[nabs-l] Training Center Questions

[Jonathan Franks]

Hello Julie and I,
I did not graduate from a NFB training Center; however each training
center has its advantages.

What I gained most from a training center was a set of foundational
skills that with experience I grew on. I did gain some sense of
confidence while I was at my training center. However, when I put
these skills constantly to the test in the real world, I gained a much
stronger sense of confidence. Without these skills, I would never have
been able to graduate from College.

I hope this helps

Jonathan Franks BSW
Board Member
National Federation of the Blind of Texas
Treasurer
Texas Association of Blind Students

On 6/23/16, Aleeha Dudley via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hey Julie,
> I graduated from the Louisiana Center for the Blind at the end of May, so
> I’ll provide a bit of perspective.
> Before I attended training, I had a fair few skills. I navigated campus,
> lived on my own, and could read Braille and use a computer. The reason I
> attended training was for my confidence. I had very little of this important
> attribute before I came to LCB. I didn’t believe in myself and I was very
> down, even a little depressed. I got to LCB and had no idea what I’d gotten
> myself into. We went rock climbing, and now I compare training to a rock
> wall. We all start at the bottom of our respective walls. Some of us might
> be a little further up the mountain than others, but we’re all starting at
> the base of the wall. If we listen to our instructors, and work just as hard
> as we can, eventually, with a triumphant yell, we will scale the wall and
> stand at the top, waving both hands. Slowly, throughout training, my
> confidence came back, and then soared to new heights. I never thought I
> could travel in the areas I have, successfully go to Mardi Gras, or anything
> that I’ve done. I’m so happy I got the opportunity to go to training. The
> most important thing I got out of the experience was self-confidence. You
> can take all the classes you want, but without confidence in your abilities,
> you are nothing.
> Aleeha
>> On Jun 23, 2016, at 9:34 AM, Julie McGinnity via NABS-L
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Hi friends,
>>
>> Let's talk training centers, shall we.  I have a few questions, and I
>> wonder if some of you can provide a little perspective for me.
>>
>> For those who have graduated from a training center: What was the
>> single most important/valuable thing you got out of your center
>> experience?
>>
>> If you had some skills before attending a training center, why did you
>> choose training?  By some skills, I mean that you lived on your own,
>> navigated a college campus, could read Braille and manage a computer,
>> or any other combination of the above and more.  Maybe you didn't have
>> all of the tools in the box, but you could function successfully in
>> the world.
>>
>> Also, did any of you attend a training center after graduating from
>> college, particularly a masters program?  If this applies to you, why
>> did you choose center training over finding a job?
>>
>> If you have not been to training, and you do not plan to attend a
>> center, have you ever regretted not doing so?  I understand that many
>> people just don't have the time from school or a career to attend
>> training, but are there other reasons you have chosen not to attend a
>> training center?
>>
>> I have more questions, but that's enough for now.  Feel free to email
>> me off list, message me on Facebook or Twitter, or even call me if you
>> prefer.  My curious mind is eager for more perspective.  Thanks!
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Julie A. McGinnity
>> President, National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division,
>> Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
>> "For we walk by faith, not by sight"
>> 2 Cor. 7
>>
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The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create
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