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

[Beth]

Let me answer the questions one by one:
1. I received lots of Braille training when I was just a girl of about
five years old, but didn't receive too much homemaking skills because
I didn't get the chance or the teacher had a heavy caseload.  The
teacher worked within the school district.  We tried getting an
extended school year for me so I could get homemaking skills and all.
I even tried the DAytona rehab center's homemaking classes, but they
simply weren't enough.  But part of it was my confidence level, which
was very low.  So after working now with the Lighthouse of the Big
Bend in Tally, I think my confidence level is getting higher in that
area, but I can't really reinforce it because I'm on a meal plan.
2. One thing I would highly recommend for students to reinforce their
skills is to ask their parents if they can help in the kitchen.  My
friend Carlos says that sometimes parents won't let their blind
children near the kitchen.  My mom?  She's cool with it.  She'll have
me snapping beans every Thanksgiving and she'll even let me boil eggs!
3. I participated in band and chorus, but I don't think it was enough
to develop my social skills.  One thing I would recommend is to really
start learning those social skills at a young age, and there's
something else that I'd recommend as well: girls, don't chase the
guys.  I had a huge problem with that, and still do.  I've had TWO
GUYS come up to me and complain about the way I act, and I think
they're right, sadly.
Beth
P.S. Happy Thanksgiving.

On 11/25/08, Arielle Silverman <arielle71 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 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
>
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