[nabs-l] nfb training centers

[Darian Smith]

Hello,  it sounds like you are interested in attending one of our NFB Training centers, and sounds like it would certainly benefit you.
  The first question of funding can probably be answered by asking if you have a case  with Voc Rehab? 
 i attended a training center and have worked with rehab in order to get there. I would be happy to answer any questions you have and direct  you to folks who can answer questions for you that I can’t.
 Feel free to contact me at dsmithnfb at gmail.com  if you like, and I’ll do my best to assist.
  Best,
  Darian  
On Feb 2, 2014, at 6:32 PM, 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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Darian Smith
2nd Vice President, National Association of Blind Students
dsmithnfb at gmail.com

www.nabslink.org
Follow the National Association of Blind Students on twitter: @nabslink
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