[nabs-l] LWSB and Other Training Centers

Tue Dec 27 22:59:14 UTC 2011

University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts.
Blessings, Joshua

On 12/27/11, Gloria G <gloria.graves at gmail.com> wrote:
> where is this? Thanks
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Hope Paulos" <hope.paulos at gmail.com>
> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 2:16 PM
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] LWSB and Other Training Centers
>
>
> UMass Boston has a program for TVI's. I'm going there for VRT but was
> originally in the TVI program.
> Hope and Beignet
> ----- 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 3:04 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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>>
>>
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