[nabs-l] Slow Acting VR Counciler
Brianna Scerenscko
bfs1206 at gmail.com
Mon Aug 1 01:30:19 UTC 2011
I hope everything works out and that you'll get to feeling better soon Beth.
On 7/31/11, Brianna Scerenscko <bfs1206 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Thank you everyone.
> My counselor doesn't return any of my e mails or phone calls.
> My college is providing O&M instruction around the school but not
> around the town; but I guess if I ever needed to go to the store or
> something I could try and figure out the root myself, get directions,
> or have a friend go with me.
> Since I don't know when my technology is coming in, I'm doing research
> on different laptops; I can't afourd a note taker but I can live
> without it for a little while. I just would need a computer (I already
> have a version of Jaws that I can use), if I could get my hands on
> Curswhile and a scanner I'd be good for a little while.
> Thankfully I already have my first year of college paid for.
> I'm thinking about just finding someone who would want to be a reader
> and higher and pay them myself.
> Thanks again.
>
>
> On 7/31/11, Beth <thebluesisloose at gmail.com> wrote:
>> WHich reminds me, Ashley,
>> I reigned a job I had via the CCB because they were making
>> ll the decisions abo9ut where I'd work and the commute. I'd
>> had to commute from Englewood all the way to Boulder!
>> Uh-uh. I'm not going anywhere near there. Anyway, that's
>> speaking of VR counselors who try to mke you do a certain
>> job. Sorry, but I need to get my degree and get my job.
>> The regular way, that is.
>> Beth
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: <bookwormahb at earthlink.net
>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Sun, 31 Jul 2011 21:01:02 -0400
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Slow Acting VR Counciler
>>
>> Arielle,
>> Amen, amen! VR is broken. My VR counselor is one who fails to
>> communicate
>> promptly, will not return phone calls, and did not get my
>> equipment on time
>> either.
>> Fortunately, as a middle class person my parents chipped in with
>> lots of
>> technology funding and school funding but they cannot do it all.
>> A 6 k
>> notetaker, for instance, is too much.
>> I have tried not to rely on VR much. If I want a certain job, I
>> pursue it
>> regardless of what my vr counselor thinks.
>>
>> Ashley
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Arielle Silverman
>> Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2011 8:36 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Slow Acting VR Counciler
>>
>> Hi Brianna and all,
>> Warning-This will be a rather cynical post, and I apologize in
>> advance
>> for the cynicism. However, I feel it beneficial to discuss what I
>> have
>> observed of the VR system, as well as offer some practical advice
>> for
>> getting around the issues you are having and others you may come
>> across as you continue through college.
>> I have been out of high school for eight years now, and was a VR
>> client myself for three of those years. I have also heard
>> countless
>> stories similar to yours, and often worse, from my time as
>> president
>> of Arizona's student division and an officer of NABS.
>> Unfortunately, I
>> have concluded that the voc rehab system is highly flawed, and
>> cannot
>> be depended upon for much, especially your college education. I
>> have
>> heard about students waiting for months or years to get
>> technology
>> ordered or to get the necessary paperwork to go to training
>> centers-even procedures that are relatively routine take way too
>> long.
>> I have also heard about counselors who fail to communicate with
>> clients or return their calls or emails, or who try to give
>> inappropriate directives about what careers clients should or
>> shouldn't pursue. Now granted, there are definitely some good,
>> competent, dedicated counselors and VR staff out there who
>> completely
>> respect blind people and actively support their pursuits, but I'm
>> afraid that's not the norm. The VR system has many problems, not
>> the
>> least of which being its perpetual lack of funding. As a result,
>> VR
>> offices tend to be short-staffed and counselors are overwhelmed
>> with
>> too many clients, unable to give each client the time and
>> attention
>> their case deserves. Furthermore, I believe the standards for
>> hiring
>> VR counselors are pretty low, and I've definitely encountered
>> more
>> than one counselor who just isn't competent enough to get things
>> done
>> efficiently and well. It's an important system with lofty
>> objectives
>> of helping blind people get college degrees and jobs, but it's a
>> broken one.
>> So yes, you should definitely keep nagging your counselor, and
>> their
>> supervisor, and the director of the VR agency, until you get your
>> equipment and your case transferred. But in the meantime, it's
>> vitally
>> important to have backups in place that don't rely on VR at all,
>> so
>> that you can start college on the right foot, and your life
>> doesn't
>> have to depend upon waiting for the flawed VR system to figure
>> out how
>> to handle your case. I'll give some suggestions for backups you
>> might
>> want to start using while you're waiting, for the three things
>> you
>> mentioned: technology, money for school, and O&M instruction.
>> For technology: I'd suggest finding out if your parents or
>> another
>> family member could help you pay for a basic portable computer,
>> like a
>> Netbook ($500 or less) or a Macbook (perhaps; I don't know how
>> much
>> Macbooks cost, but if you get one, you won't need to worry about
>> screenreading software). You really don't need a fancy laptop or
>> desktop for schoolwork, and while many people find Braille
>> displays
>> and notetakers helpful, I think you can get by without it until
>> VR
>> comes through. And here's a little secret: You can get a demo
>> version
>> of JAWS for free, and unless they've changed something in the
>> past few
>> years, demo JAWS is exactly the same as the full version except
>> that
>> you have to restart your computer frequently. It's certainly a
>> nuisance to keep restarting, but it's a decent workaround if you
>> don't
>> have the funds to shell out for a full-version screenreader. So
>> then,
>> all you have to buy is a basic computer, which is comparable to
>> what
>> virtually all sighted college freshmen get. If your DSS office or
>> library provides public scanners, you may not need to buy one,
>> but if
>> you do, you can get a mainstream multifunction printer that comes
>> with
>> basic OCR software.
>> Second, paying for school: The best solution would be a Pell
>> grant.
>> Are you a resident in the state where you'll be going to school?
>> If
>> so, you should be eligible. If not, there are other forms of
>> federal
>> student aid that you can apply for, if you haven't already.
>> Finally, O&M is something you can work around at least
>> temporarily. If
>> you contact the DSS office at your school, they might be able to
>> provide at least a general orientation to the buildings you will
>> be
>> going to for classes and an overview of the campus layout. You
>> don't
>> need to learn the whole campus. If DSS doesn't provide that
>> service,
>> you could ask the resident assistant (RA) in your dorm if they
>> can
>> hook you up with a student ambassador or someone else who can
>> show you
>> where those buildings are. Most O&M instructors will do just
>> that, and
>> not much more than what you can get from any old student who
>> knows
>> their way around. If what you want is more skill training (like
>> learning how to use public transit, cross streets etc.) that's
>> important too, but it can wait a few weeks until your case gets
>> set.
>> I hope this is helpful. The bottom line is that you are in charge
>> of
>> your education, and there are many resources you can use to
>> accomplish
>> your goals in school and beyond. Some of those resources are
>> blindness-specific; others are the same resources available to
>> all
>> college students. VR is just one of many resources at your
>> disposal.
>> They can offer lots of good stuff, but on the downside, they
>> aren't
>> always dependable. The more alternative resources you can line
>> up, the
>> better. I personally didn't open a VR case at all until I was a
>> senior
>> in college and wanted to go to LCB after graduation. After LCB, I
>> let
>> my case close and didn't reopen when I moved to Colorado for grad
>> school. I actually liked not being a VR client, and found it
>> rather
>> freeing. I could take whatever classes I felt like taking or
>> switch my
>> major or vocational goal every month if I wanted to, without ever
>> having to justify anything to anyone. Granted, I had a merit
>> scholarship and my parents were able to assist me with
>> technology, and
>> I recognize those circumstances don't happen to everyone. Many of
>> us
>> can benefit greatly from VR, when they have their act together.
>> When
>> they don't, you might have to be a little creative to find
>> alternative
>> resources, but they're out there.
>>
>> Best of luck,
>> Arielle
>>
>> On 7/31/11, bookwormahb at earthlink.net <bookwormahb at earthlink.net>
>> wrote:
>> Hi Beth,
>> I just reread your message and you said CO DVR; I missed that
>> when hearing
>> with jaws somehow; probably since its one syllable.
>>
>> Yes you should have a case in CO where you reside.
>> I'd say if they move too slow, talk to a supervisor of the
>> office. Also
>> document your communication.
>> I think there should be a VR manual of rights and
>> responsibilities for
>> each
>> state. Read it and find out their procedures for opening cases;
>> it should
>> outline the appropriate time line.
>> Good luck.
>> Ashley
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Beth
>> Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2011 5:31 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Slow Acting VR Counciler
>>
>> I'm waiting on Medicaid, but have to use my dad's insurance, and
>> a very high copay. That's whuat I'm worried about. I'll
>> probably spend a lot on a prescription drug this week so that I
>> can flush the infection out. I need to be all cured by next
>> week
>> or the first week of classes. I also need to figure out how to
>> get my Pell Grant. I'm just opening the case here in CO because
>> Florida is no longer my state of residence. Doesn't make sense
>> to have a case in Florida. Thanks for the well wishes, Ashley.
>> Thanks a bunch.
>> Beth
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: <bookwormahb at earthlink.net
>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:31:10 -0400
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Slow Acting VR Counciler
>>
>> Beth,
>> Hope you get well! Do you have medicade?
>> I'm confused. Do you live in Denver and want to go to school
>> there? It
>> sounds like your VR case is in florida though. So are you saying
>> Florida VR
>> is paying for your out of state tuition in Co? Good luck with
>> your plans.
>> Oh and going out of state to any center is tough. If your state
>> has an in
>> state center, they want that one, even if you select another
>> better run
>> traditional center.
>>
>> Ashley
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Beth
>> Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2011 2:57 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Slow Acting VR Counciler
>>
>> Hey, Brianna. I had problems with DBS not sending me to CCB
>> till
>> I screamed at them and made them do it. I was the squeaky wheel
>> that got the grease, pretty much. I'm having a problem with CO
>> DVR acting slow, and I just came down with something serious and
>> have to go to the doctor. My boyffriend says he'll meet me at
>> the bus stop and we'll go together. It'll be nice because then
>> I
>> can goo to a doctor. But I need a checkup because I think I
>> have
>> a serious infection. Worst off, I might not go to school till
>> January becausee I have no money to pay for books and school.
>> DVR just thought of assigning me a counselor, but I don't know
>> where they are, and I moved from one place to another. It's
>> kind
>> of weird because I sort of know the Denver area, but I don't
>> travel too often. So I'm in your shoes, but worse. My transfer
>> to the office in Tallahassee from the office in Brevard County
>> was quick, but there's a problem. I don't know if Florida will
>> allow me to go to school here in CO. So anyone give us both
>> tips
>> and advice? Anybody got any tips? Thanks.
>> Beth
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Brianna Scerenscko <bfs1206 at gmail.com
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:39:21 -0400
>> Subject: [nabs-l] Slow Acting VR Counciler
>>
>> Hello NABS Members,
>>
>> My name is Brianna.
>> I will be starting my first semester at Flagler in 3 weeks.
>> I submitted justifications for technology to my Division Of
>> Blind
>> Services office back in April. Just the other day I get an e
>> mail
>> from my counciler saying that I have been apruved for technology
>> and
>> funding of my Learning Ally membership.
>> I thought I had already been apruved and the technology had
>> already
>> been ordered.
>> My counciler can't transfer my case to the office in
>> Jacksonville
>> until all my technology has been received and she can't tell me
>> when
>> that will be. I need to meet with the office in Jacksonville
>> soon to
>> meet my counciler and O&M instructore, and also find out if DBS
>> will
>> still cover some of the cost of going to college and also for
>> them to
>> find me a reader.
>> DBS can't tell me when my case will be transfered either.
>> What should I do? School starts in 3 weeks.
>>
>> Thank You
>>
>> Brianna
>>
>> On 7/31/11, Aubrie Lucas <aubielynn at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Exactly what I was going to suggest.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org
>> [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>> Of Kirt Manwaring
>> Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2011 8:20 AM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] warning I'm getting on Facebook
>>
>> Haha, nothing to worry about. Hit the refresh button (f5) and
>> you'll be
>> fine.
>>
>> On 7/31/11, Chris Nusbaum <dotkid.nusbaum at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Hi everyone,
>>
>> I'm getting this warning message when I hit the go back command
>> on Facebook Mobile. I've pasted it below. What does this mean?
>> Thanks! Here's the message:
>>
>> Warning: Page has Expired
>> The page you requested was created using information you
>> submitted in a form. This page is no longer available. As a
>> security precaution, Internet Explorer does not automatically
>> resubmit your information for you.
>> To resubmit your information and view this Web page, click
>> the
>> Refresh button.
>>
>> Chris
>>
>> "A loss of sight, never a loss of vision!" (Camp Abilities
>> motto)
>>
>> The I C.A.N. Foundation helps visually impaired youth in
>> Maryland have the ability to confidently say "I can!" How? Click
>> on this link to learn more and to contribute:
>> www.icanfoundation.info or like us on Facebook at I C.A.N.
>> Foundation.
>>
>> Sent from my BrailleNote
>>
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>>
>> --
>> Brianna Scerenscko
>>
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>
>
> --
> Brianna Scerenscko
>
--
Brianna Scerenscko
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