[nabs-l] LWSB and Other Training Centers

Tue Dec 27 22:26:45 UTC 2011

Hi Joushua,
What school did you say that was where you live? What school for the blind?
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joshua Lester" <jlester8462 at students.pccua.edu>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 2:04 PM
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] LWSB and Other Training Centers

Hi, Gloria.
My instructors took classes at the Arkansas School for the Blind, for
their TVI training.
I'm not sure about other states, but mmy state's school for the Blind,
had a program to train TVI's.
I'm not sure if they still do.
Blessings, Joshua

On 12/27/11, Gloria G <gloria.graves at gmail.com> wrote:
> 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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