[nabs-l] nfb training centers

[Beth Taurasi]

I graduated from CCB, and it was a good classic traiing center, 
except the blind people were all allowed to do things on their 
own.  I think it was fun though, and I met my lover at the 
center.  I actually blossomed when I was there, so Kelsey, I can 
tell you a lot.  Just email off list and we can talk.  I'd love 
to talk to you.
beth

 ----- Original Message -----
From: Julie McGinnity <kaybaycar at gmail.com
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Date sent: Sun, 2 Feb 2014 20:44:15 -0600
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] nfb training centers

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

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