[nabs-l] nfb training centers

Mon Feb 3 20:47:23 UTC 2014

Chris,
That's helpful since you did go to the lcb step program. Glad to hear they 
are using IOS devices too.

-----Original Message----- 
From: Chris Nusbaum
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2014 2:39 PM
To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] nfb training centers

Ashley,

Though I don't presume to speak for Melissa or any other adult student for
that matter, I can tell you that LCB expanded their technology teaching
beyond basic Windows skills at the STEP Program. When I entered I was
already strong in my knowledge of JAWS and Windows, but not so much in the
intricacies of formatting using Word or creating spreadsheets in Excel. Once
I mastered those skills I moved onto iOS devices and more advanced Windows
use. I came into STEP with much more iOS experience than I had when I was in
the Buddy Program, but there was still much to learn. Much of my iOS work
was talking with my teacher about apps she used to accomplish different
tasks and playing with those apps. I also became better at organizing my
iPhone by putting apps in folders.

What I find nice about NFB centers is the training is very student-guided.
As has been mentioned previously, they will begin by evaluating each
student's strengths and weaknesses. From this information they will build a
unique course based on the student's individual needs. A common question
asked by the instructors at LCB is, "What do you want to work on today?"
This provided me with a much better experience in my training.

Chris

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ashley Bramlett
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2014 2:09 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] nfb training centers

Melissa,
So what did you learn in technology class then? I've seen you on lists a
long time, so I know you already have the typing skills and ability to send
and read email.
So, I'm assuming you were an advanced student in the computer/technology
area. Did you learn about the internet or blogs?
Do nfb centers teach apple products or tablets? I was curious as I hear
mainly about learning windows computer skills and now a days there's more
device than just pcs.
Ashley

-----Original Message-----
From: melissa Green
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2014 12:52 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] nfb training centers

they also now offer lots of time to practice things like your graduation
meals.
You also get to do final projects.
At least that is how colorado works.
I agree with arielle.
YOu do get to do some more challenging things when you have skills in
braille and tech.
I loved that because I got to read lots of nfb literature and discuss it
with the braille instructor or challenge my classmates to speed reading and
writing competitions.

Best,
Melissa R Green
Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird,
That cannot fly.
Langston Hughes

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ashley Bramlett" <bookwormahb at earthlink.net>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, February 02, 2014 10:24 PM
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] nfb training centers

Kelsey,

NFB centers offer a core set of classes and you take all of them till you
test out of them. The classes are braille, cane travel, home management,
technology, indust5rial arts and seminar of blindness. In braille they would
tell you to learn the slate and stylus and improve your reading speed; if
you have technology skills, I think they try to teach more advanced skills
such as using the internet and excel.
I did not attend a center, but this is what I've heard from many students.
You do take all classes. Cane travel and home management are double periods,
meaning 2 hours; braille and technology are one hour each. The centers offer
job readiness classes, but I think this is after you test out of one class
making room Ii n your schedule.

Oh most importantly, the state  vr agency you use should pay your training.
Your vr counselor should honor your informed choice, and if she does not,
you can get an nfb advocate involved.

HTH,
Ashley

-----Original Message----- 
From: Kelsey Nicolay
Sent: Sunday, February 02, 2014 9:32 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nabs-l] nfb training centers

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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