[blparent] Better programs to consider

[Pipi]

On 4/20/2013 12:20 PM, Arielle Silverman wrote:
> Hi Eric and all,
> I don't post much on this list since I am not a parent and just read
> the posts to learn about childcare techniques that blind people use,
> in case I ever end up in a position to care for kids. But I felt
> compelled to address a couple of Eric's points here.
> First, why on earth should Pipi need a "sighted person she knows and
> trusts" in Denver in order to attend CCB? Hundreds, if not thousands,
> of blind adults have attended NFB centers out of state without knowing
> anyone in the area, sighted or blind. The whole purpose of attending
> one of these centers is to learn not to depend on sighted folks at
> all. If Pipi needs someone to help with reader tasks like reading
> mail, she can hire someone; it doesn't have to be someone she knew
> previously.
> Second, attending any center costs money. Much of the time, a state
> agency for the blind picks up the tab. I don't know Braille
> Institute's programs, but I suspect that attending Braille Institute
> is normally paid for by a California state agency for the blind, VR,
> etc. They may or may not pay for a non-California resident's training.
> CCB, too, can be paid for by VR programs. It sounds like Pipi has
> either gotten a state agency to sponsor her training at CCB or
> budgeted the money herself. Anyway, I'm uncertain whether a California
> program would actually cost Pipi less than CCB.
> Third, there are clear advantages of NFB training programs (CCB, LCB,
> and BLIND Inc.) over other programs. These include a majority of
> instructors being blind, use of blindfolds to avoid relying on
> residual vision, comprehensive training in all skill areas, and
> challenging class assignments that can push even the most skilled
> person to expand their skills and confidence. We can debate pros and
> cons of NFB centers, but it sounds like Pipi has already made her
> decision and just needs help paying for Savannah's care. This would be
> an issue no matter what center she goes to, so let's help her with
> that instead of questioning her training decision.
> Fourth, Pipi, I have a college friend who now lives in Littleton and
> is pregnant with her first baby. She said she would forward your blog
> post to some new-mom forums she is on and see if anyone knows of
> inexpensive options or runs an in-home childcare service that might
> meet your needs. She or I will be in touch with you if anything comes
> up.
> Best,
> Arielle
>
> On 4/20/13, Sheila Leigland <sleigland at bresnan.net> wrote:
>> Hi eric I grew up in california and am very familiar with the Braille
>> institute as well as junior foundation and consider them very good programs.
>> In fact if I needed services I would strongly consider them both. Would Pipi
>> have to establish residence fhirst and how long does residency take now in
>> California?
>>
>> Sheila Leigland
>>
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> Arielle,
I do believe your friend has emailed me already. Thank you so much for 
your help and connecting her and I.
Pipi