[Blindtlk] [blindtlk] training centers

[Ericka Short]

Don't lose hope.  If going to an NFB school is what feels best after you 
lots of research on each program, talk to the staff, teachers, and graduates 
of each programs definitely reach out to the FL  affiliate.  Don't  be 
afraid to put all your dreams, needs and reasons on paper.  It makes you 
look professional and you'll have something to offer staff when planning 
your curriculum. Some programs assume you have skills and try to  improve 
them in adults rather than understanding some of us need to start from 
scratch.  I think MN  taught students braille no matter  how much vision 
they had sooner than Wi and that might have been a reason I felt behind.  I 
knew no braille, adaptive computer or cane skills when I left WI. Though I 
didn't master anything, I had much more knowledge than I did before.  I wish 
the focus was more on an individual basis rather than cookie cutter 
programming but that is why you need to do interior (your dreams, fears, 
talents, etc) and exterior research before making a decision.  I needed more 
skills than philosophy but I got a big dose of philosophy and less help on 
skills or support for job concerns  I had the college degree but didn't feel 
I had the adaptive skills to get into the work force.  I am sure there is a 
better balance of skills and philosophy now.

Don't be afraid to "buck the system".  I'd tried the  programs WI offered 
but they too didn't listen to what I needed and  I was left behind.  As I 
said before I had some specific needs I was looking to fill before I went 
into the workforce.  This was almost 20 years ago when I started my fight to 
attend.  They too wanted justification.  They do that when they don't know 
much about a program.  I ended up talking to the DVR counselor's boss and 
within half an hour I"d convinced him that it was a good idea.  My counselor 
told me it made sense to her but I had to justify it to the state because 
it was not regular procedure.  In the end they paid for it all and though I 
wasn't able to get all my needs met at Blind at the time new directors 
change procedures when they come and I'm certain the program in MN is better 
at supporting individual student needs than they used to be.

If you have lived all your life in FL are you prepared for  MN or CO 
winters?  If the answer is no than Louisiana might be better.  Weigh it all 
out before you pick.  I didn't and I am paying the price. I'd like to think 
I'd be employed now full time and have my master perhaps, but then again I 
might have had to learn some lessons in preparation.  Who knows? what might 
have been.  Yes, there is a center in Denver Colorado too.


Ericka J. Short
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13

"No hand is too small or too big to do good in this world." EJ. Short