[nabs-l] Special Ed Certification

Fri Jan 31 03:22:04 UTC 2014

A teachers aid could be one solution, but otherwise, yes it is illegal.  We
just have to figure out ways the the young lady can do the job.

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Joe
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2014 10:09 PM
To: 'NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS'
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Special Ed Certification

Hi, what makes this difficult is that the information I'm getting is
secondhand. The observations, as far as I understand them, are things like
being able to correct an academic error as it is happening. How would a
blind student avoid a child who is about to punch them? How would a blind
person be able to assist if the child, for example, has a medical emergency?
It's not vocational rehab that is suggesting this person teach other blind
students. It's the certification programs at two separate universities.
Apparently blind students in Texas have tried to gain certification but have
been unsuccessful and have instead wound up in other career paths. I hope
this provides a little more background. Thanks for the feedback. I think
you're right that the individual needs to engage in a little more
self-advocacy, but this is a case where that is easier recommended than
carried out. If I were down there, I'd raise a little hell, but barring
that, I'm hoping to either recommend a good advocate or make some specific
suggestions to try to help the individual. Thanks again.

--
Twitter: @ScribblingJoe

Visit my blog:
http://joeorozco.com/blog

-----Original Message-----
From: Bridget Walker [mailto:bridgetawalker13 at aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2014 9:34 PM
To: jsoro620 at gmail.com; National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Special Ed Certification

Hi Joe,

I'm working on my certification in adolescent special ed and English Ed
right now. I am specializing in working with students with multiple and
severe disabilities. I can tell you I am still at the undergrad level but,
will be graduating next spring. 
When I complete my field hours it is tough. I am just about to start a new
placement in a public high school in a mainstream English class but, there
has been debate if I can really handle working with sighted students with
mixed abilities. 
I can't say there is much needed in regards to observation accommodations in
a field placement. Perhaps I am misunderstanding you. Can you give me an
example of what might be needed?  
Is the school concerned this individual will not know what will be going on
in the classroom? There are all kinds of classroom management techniques out
there. This is again another place where an explanation may be needed.  
Your friend has to go in strong not coke and show she has the education.
Sometimes it helps to explain some techniques you use as a teacher without
vision. After all you are a teacher your job is to educate and believe it or
not sometimes that includes your superiors. 
I think it is ironic the state vocational rehab agency is saying for her to
go to a school for the blind to teach or become a councilor. 
I did some field placements at a school for the blind and it is no different
then regular education. Do they really think blind kids are not going to act
out and pull stuff over on there teachers especially if they know they are
blind? I really think it is easier to teach sighted kids but that's just me.

Vocational rehab can not tell her what to do clearly she knows what she is
doing with a 4.0 GPA. Keep fighting. 
I hope this helps. 
Please feel free to contact me if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Bridget 

Sent from my iPad

> On Jan 30, 2014, at 8:49 PM, "Joe" <jsoro620 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello,
> 
> 
> 
> There's a student in Texas who is having difficulty obtaining a 
> certification in special education. The student has been told they 
> would be better off pursuing a second Master's to become a vision 
> itinerant teacher or using the credentials they have to be a counselor 
> in the state's vocational rehabilitation agency. The student would 
> rather work with general special ed, specifically elementary-age 
> students
with behavioral disorders.
> Unfortunately, there are a lot of concerns about making special 
> accommodations and the student's independent ability to make certain 
> observations. Now, I have zero experience in education, special or 
> otherwise. Are there people here who have, or are, pursuing this type 
> of career path who could pass along some tips for success? The student 
> is a hard-working 4.0 GPA achiever. It seems generally and legally 
> incorrect that placements in general special education classes 
> suddenly disappear when the student informs the coordinators they are 
> blind. Further, the student should not be sent to a state school for 
> the blind by default just because the student is blind. Any thoughts,
advice and referrals would be welcomed.
> Thanks in advance.
> 
> 
> 
> --
> 
> Twitter: @ScribblingJoe
> 
> 
> 
> Visit my blog:
> 
> http://joeorozco.com/blog
> 
> 
> 
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