[nabs-l] Training centers not the real world

[Littlefield, Tyler]

RJ:
I see some pros and cons to this.
First, a blind school would theoretically allow someone to be given all 
the accomadations they need. Without parents who are willing to really 
fight, many times children in the public school system do not get 
everything they need. My parents went to bat for me so many times in 
public schools--first they wanted to transport me on the special ed bus 
to a school where they had special ed kids and a room just for them. 
When I finally entered school, it was after a lot of argument; something 
which a lot of parents may not be aware they can do, or want to do. Even 
after I was in to the public school system, there were many times in 
middle school and even high school where I did not have the materials I 
needed.

My issues against the school are along the same lines as what you've 
noted. I feel like a lot of people come out with many blindisms that may 
not work so well in the public. This isn't to say that the public school 
is the end-all be-all for this, because it took my parents and teachers 
working with me to keep me from walking with my head down, but I feel 
like more exposure to the public is always a plus. Along the same line, 
I believe that having everything brailled for you every day no matter 
what is going to prepare you for nothing. I am able to work with my 
professors and advocate mainly because I had to advocate for myself in 
high school when I was not getting the materials I needed to get my work 
done. I think also, schools for the blind serve a duel purpose of 
allowing the parent to not have to "take care" of the kid, as well as 
allowing them to brush off the responsibility on someone else. Sometimes 
this is intentional, others it may just be because there is a huge lack 
of resources for parents of blind children.

I tried going to a school for the blind for about 6 months before I gave 
it up. While accomidations were great, I really missed the interaction I 
received with friends I made in public schools.
On 11/10/2013 9:48 PM, RJ Sandefur wrote:
> Why do we send blind people to training centers? Why do we send blind people to "schools for the blind" We as blind people live in the real world,Why do we do it? You don't see mom sending Johnny who has autism to aschool for autistic kids!
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-- 
Take care,
Ty
http://tds-solutions.net
He that will not reason is a bigot; he that cannot reason is a fool; he that dares not reason is a slave.