[nabs-l] nfb training centers

[Julie McGinnity]

Hi Kelsey,

I have never been to a training center myself, but I have a very close
friend who is at one of them right now.

I think a training center might be a great idea.  They work with you
on cane travel, cooking, and home management along with other skills.
You will still get Braille and computer instruction, but it will be
more focused if they figure out that you are already proficient.  Like
you suggested, you can learn skills, such as learning an IPad or
IPhone once you show them what you can do.  I believe that the centers
individualize training as much as possible.

If you would like me to put you in contact with a current center
student, I think my friend would be willing to talk to you about what
a day at the center is like.  She currently attends CCB.  So feel free
to email me off list.



On 2/2/14, Kelsey Nicolay <piano.girl0299 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 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,
>
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-- 
Julie McG
National Association of Guide dog Users board member,  National
Federation of the Blind performing arts division secretary,
Missouri Association of Guide dog Users President,
and Guiding Eyes for the Blind graduate 2008
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that
everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal
life."
John 3:16