[nabs-l] LWSB and Other Training Centers

Tue Dec 27 19:46:18 UTC 2011

Hi,
DOes anyone know where a person might receive trainning to become a TVI?
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ashley Bramlett" <bookwormahb at earthlink.net>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, December 24, 2011 11:29 AM
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] LWSB and Other Training Centers


> 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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