” Breathable allows perspiration vapor to escape and is either a laminate or coating added to material that repels water. Laminates are typically more “breathable” than coatings (e.g., Laminates: Gore-Tex, eVent, MemBrain Strata, & Conduit; Coatings: Hyvent). Non-breathable waterproofing does not allow perspiration to escape & is not recommended for active people.
  4. Water-resistant = delays water penetration but does not prevent it. Fabric may be treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) or may be made of tightly woven yarns that are stretchy and breathable (e.g., soft shells like Polartec Power Shield & Gore Windstopper).
  5. Gore-Tex versus the “Other Guys”
  6. Waterproof/Breathable (WP/BR) fabrics often get “lumped” under the heading “Gore-Tex” even though Gore-Tex is a brand name for a patented WP/BR laminate.
  7. Many different companies are now marketing their own version of WP/BR fabrics. For example:

eVent by BHA Technologies (General Electric)

Conduit by Mountain Hardwear

MemBrainStrata by Marmot

Triplepoint by Lowe Alpine

  • Fabrics can be tested for their “waterproof rating” by either “pounds per square inch (psi)” or “mm/24 hours” – the higher the number for either measurement, the more waterproof the fabric will be. (According to the Sierra Trading Post article “The Waterproof Gear Guide,” Gore-Tex and eVent have the best waterproof/breathability ratings; for the full list see the website listed below.)
  1. Websites for more information on rain gear:
  2. Top 10 Waterproof Jackets:
  3. How to Choose Rainwear:
  4. Rainwear: How It Works:
  5. The Waterproof Gear Guide:
  1. Outerwear
  2. Waterproof coat, jacket, poncho, etc. (longer may provide better coverage)
  3. Coat with hood
  4. Zip-on water repellant pants
  5. Army issued rain coat
  6. Reflective tape or brighter colors for better visibility
  7. Brand Examples:
  8. Gore-Tex gear
  9. Marmot
  10. Frogg Toggs
  1. Shoes
  2. Rubber rain boots
  3. Waterproof Hiking boots
  4. Brand Examples:
  5. Frogg Toggs
  6. Crocs
  7. Salomon
  8. Keen
  1. Accessories
  2. Umbrella – brightly colored; can also purchase small portable umbrella to keep in bag
  3. Hat with wide brim – blocks rain but not hearing
  4. Towel – keep in your car
  1. Suggestions for Students/Clients:
  2. Cold
  3. Same gear as what we wear
  4. Mobility mitten – hole in end of mitten to insert cane allowing the grip to be held directly by the hand
  5. Yaktrax
  6. Hat that does not block hearing
  7. Plan alternative method of travel if necessary (e.g., taxi versus walking)
  8. Stay visible with brighter colors or reflective tape
  1. Warm
  2. Same gear as what we wear
  3. Close-toed breathable sandals (protect the feet!)
  4. Sun glasses
  5. Hat or sun visor
  6. Sunscreen
  7. Carry water
  1. Rain
  2. Same gear as what we wear
  3. If walking to work/school – have change of clothes just in case
  4. Experience using an umbrella to make sure it will not interfere with safe travel and to experience how it can change sounds
  5. Hoods may interfere with sound and vision
  6. Use a rain hat – protects from rain without blocking sounds
  7. Keep packable rain jacket/poncho in bag
  8. Wear rain boots or waterproof shoes
  9. Stay visible with brighter colors or reflective tape
  1. List of Retail/Brand Options for Professional Gear/Clothes/Accessories
  2. Athleta
  3. Backcountry
  4. Cabela’s
  5. Chaco
  6. Clarks
  7. Columbia
  8. Crocs
  9. Dansko
  10. Dick’s Sporting Goods
  11. Eddie Bauer
  12. J. Jill
  13. Keen
  14. Kohl’s
  15. Lands’ End
  16. LL Bean
  17. Marmot
  18. Merrell
  19. Mountain Hardwear
  20. North Face
  21. Patagonia
  22. Old Navy
  23. Reef
  24. REI
  25. Salomon
  26. San Diego Hat Company
  27. Sierra Design
  28. Sierra Trading Post
  29. Target
  30. Teva
  31. Title Nine
  32. Ugg
  33. Wal-Mart
  34. Yaktrax
  35. Zappos