[nabs-l] nfb training centers

Mon Feb 3 16:58:03 UTC 2014

Hi Kelsey,
I have never attended an NFB center, but I am in the process of trying to 
get into one, although vocational rehab is still being difficult about it in 
my state, so it is taking longer to do things. Do you have a case open with 
vocational rehabilitation in your state? If so, then they could pay for your 
training. You may have to justify it, since some states tend to favor 
in-state centers rather than out-of-state NFB centers, but they are supposed 
to allow you to choose where you want to get training. I am not sure how NFB 
centers do it, but I have been to a state-run center in Raleigh, North 
Carolina, for their 4 week summer program when I was 16, and it was similar 
to your experience where they were extremely sheltering and we couldn't go 
out or do things on our own, and whenever they planned an outing in the 
evenings, everyone had to go whether they liked it or not. They told me it 
is because we were considered minors, so I guess it was a liability issue, 
but, in my opinion, it took away from the whole point of training to become 
more independent. In this center, they did evaluations for a week that were 
extensive, but they were mostly psychological and intelligence related. 
Another center that I lived near in Texas did hands-on evaluations where 
they asked you to do things to show them how well you could do things such 
as cleaning and what areas you needed improvements in, and this typically 
took about a month, and after that month, you began training on those areas. 
I believe that the NFB centers do the same thing and evaluate you to find 
out what you need to work on and what your goals are, etc. although I am not 
sure what their process is for doing evaluations.
Hope this helps,
Misty

-----Original Message----- 
From: Beth Taurasi
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2014 3:46 AM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] nfb training centers

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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