[nabs-l] Training centers not the real world

[Ashley Bramlett]

RJ,
Oh, I could write a book to answer this question. There are so many answers.
Think about what blind people face. We face lack of training in school 
growing up such as kids not learning braille and use of a white cane. We 
face  lack of opportunity from being in sheltered homes and over protective 
parents.

We face lack of work skills from not getting jobs as teens. How many high 
school students do you know who have jobs?
I know zero blind students having jobs.
We face social barriers too.

So why do people attend centers?
It is because we need training to survive.
Some specific reasons are these.
First, a person needs the braille, technology, living and work skills to 
make a living.
Second, a person needs more opportunity to practice such skills and get 
confident.
Third, a person needs to socialize  by doing normal activities in the 
community.
Fourth, a person needs to be challenged to do more than they thought 
possible and have the spirit to confront societal misconceptions.
Finally, we need to thrive in a  sighted society and centers help us do 
that.

I'm curious. Based on your question, I suspect you did not attend a center.
So how did you learn your skills? Parents? Home rehab teachers?
Do you use all the tools of blindness? Not sure if you have any vision.

I'm considering a center in fact, although not  nfb related as I am 
uncomfortable with some nfb policies at centers. I'm certainly not a hard 
core nfb person, although I'm a member and take what I like of the 
philosophy for myself.

Your question does raise good points. No other disability has so many 
centers dedicated for training.
I guess there are centers for blind people because we need such specialized 
training to live well that providing training via community based programs 
simply does not cut it well for most people.

However, if blind people get the good training on their own or via community 
based programs like lighthouses for the blind, all the better. No need then 
to take time away from home and life to attend a center.
But for those who need it, I'm glad many centers exist.

Ashley
-----Original Message----- 
From: RJ Sandefur
Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2013 9:48 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: [nabs-l] Training centers not the real world

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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