[nabs-l] speech-language pathology or special ed

[justin williams]

First, what do you want to do; what does Kelsy want?  While speech pathology
may be a challenging field, it is doable.  There is at least one blind
person who succeeded in obtaining their degree.  I don't want to tell you
not to listen to any of the sighted; that is not fair, but Arielle is right
about what she said in that they really don't know how we do things.  The
sighted people who you should listen to would be those in the field of
speech pathology, definitely not someone who has not had any experience
related to that.  The second grade teacher wouldn't usually no anything
about speech pathology; I don't mean any disrespect to her in anyway, but
how would she know?  I can understand you wanting to be sure that you are
choosing the best career; that's smart, very smart.  Carefully weigh and
investigate both options.  What skills and talents do you have which will
senergize with your interests?  Remember, when we are searching for
employment, it is imperative that you give the employer confidence in you.
That can be done with either field.  However, while it seems that special Ed
may be the easier road, don't major in the field because your sister says
that she thinks you are a good braille teacher.  Once again, I mean no
disrespect, but to the sighted, you teaching someone braille would make
sense.  Follow your own star; I had to learn that the hard way, and find
those people, sighted and Blind, who will help you realize whatever vision
You  have for yourself.

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of NMPBRAT at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 9:39 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] speech-language pathology or special ed

Hi Kelsey,
I would preface my remarks with saying that I think you can do  anything you
put your mind to and can do either field if you work hard at  it.  I will
also share that I am legally blind.  I have a solid  background in Special
Education, with both a bachelors and masters degree in  it....and have been
employed in the field for the past 12 years... and  although I do not have a
degree in Speech-Language Pathology, I have a decent  understanding of the
field and what it requires.  
With that said, I would tell you that I think you will run  into less
barriers going into Special Ed. than becoming a SLP.  That  doesn't mean you
can't or shouldn't do it, I just think when you embark on a  journey, I
think you need to be realistic about the path you must follow and the
obstacles you will likely encounter...and then decide whether or not you are
up  to the task.  
I would also comment on the fact that I believe having a  masters in special
education will give you more avenues and opportunities than  having a
masters in speech-language pathology.  I just think there are more  options
available and directions you can go with it.  Just something to  think
about.  
Bottom line, go with your gut....I've found that mine always  leads me in
the right direction.  
Good luck!
Nicole
 
 
In a message dated 9/12/2013 7:01:12 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
piano.girl0299 at gmail.com writes:

Hello,
I posted before that I am thinking about getting a  masters degree in
speech-language pathology.  However, I was talking  to my former second
grade teacher yesterday about it.  She said that she doesn't think I would
be successful with this because of the high  degree of visual tasks such as
being able to see how someone is moving  their mouth during speech or things
like that.  I indicated that I  could maybe do it by feel, but she still
feels that this would be too  visual.  This came from having talked to the
speech therapist at the  elementary school.  On the other hand, I have also
considered the  special education field.  I have been tutoring two students
in  Braille since June and really enjoy it.  My sister thinks that I'd  make
a good Braille teacher.  So I am wondering which field would be  better
suited for a totally blind student.  I want to make sure my  money is being
well spent.  
In other words, I don't want to go  through the speech-language pathology
program only to find out that I  cannot do it.  Any opinions on this would
be greatly  appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Kelsey  Nicolay

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