[nabs-l] Grad School and Training Center?

[Arielle Silverman]

Hi Sarah,

I attended LCB for seven months before starting grad school, but I
didn't need to defer because I graduated from undergrad in December
and started grad school in August. I definitely understand your desire
not to give up a spot after being accepted. I wonder if a good
compromise would be for you to attend an NFB center from May-August?
Although you won't complete all the graduation requirements for the
center in three months, it will still give you some time to work on
your skills and confidence. Another option might be to attend a center
after you complete your master's program and apply for jobs while you
are at the center.

I think that voc rehab in most states considers training to be a
standard service for blind clients. I haven't heard of anyone being
denied funding for a training center because their skills were "too
good". What might be an issue is getting them to send you to the
center of your choice. However, the law is on your side in this matter
and all of us are able to help you explain to VR why the NFB centers
are worth the extra money.

Arielle

On 4/6/14, Sarah Meyer <sarah.meyer55 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all,
> I wanted to share an update about my academic/professional life and
> ask for some input.
>
> I was recently accepted into Ball
> State University's Dual Master's Degree program in Counseling
> Psychology (Clinical Mental Health track) and Social Psychology and am
> planning to begin coursework in August.
> At the same time, I have had an ongoing desire to attend one of the
> NFB training centers but have never found the "right" time to do this.
>  I attended the Student Seminar hosted by the Midwestern Associations
> of Blind Students this weekend, which made me realize that I really
> should probably just
> "make the time" for a training center, but I'm still not sure about
> the best timing and the steps to take.  I am concerned that VR won't
> allow me to attend a Center because they may think I don't really need
> such intense training.  I have good O&M skills and manage well with
> Braille and assistive technology; I have also been working as an
> Independent Living Advocate at a Center for Independent Living, which
> has included teaching independent living skills to people with various
> disabilities.  VR (and others) may say that I am already well-adjusted
> and that I function very well and independently.  I know I have
> sufficient skills to get by but also know I really struggle with
> confidence and that there are still many areas where I need to grow to
> become even more efficient and independent.  I could really use
> some guidance to help me decide if I should make the time for a
> Training Center and if so, when and how to go about doing so.  I don't
> want to lose my spot in my Graduate program because I really believe
> it is an amazing fit for me and I have been so excited to further my
> education and to move forward in the field of counseling and possibly
> research and teaching.
>
> Has anyone had a similar experience? Has anyone ever deferred
> acceptance to an academic program?
>
> Thanks so much for any thoughts/suggestions,
>
> Sarah
>
> --
> Sarah K. Meyer
> NFB of Indy - Community Outreach, Advocacy, and Legislation (COAL), Chair
> IndyGo/IPTC Mobility Advisory Committee (MAC), Member
> (317) 402-6632
>
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