[humanser] Academic/Professional Update and Request for Advice

Mon Apr 7 15:38:19 UTC 2014

Hello Sarah,
If training at an NFB Center is important to you, I believe you should make
the time to go and get the training you want. You have laid out very nicely
the reasons you feel you would benefit from such training, and I am sure
your NFB state president, or others in your affiliate, would help you make
these arguments and win your case if necessary. It is possible though that
you might not have a fight on your hands... That depends a lot on your
individual counselor and Rehab services in your state in general. There will
never be a "right" time for anything... But, certain times are better than
others in my opinion and experience. I believe it will only get harder to go
for training once you have finished school. You may be offered a job right
away. You may meet someone and decide to marry, or be in a serious
relationship and not want to take time away from that for training. You
could even have a child, and once that happens, it's very hard to make time
for training. I'm not saying any of this will happen, but you do need to
seriously consider the direction your life could take in the next couple of
years and take that into account when thinking about going for training now
or waiting. Also, will the fight for training with rehab get any easier if
you've been successful in grad school and then go for training? I would
argue it might be even harder because they can point to a host of successes
and use them as evidence about why you don't need training. If you get good
training now, you will be more ready for grad school and what comes after. 
	I have never deferred acceptance into an academic program, but I
know many people who have. It is usually not difficult to do, especially if
you explain what you are doing, how long it will take, etc. Certainly summer
programs at our training centers are also options you can consider. My
husband, for example, went to the CCB for about three months between college
graduation and the start of an Executive Training Program at Sears. He
gained a lot from the program, even though he was there for a short time. He
really worked hard to get as much out of the program as he could because he
knew he would not have the usual six to nine months. He did gain a lot, but
it was somewhat of a whirl wind experience. I'm not sure if he would
recommend that approach to others or not. Let me be clear; he actually
attended the adult program at CCB; he did not attend a college program. I'm
not sure if there was a college program at that point or not. I have worked
summer high school and college programs, and would suggest looking into the
possibility of going into the adult program either for a shorter stay, or
for the entire program if that's what you decide to do. Summer programs are
fantastic, but having finished college all ready I believe you would get a
lot more out of the true adult program.
Ultimately, of course, these decisions are completely up to you. I wish you
the very best with whatever you decide.
Melissa

-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ashley
Bramlett
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2014 9:29 PM
To: Human Services Mailing List
Subject: Re: [humanser] Academic/Professional Update and Request for Advice

Sarah,

Congradulations on grad school. I also struggle with the right time. As I
mentioned on the nabs list, I have my undergrad degree, and wonder if I
should continue looking for work or go to a center, although I would not do
nfb centers.

As I see it you have some options. Put it off til after grad school or go to
the summer programs.

Good luck!

-----Original Message-----
From: Sarah Meyer
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2014 5:51 PM
To: humanser
Subject: [humanser] Academic/Professional Update and Request for Advice

Hi all,
I wanted to share an update about my academic/professional life and ask for
some input.

I was recently accepted into Ball
State University's Dual Master's Degree program in Counseling Psychology
(Clinical Mental Health track) and Social Psychology and am planning to
begin coursework in August.
At the same time, I have had an ongoing desire to attend one of the NFB
training centers but have never found the "right" time to do this.
I attended the Student Seminar hosted by the Midwestern Associations of
Blind Students this weekend, which made me realize that I really should
probably just "make the time" for a training center, but I'm still not sure
about the best timing and the steps to take.  I am concerned that VR won't
allow me to attend a Center because they may think I don't really need such
intense training.  I have good O&M skills and manage well with Braille and
assistive technology; I have also been working as an Independent Living
Advocate at a Center for Independent Living, which has included teaching
independent living skills to people with various disabilities.  VR (and
others) may say that I am already well-adjusted and that I function very
well and independently.  I know I have sufficient skills to get by but also
know I really struggle with confidence and that there are still many areas
where I need to grow to become even more efficient and independent.  I could
really use some guidance to help me decide if I should make the time for a
Training Center and if so, when and how to go about doing so.  I don't want
to lose my spot in my Graduate program because I really believe it is an
amazing fit for me and I have been so excited to further my education and to
move forward in the field of counseling and possibly research and teaching.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Has anyone ever deferred acceptance to
an academic program?

Thanks so much for any thoughts/suggestions,

--
Sarah K. Meyer
NFB of Indy - Community Outreach, Advocacy, and Legislation (COAL), Chair
IndyGo/IPTC Mobility Advisory Committee (MAC), Member
(317) 402-6632

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