[nabs-l] LWSB and Other Training Centers

[Ashley Bramlett]

Hi Arielle,

Nice post. I liked how you did not put down the center, but did mention its 
weaknesses. I will add a few things from talking to a few attendees from
LWSb.
You are correct that LWSB offers independence training, but probably not to
the degree NFB centers do.
Each applicant goes for a 30 day evaluation in all the rehab skills; I think
that is a bit long, but that is it.
They recommend what skills to work on from there. If a applicant is ready to
go into the vocational programs, they do so
if they meet those requirements. Things like having a certain score on the
Wonderlik test, a certain typing speed, computer proficiency, and strong
writtin communication skills are some requirements.
The requirements vary from program to program.

You have to have a four year college degree for any of the four IRS training 
programs. I know the IRS really does hire applicants. When I was at a job 
fair, I ran into an IRS rep that mentioned they just hired a bunch of IRS 
trainees from lions World.

Other training options are:
•    Desktop support technician- prepares students for entry level IT 
technician jobs
•    Assistive technology instructor
•    Microsoft office Specialist -  prepares one for office jobs, to pass 
the Microsoft certification exams, and covers office suite applications
•    Microsoft certified professional developer – training to be a computer 
programmer
•    Microsoft computer systems engineer – entry level help desk training

So if you wanted to go into a technical field, LWSB might be an option. If 
its not helpful, you can always leave. If you wanted
to work for the IRS such as a tax collection rep, then this might be an 
option. They find you a job after training.

For the living and going off campus, here is what I know.
Students generally go to the cafeteria and live in  the dorm. However, if 
you already demonstrated independent living skills, they do have off campus 
apartments. I think they have a shuttle taking students to and from the 
apartments, if I recall correctly.
Students can go off campus. They just need to sign out and in.
They can go in groups or alone. Some centers have a clearance rule, meaning 
you have to be cleared by O&M staff, but lwsb does not  say this.

I heard LWSb got a new director. So I imagine rules and policies are 
changing, hopefully for the better. So if you wanted to go into those 
vocations they train in, might be worth considering.
Then when you have a job interview, you would have more training than 
sighted people might have.

Ashley

-----Original Message----- 
From: Arielle Silverman
Sent: Saturday, December 24, 2011 10:51 AM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: [nabs-l] LWSB and Other Training Centers

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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