[nabs-l] Skill Training and Reinforcement for High School Students

[Arielle Silverman]

Hello all,

A while ago, I started a discussion on the list about skills that are
important for high school students to master before transitioning into
college, work, and adult life in general. Since then I have been asked
to help write a page for the new NABS Web site  describing these skill
goals as well as resources for high school students to use to sharpen
their skills and confidence in preparation for transitioning after
graduation. Of course, we will provide information about the summer
youth programs at each of the three NFB training centers. But for
those high schoolers who can't get to a training center or who want
additional support during the year, I need your input about other
practical ways that these students can work on building their skills
while still in school. A few more specific questions for you guys:

1. Did any of you receive Braille, travel, home management, etc.
training from someone in your local area outside of your school
district? If so, who was it and how did you find this teacher?

2. What are some suggestions for things students can do every day to
reinforce their skills in Braille, computers, travel, and home
management after initially learning them? (For example, a Braille tip
would be to try to read Braille books for pleasure as much as
possible).

3. What kinds of  extracurricular activities, camps, etc. did you guys
participate in that you feel contributed to your skill development?

Please tell us about your experiences--I'm hoping to include as many
ideas from the list as possible in this Web page.

Thanks everyone for your contributions. You are helping to mentor and
support the next generation of blind youth!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Arielle Silverman
First Vice-President, National Association of Blind Students