[nabs-l] LWSB and Other Training Centers

Wed Dec 28 00:03:59 UTC 2011

Any school with a special education of the blind graduate program; three I can think of:
North Carolina central University
Louisiana Tech University
Northern Illinois University

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On Dec 27, 2011, at 2:46 PM, "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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