[nabs-l] mobility question

[Arielle Silverman]

Hi RJ and all,
I'd like to back up from the certification issue for a moment, and
address what the intern said. I don't think it's fair to tell anyone
they "can't do mobility". Even if you had no legs, you would still
find a way to navigate your environment. Just like we all have
different levels of ability at reading and math, we also have
different levels of competence in travel and spatial understanding.
But that doesn't mean any of us can't learn how to travel
independently at all. You may need to start with more basic training
in directions and mental mapping than the average O&M student, but
that doesn't mean you can't start somewhere. I wouldn't let that
extremely negative intern get to you even if she does have a
certification. If you want to learn how to cross streets or navigate
your home city on your own, then try to find a different O&M
instructor or, if you can, make your way to a residential center like
one of our NFB training centers. The centers have worked with a lot of
different kinds of students including students who have trouble
walking, who have intellectual disabilities or who are deaf-blind. I
trust the NFB centers will accept you with open arms and be able to
teach you what you need to learn.
Arielle

On 4/18/11, Liz Bottner <liziswhatis at hotmail.com> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Yes, I believe that certification is very important. Certification shows
> that the individual in question  has met the professional standards for the
> career as far as the required knowledge is concerned, and it also shows good
> on the person in that they were willing to go the "extra" mile to get
> certified, that they take pride in their career and value themselves as a
> professional.
>
> Take care,
>
> Liz Bottner
> Guiding Eyes Graduate Council
> e-mail:
> liziswhatis at hotmail.com
> Visit my LiveJournal:
> http://unsilenceddream.livejournal.com
> Follow me on Twitter:
> http://twitter.com/lizbot
>
>
>
>
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-- 
Arielle Silverman
President, National Association of Blind Students
Phone:  602-502-2255
Email:
nabs.president at gmail.com
Website:
www.nabslink.org