[nabs-l] LWSB and Other Training Centers

[Joshua Lester]

You're right on everything about the place.
They also have an elder care program, where they take care of elderly
blind people, and teach them skills that they didn't learn before.
Blessings, Joshua

On 12/24/11, Arielle Silverman <arielle71 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all,
> I have not attended LWSB in Arkansas, but havve heard some things
> about it from a few graduates. So, someone please correct me if
> anything I say about the center is incorrect, as I would like to learn
> more and b able to give people accurate information.
> Based on what I have heard from graduates, my impression is that
> LWSB/World Services for the Blind is a center that specializes in
> technical training for some specific types of jobs, like being an IRS
> collector or a small engine repair person. This kind of training is
> important, but it is not the same thing as the kind of comprehensive
> blindness skill training provided at NFB centers. While LWSB/World
> Services does provide training in blindness skills as well, my
> impression is that this general training is much less beneficial than
> the general skills training provided at NFB centers, and other centers
> that house students in apartments. While I can't comment on LWSB's
> philosophy, I do know that LWSB houses students in dormitories and
> that they dine in a cafeteria. In my opinion this kind of living
> environment is not very helpful for teaching blindness skills. Skills
> need to be practiced in order to be mastered, and apartment living
> affords opportunities to practice cooking, cleaning and other skills
> in a variety of real-world situations. Apartment living also affords
> opportunities to build confidence. Furthermore, I am not sure how much
> LWSB students are allowed or encouraged to travel off center premises
> on their own or in groups. This kind of real-world travel is an
> essential part of the training experience at NFB centers.
> So, I believe that if you are looking for technical training in a
> specific job field, LWSB/World Services might be an option worth
> considering. However, if you are looking for basic training in travel,
> home management, computers and Braille, or just want to build your
> overall confidence and independent functioning, I would highly
> recommend looking for a center that houses students in apartments and
> that allows students to get out and travel on their own during free
> time. If you have some vision but suspect you may eventually need to
> function with less or no sight, then picking a center that uses
> sleepshades may also be a priority. The NFB centers all meet these
> criteria, but there are also some state-run and private centers that
> do. So do your homework and ask about these things before making your
> choice.
> I make these suggestions based on my own experience at an NFB center,
> LCB, and based on conversations I have had with dozens of graduates
> from various kinds of training centers. I would be happy to talk
> further by email or phone (see contact info below) if you have more
> specific questions.
> Best,
> Arielle Silverman, Past NABS President and Board Member
> 602-502-2255
> arielle71 at gmail.com
>
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