[nabs-l] nfb training centers

[Kelsey Nicolay]

Hello,
It seems that in so much of the Nfb's literature, people talk 
about nfb training centers.  I recently graduated college and 
still live at home to save money (my sister does too.) I did 
attend a training program in high school, but it was a six week 
program only and they would not let us leave the building alone 
because the hall directors felt that the area was not safe for 
us.  The only trips we took were as a group and with the staff.  
At times, those of us who were totally blind were allowed to go 
sighted guide on field trips.  Therefore, I am teasing with the 
idea of experiencing an nfb training center, but the problem is 
that I cannot dish out $7,000 right now due to my student loans.  
Is there financial aid available to nfb members who want to 
attend a training center? I am a member at large, so does that 
make a difference? I am pretty good in some areas but others not 
so much.  For example, mobility is definitely not a strength.  I 
still end up going sighted guide with family and friends except 
for interviews.  Even then, I am still hesitant to go to 
unfamiliar places independently.  Can a training center help with 
that? I have a pretty solid foundation in the use of JAWS with 
using the Internet, microsvt office, etc.  I also use a Braille 
note as a notetaker.  Given this foundation, would I still 
receive technology training? If I would, could it be more 
recreational in nature, such as learning to navigate facebook 
using JAWS or learning to use itunes ineependently so I can 
manage my ipod independently or learning voiceover so I could use 
an ipad or iphone? My family all have smartphones and ipads 
except my grandma and I who still have basic phones.  Sometimes 
when I'm out with my mom and her phone rings and she is not 
availth', I can't answer her phone for her because I can't see 
the screen? I tried voiceover once, but I could not get the 
conang of the gestures, so I gave up.  My Braille skills are very 
good.  I read contracted Braille as my primary Braille grade and 
was salf-taught music Braille.  I'm not as confident in my music 
Braille abilities though.  I can use the microwave pretty well 
since that's what I used in my dorm at college, but all the 
buttons were labeled in Braille.  However, I am not comfortable 
with using the stove or oven nor do I trust myself using any kind 
of knife, even to cut food at a meal.  I still have to ask for 
help with this task.  Therefore, based on the information I have 
provided, what would a training center be able to offer me? Will 
they reteach me something I already know or are new students 
tested on what they arl know? How is this done? Do they sit you 
down and ask you questions or is it hands-on where you are asked 
to perform a given task? When I attended the training program, 
they just sat down and asked a bunch of questions that had yes or 
no answers, they did not test our profficiency at all, it was 
just Do you know how to d....  Sorry for so many questions, but I 
wadt to know as much as possible at the programs offered at these 
training centers and how they could be of benefit to me now.
Thanks,