[Nfbf-l] nfb center in florida
Dan Hicks
danjhicks at yahoo.com
Mon Apr 4 23:56:16 UTC 2011
Well, RJ, withdraw it is you wish, but I am not the final say on any
resolution. I can only give you my opinions abut it. If it I something you
support, and you can get somebody to support your resolution at the
convention, feel free to go ahead with it. I short, do what you think is
best.
I am glad to have Craig Kiser as a member of the NFBF.
Dan
“To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily.
Not to dare is to lose oneself.”
— Soren Kierkegaard
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of
> RJ Sandefur
> Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2011 8:23 PM
> To: NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] nfb center in florida
>
> I'd already had something planned for that weekend. I from what I've been
> able to deduce, do not think ED Hudson, nor Joice Hildreth will change
their
> minds concerning this issue. She seems like she's on the side of FAASB,
and
> the like. I guess I'm just being a bit partial. I listened to the FCB
> convention last year, to their town hall meeting with DBS, and it seemed
> like she'd get kind of antsy when asked a difficult question. This is my
> opinion. I shall withdraw this Resolution in light of Dan's comments.
> However, I do feel someone should write a resolution expressing our dismay
> at the changes in policy at the center in Daytona beach, and should
Commend
> Ms. Lap for her centers work. Hopefully this would make a good resolution,
> and that it will pass. RJ
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dan Hicks" <danjhicks at yahoo.com>
> To: "'NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List'" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2011 7:59 PM
> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] nfb center in florida
>
>
> All resolutions must have an NFBF member to take ownership of them and
speak
> in the resolutions committee meeting and on the convention floor in their
> behalf. If Craig is an NFBF member, he will be allowed to advocate for the
> resolution, with your permission, RJ. He will become the "author" of the
> resolution.
>
> I have kept out of this topic, thinking it might not amount to much. We
> welcome the resolution as much as we would welcome others, but I do not
> favor it, nor do I expect it to pass.
>
> I don't think we need a new center and I don't think we can support it.
The
> state of California is bigger than Florida, and they have not been able to
> keep one going. Centers need clients -- for which we would be in
competition
> with every other NFB center and every non-NFB center -- and they need
> funding. We are simply not likely to get the funding in this economic
> climate. Even if we could present a need, I just don't see it's happening
> for years, if ever.
>
> Now, what are our alternatives? Carolyn Lapp runs a center in South
Florida,
> and she says she uses NFB principles to operate it. She receives some
> clients and funding from DBS, but not nearly as many clients or as much
> money as she would like. I can't speak with any authority about the center
> -- Carolyn should be on this list to comment for herself -- but I have
heard
> some good things. I have made some referrals to her organization, when I
> have been asked for advice.
>
> If we are so very unhappy with the center in Daytona Beach that we feel it
> needs to be totally reworked or possibly replaced, then we need to be able
> to give specific complaints to Joyce Hildreth and Ed Hudson when they come
> to speak at the convention -- and when I say specific, I mean just that.
We
> are going to be required to fix what we have before we can have any hope
of
> getting something new -- and then maybe the something new will not be
> needed. It's just that simple.
>
> RJ, if you feel this strongly about it, you need to reconsider your
decision
> not to come to the convention this year.
>
> Dan Hicks
>
>
>
> "To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily.
> Not to dare is to lose oneself."
> - Soren Kierkegaard
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of
> > RJ Sandefur
> > Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2011 4:29 PM
> > To: NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
> > Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] nfb center in florida
> >
> > I didn't know this. I designate Craig Kiser to present the resolution,
as
> I
> > won't be able to make convention this year. RJ
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Gloria Hicks" <glorianfb at irescue-tax.com>
> > To: "'NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List'" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> > Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2011 4:22 PM
> > Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] nfb center in florida
> >
> >
> > Dear RJ,
> > I think that it is very nice that you are writing a resolution. Will you
> be
> > in St Petersburg at our state convention to present this resolution? As
I
> > understand the rules for resolutions, the author of the resolution must
be
> > present or some body he designates. Also, as the treasurer of NFBF I
have
> > not received your at large dues for this year, the presenter of the
> > resolution must be a member of the NFBF.
> > Actually, I have not received any at large dues this year; did every
body
> > join a chapter?
> >
> > Gloria Mills Hicks TR
> > 3708 W. Bay To Bay Blvd.
> > Tampa Florida 33629
> > 813 837-1100
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf
> > Of RJ Sandefur
> > Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2011 3:23 PM
> > To: NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
> > Subject: [Nfbf-l] nfbcenter in florida
> >
> > Please read the following. This is for those who do not have MS word.
Then
> > please comment upon what you've read.
> >
> > National Federation of the Blind of Florida
> >
> >
> >
> > RESOLUTION 2006-3
> >
> >
> >
> > Concerning the Florida Orientation and Adjustment Center
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > WHEREAS,
> >
> > The Orientation and Adjustment Center operated by the Florida Division
of
> > Blind Services is primarily for the purpose of assisting blind and
> visually
> > impaired Floridians to adjust their attitudes about blindness; and
> >
> >
> >
> > WHEREAS,
> >
> > There are centuries old myths, misconceptions and stereotypes about
> > blindness and the blind which have become generally accepted by the
public
> > and by the blind themselves; and
> >
> >
> >
> > WHEREAS,
> >
> > These myths, misconceptions and stereotypes result in limited
expectations
> > by both the public and the blind themselves; and
> >
> >
> >
> > WHEREAS,
> >
> > The teaching of the various skills of blindness such as Braille, cane
> > travel, assistive technology, etcetera are only a part of the training
> > necessary to overcome these myths, misconceptions and stereotypes; and
> >
> >
> >
> > WHEREAS,
> >
> > The acquisition of blindness skills alone will not adequately prepare
> blind
> > Floridians to succeed in order to live a full and productive life as an
> > active participant in society; and
> >
> >
> >
> > WHEREAS,
> >
> > It is essential to encourage blind Floridians to challenge the myths,
> > misconceptions and stereotypes, gain confidence through activities that
> > challenge their own beliefs and stretch their expectation; and
> >
> >
> >
> > WHEREAS,
> >
> > The Director of the Division of Blind Services, Craig Kaiser, has set
> forth
> > new policies for the operation of the Orientation and Adjustment Center
> > designed to focus on the adjustment to blindness aspect of the
residential
> > rehabilitation experience
> >
> >
> >
> > Now therefore BE IT RESOLVED that
> >
> > the National Federation of the Blind of Florida assembled this 28th day
of
> > May, 2006, in the City of Orlando, Florida endorses and supports the
> changes
> > being implemented by Director Kiser as embodied in the DBS document
quoted
> > below:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "Orientation and Adjustment Center
> >
> > May 1, 2006
> >
> >
> >
> > 1. Students enrolled in the Orientation and Adjustment Center
> > (general Rehabilitation track) will be required to participate on a
> fulltime
> > basis for an average period of six to nine months. A six-month stay
will
> > represent the minimum period of time that any student will be expected
to
> > participate in this residential rehabilitation program.
> >
> >
> >
> > 2. Students enrolled in the Orientation and Adjustment Center
> will
> > participate in the full curriculum, and will not be permitted to
customize
> > their program by excluding specific courses in their Individualized
Center
> > Plan (ICP.) All students will take core courses in: Braille;
Orientation
> > and Mobility; Key Boarding and Adaptive Technology; Home Management;
> > Personal Management, and Seminar Class. All students will be invited to
> > select one optional course to take for their personal growth and
training.
> > These optional courses will include: Arts and Crafts, Horticulture,
> > tailored Academic Instruction, or other course offerings that may be
made
> > available to students from time-to-time.
> >
> >
> >
> > 3. Consideration will be given to expanding periods of course
> > instruction for classes in Orientation and Mobility and Home Management.
> > These courses traditionally are better received with more time than the
> > traditional 50-minute period.
> >
> >
> >
> > 4. Class instructors and all center staff will emphasize
problem
> > solving, self-sufficiency, and independence in all interactions with
> > students. Students, when faced with a question or challenge, will be
> > encouraged to engage in exploration and critical thinking to identify
> > solutions to their situations. Use of the Socratic method and basic
> > principles of Structured Discovery theory will be effective tools for
> > facilitating this objective. In short, staff are not to immediately
offer
> > help when it is requested, but are to encourage students to seek answers
> to
> > their own questions.
> >
> >
> >
> > 5. All students in training at the Orientation and Adjustment
> > Center are to carry the cane issued by the agency with them at all times
> > during their residential rehabilitation program. This practice will
> > positively contribute to their increased independent travel skills and
may
> > also be useful in helping students to acknowledge and cope with public
> > identification as a blind person and emotional acceptance of their
limited
> > sight. Similarly, blind agency staff members are urged to carry a cane
or
> > use a dog when on duty. In addition to being necessary for safe travel,
> it
> > will serve as positive modeling for students who look to them for role
> > guidance.
> >
> >
> >
> > 6. Students enrolled in the Orientation and Adjustment Center
> who
> > use a guide dog may keep and use their service animal during training,
but
> > will be expected to participate in cane travel during formal Orientation
> and
> > mobility classes. During these instances, the students guide dog will
> need
> > to be resting and not in use. Instructors at the Orientation and
> Adjustment
> > Center are not trained to offer travel instruction with a service
animal,
> > and it is the policy of this program that the foundations of independent
> > mobility must first be mastered with a cane before students exercise
their
> > option to use a guide dog for traveling. Barring these qualifications,
> > students with guide dogs will be welcome to attend the program with
their
> > service animal.
> >
> >
> >
> > 7. No student enrolled at the orientation and Adjustment
Center
> > may use Sighted Guide" technique for traveling, either on or off campus
in
> > relation to all formally sponsored instruction, once they have been
issued
> a
> > cane and given a brief orientation to the training campus.
> >
> >
> >
> > 8. In an effort to foster greater student independence and
> > initiative, the cafeteria at the Orientation and Adjustment Center will
> only
> > provide sandwich and salad bars every evening making it necessary that
> > students wanting a full hot meal use their developing mobility skills to
> > leave campus and acquire their evening meal. Students will be
encouraged
> to
> > use this opportunity to practice bus or taxi travel, to function
> > independently in a public restaurant, and to develop healthy relations
by
> > offering support to one another. Additional maintenance will be
provided
> to
> > cover such costs. Staff will not provide shopping trips for students.
> > Students will be provided information regarding public transportation
and
> > location of malls, stores, etc.
> >
> >
> >
> > 9. Extracurricular programs will be established within fiscal
> > constraints to stretch and challenge enrolled students at the
Orientation
> > and Adjustment Center. Some of these programs may include camping,
> skiing,
> > or other spontaneous events that require students to practice their
skills
> > and build their self-confidence by performing tasks that they
> traditionally
> > believe a person cannot independently manage with non-visual techniques.
> >
> >
> >
> > 10. All students will participate in regularly scheduled
seminar"
> or
> > "philosophy" classes calculated to stimulate student reflection and
> > understanding of the emotional and social issues/barriers faced by blind
> > people living in the everyday world. Such sessions, at a minimum,
should
> > occur once a week, but gradually the frequency of these classes should
> > increase to at least two days per week.
> >
> >
> >
> > 11. All students with residual sight will participate in formal
> > classes and organized extracurricular activities under Vision occluders.
> > Outside of the scheduled class day (8:00 AM-4:30 PM) and occasionally
> > planned extracurricular activities, students may function without their
> > Vision occluders. This policy is designed to enable students of the
> > Orientation and Adjustment Center to build confidence in performing
daily
> > activities using non-visual techniques. It is not a policy calculated
to
> > minimize the value of ones residual vision where such sight can be
> > efficiently used, but is instead used in training to create an optimal
> > environment for practicing one's non-visual skill development. Once it
> has
> > been determined that a particular student has thoroughly mastered use of
> > non-visual techniques, students with useful residual vision may spend
> their
> > last several weeks in training without Vision occluders to practice
> > low-vision techniques, e.g. use of Zoomtext, etc. Every effort will be
> made
> > to minimize student apprehension, which may arise when vision occluder
use
> > is originally introduced. Minor exceptions to this policy may be
adopted
> at
> > the discretion of the Administrator of the Orientation and Adjustment
> Center
> > to accommodate students with unique circumstances. The intention,
though,
> > is that the vision occluder policy will be enforced with relative
> uniformity
> > and consistency. After an evaluation by the Administrator or his/her
> > designee at the Orientation and Training Center, decisions will be
reached
> > as to the appropriate tool to use to achieve visual occlusion. During
the
> > initial student evaluation, students may be assessed without Vision
> > occluders, but if it is determined that their vision is sufficiently
poor
> to
> > remain in the program for training, these students will be advised of,
and
> > subject to, this vision occlusion policy. Following sufficient
training,
> > class instructors should teach under Vision occluders to demonstrate the
> > efficacy of non-visual approaches where this will encourage their
students
> > to embrace this training practice.
> >
> >
> >
> > 12. In light of the extended enrollment obligation, eligible
> > students will be afforded longer access to the four existing student
> > apartments for practicing their independent living skills (e.g. cooking,
> > cleaning, and other home management techniques) before graduating.
> >
> >
> >
> > 13. New staff employed to work at the Orientation and Adjustment
> > Center will undergo training as a fully immersed student for a period of
> at
> > least three months before they commence their formal teaching
> > responsibilities. These new hires will take all courses and participate
> in
> > training activities under the same terms and conditions required of all
> > students, e.g. vision occlusion and cane usage. A procedure for an
> > abbreviated training of this nature will also be developed for new hires
> > throughout the agency that are not specifically assigned to work in the
> > Orientation and Adjustment Center. Provision will also be made, on an
> > on-going and staggered basis, to expose existing agency staff to such
> > blindness orientation training. The Administrator of the Orientation
and
> > Adjustment Center will possess the discretion to amend or implement this
> > policy to take account of any unanticipated operational exigencies."
> >
> > Now here are the changes which were made at the center.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Introduction:
> >
> > The mission of the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually
> > Impaired is to empower individuals with varying degrees of vision loss
to
> > achieve independence. Below is a description of our referral process,
our
> > residential program, our Independent Living Skills program and our
current
> > vocational programs. Included are contacts for the various categories.
> We
> > encourage you to call or email us with whatever questions you have. We
> > attempt to provide as individualized a program as possible for each of
> your
> > clients and welcome your involvement in the process.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > REFERRALS
> >
> >
> >
>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > ----
> >
> > To refer a client to any of our Center's programs, e-mail your referral
> memo
> > to the attention of Mary Dixon.
> >
> >
> >
> > The referral is to include student's name, program being referred, any
> past
> > rehab training, any medical problems we should be aware of, and any
> > psychological history or current treatment.
> >
> >
> >
> > For all programs, the following is needed:
> >
> >
> >
> > 1. Referral memo
> >
> > 2. The following reports on AWARE: Client Application, Education
> History,
> > Eye Exam, and IPE with the following codes included:
> >
> >
> >
> > TRANSPORTATION
> >
> >
> >
> > Transportation is necessary regardless of the program, even if clients
are
> > coming only for a short assessment or if they plan to arrive/depart via
> > private transportation. The reason the transportation code is needed is
> > that they may have to take a taxi to/from Greyhound and other
destinations
> > while they are here .
> >
> > Common Carrier Transportation Code 071060 is what we use.
> >
> >
> >
> > MEDICAL
> >
> > The medical code is needed for all students regardless of the program or
> the
> > expected duration of their stay. We use their insurance whenever
> possible,
> > but unexpected situations can arise suddenly in a residential program
and
> we
> > have to be prepared.
> >
> > We recommend Medical Incidental 98999 to cover any medical issue without
a
> > cost attached.
> >
> >
> >
> > MAINTENANCE
> >
> > All students who are here for more than an assessment are given
> > $100.00/month. We ask the students to use this money to interact and
> > recreate in the community. The referring VR counselor provides the
first
> > maintenance check and the Rehab Center provides the rest.
> >
> >
> >
> > Training Maintenance Code 061000 is needed to cover all maintenance.
> >
> >
> >
> > The following codes are often included, or can be added to the plan as
> > needed. When you amend a plan for a client attending the center, we
> review
> > the amendments with your client, print off the last page of the plan
from
> > AWARE, have the client sign the new plan and mail you the hard copy.
> >
> >
> >
> > LOW VISION
> >
> > Low vision screening and evaluation are again being offered while your
> > client is here. The Center will pay for the evaluation, but the codes
> must
> > be included in the plan. An advantage of having this screening done
here
> is
> > that the staff can work with your clients in learning to use their low
> > vision aides in a variety of settings. The first two codes that are
> > necessary to have the evaluation are:
> >
> >
> >
> > Initial Exam 192370 $170.00
> >
> >
> >
> > Refraction 92015 $50.00
> >
> >
> >
> > If your student needs low vision aides, we will contact you with the
> > recommendations. If you approve the recommendations, you can amend the
> plan
> > accordingly to include:
> >
> >
> >
> > Low vision Aids under $600.00 039920
> >
> >
> >
> > Low vision Aids over $600.00 039925
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT
> >
> >
> >
> > For clients to receive a vocational assessment at the center, codes are
> not
> > needed. We do the assessment as part of the program. However, we
> > anticipate vocational assessments will primarily be done in the home
area.
> > There may be times when it is better to do the assessments here such as
if
> > transportation in the home area is difficult. Also, if you have a
client
> > who needs a more comprehensive assessment, including observation of the
> > client in a wider variety of settings, you may want us to provide the
> > assessment.
> >
> >
> >
> > This is not all inclusive. These are the more frequently used codes.
> Other
> > situations and evaluations which call for additional codes can be worked
> out
> > with the client, the VR counselor and our case managers.
> >
> >
> >
> > When we receive your referral memo, we will send your client an inform
> > packet which will contain a copy of the Center's Student Handbook,
Medical
> > Insurance Questionnaire Form and a stamped, self-addressed envelope for
> the
> > client to return the signed Handbook signature form and completed
Medical
> > Questionnaire. We also enclose the Center's Physician's Statement of
> > Client's Health Form which the personal physician is requested to
complete
> > with medical information no more than one year old and fax to the number
> > conveniently noted at the bottom of the form. Once the medical report
is
> > received, we will then send the entire file over to our medical staff
for
> > review.
> >
> > It should be emphasized that no referral is added to the waiting list
> UNTIL
> > the medical form is completed and sent to us. Referrals are generally
put
> > on the list in the order the medical is received, regardless of how long
> it
> > has been since you have referred the client.
> >
> >
> >
> > For specific questions, please contact Mary Dixon directly: 386.254.3838
> >
> >
> >
> > CASE MANAGEMENT
> >
> >
> >
> > Students are assigned to case managers based on the program. One case
> > manager has responsibility for the Independent Living Skills (ILS)
> program,
> > the other for the Vocational programs
> >
> >
> >
> > The primary role of the case manager is to coordinate all aspects of the
> > student's training, as well as to maintain involvement with the
referring
> > counselor.
> >
> >
> >
> > Clients are assigned a center case manager before they start the
program.
> > The case manager calls the student at home shortly after they are
invited.
> > The case manager talks with the student, gaining information about their
> > background and center expectations. The information gathered is
> distributed
> > to staff who will be working with the student.
> >
> > On the first Monday the student is here, the case manager meets with him
> or
> > her to orient the student to what will happen during the first two weeks
> and
> > to complete a thorough social history.
> >
> >
> >
> > The case manager works with the student throughout their training
program
> to
> > plan, link and monitor the delivery of services, to conduct and
facilitate
> > staff meetings with the student and referring counselor and to help
direct
> > the focus of the training so that everyone is working together to help
the
> > student reach his or her goals.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > For specific information, please contact Renea Keough 386.254.3843
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > RESIDENTIAL FACILITY:
> >
> > The Residential Training Facility at the Rehabilitation Center for the
> Blind
> > and Visually Impaired is located at 1132 Willis Avenue, Daytona Beach FL
> > 32114. The facility offers dormitory suite-style living and is offered
to
> > students who do not live in the Daytona Beach area and plan to attend
the
> > school for rehabilitation. The facility also serves as a training site
for
> > apartment living.
> >
> >
> >
> > The Residential Training Facility consists of three stories. The second
> and
> > third floors are student rooms/suites with the second floor designated
for
> > the ladies and the third floor designated for the men. There are 10
double
> > occupancy rooms, 16 single occupancy rooms and 4 apartments. One single
> > suite, as well as one apartment suite is designated as ADA. All suites
> > include a bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchenette area, but not
set
> > up for cooking. Also located on the second floor, are the training
> > apartments which also include a bedroom, bathroom, living room and
> > kitchenette area and are equipped with a fully functional oven/stove,
> > microwave oven and a full size refrigerator for training purposes. Only
> the
> > Independent Living Skills students are eligible for the apartment
program.
> > Students are graduated into these apartments only after they have
> > demonstrated the skills through their Home and Personal Management
> classes.
> > The instructors for these classes determine when the student is ready
for
> > apartment training. Once the student enters the apartment training
> program,
> > he/she will work with the instructor(s) on the overall experience, to
> > include addressing any outstanding needs areas.
> >
> >
> >
> > The first floor includes staff administration and lobby areas, as well
as
> a
> > student common area which offers: a theatre, fitness room (treadmill,
> > stationary bike, elliptical, nautilus, and free weights), common/reading
> > room, & small café which offer students continental breakfast on
weekends
> > and simple snacks 24 hours per day. In addition, there are soda and
snack
> > machines located in each elevator lobby on the second and third floors.
> > Students are issued a key card which will gain them access to their
> assigned
> > room/suites, all campus gates and the main doors of the dormitory after
> > hours. There is a smoking patio out behind the dormitory with picnic
> tables
> > throughout the area for student time off and recreation. Students have
> > access to these areas 24 hours a day.
> >
> >
> >
> > Residential staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. A nurse
> is
> > available on-site for students Monday through Friday, 7a-11p with
on-call
> > coverage provided for overnight and weekend coverage. The purpose of the
> > nurse is to provide assessment for the student and determine whether or
> not
> > the student requires emergency care. If the student requires emergency
> > care, he/she is transported to Halifax Hospital Emergency Room which is
> > located near the Center. The nurse will then follow up with the
student's
> > primary care physician, if applicable.
> >
> >
> >
> > The Dining Facility is located just North of the Dormitory and connected
> by
> > a covered walkway. All meals are served cafeteria style. There is a
> beverage
> > counter available which offers coffee, hot tea, iced tea, juice, ice and
> > water. Students are offered three meals per day, Monday through Friday
> with
> > lunch and dinner service offered on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast on
> these
> > days is served continental style in the Dormitory Café. Fruit and snacks
> are
> > available to students 24 hours per day with an additional snack time
> nightly
> > at 8:30p.
> >
> >
> >
> > Recreation and shopping trips are scheduled throughout the week with
> > residential staff. A weekly trip to Wal-Mart is built into the schedule
on
> > Wednesday nights. This trip is provided, so that the student may
purchase
> > any personal need items. A trip to DeLeon Springs is scheduled twice per
> > year usually in late May and early September where students can enjoy
> > swimming in the springs, canoe and paddle boat rides. Other trips are
> > scheduled as permitted.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > For specific information, please contact: Deb Dirmeir, Residential
> > Supervisor 386.254.3860
> >
> >
> >
> > INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS (ILS):
> >
> >
> > When a student comes to the center for ILS training, they first
> participate
> > in a two week evaluation in the core curriculum areas. When the two
week
> > evaluation is completed, center staff meet with the student to discuss
> what
> > we see as their needs to reach their goals. The student's agreement
with
> > the recommendations and estimated time in the program constitutes the
> > Individualized Center Plan (ICP). The student does not have to return
> home
> > to wait for a start date. They begin their training on the following
> > Monday. Progress staffings are held every six weeks after that to
review
> > the progress over the past six weeks, to make sure the goals are still
> clear
> > to all of us and to more closely estimate how long the student will be
> here.
> > An exit staffing is held at the end of the program to review progress
and
> to
> > help direct the student toward their next step. Whenever possible, the
> home
> > counselor joins the staffings via telephone.
> >
> >
> >
> > The Independent Living Skills Program's core curriculum of classes
include
> > Home and Personal Management, Mobility, Employment Skills and Adaptive
> > Technology. Classes including Braille, Crafts, Effective
Communications,
> > College Prep, Home Maintenance, Devices, Handwriting, Talking
Calculator,
> > and Life Skills are offered as electives; however, these classes may be
> > recommended for students by instructors. As students complete areas,
they
> > are allowed an independent study hour. During that time, students may
> > enroll in personal enrichment courses available through Hadley School
for
> > the Blind. These courses could involve students signing up for the
Hadley
> > High School Diploma program, or Adult Continuing Education program.
> > Hadley's adult Continuing Education Program offers classes relevant to
> > visually impaired and blind adults and their families.
> >
> >
> >
> > The Access Technology Program, also known as Adaptive Technology is
> > two-fold: First, it is available to clients who either have immediate
> > vocational or educational goals. Second, this program is available to
> > clients/students interested in learning to use the computer (and
adaptive
> > software) for personal use or in preparation for a vocation. This class
> > involves a full day of computer classes and with a time-frame of one
week
> to
> > three months or above. This program requires a separate referral.
> >
> >
> >
> > For more details, please contact Doug Hall at 386.254.3846
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY or ACCESS TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (AT)
> >
> >
> >
> > The approach to Adaptive Technology training at the center has been
> modified
> > to accommodate more individuals. When a student finishes their core
> classes
> > in the ILS Program, they can now stay for computer training. Also, a
> client
> > can be referred just for computer training. Please keep in mind the
> > following priorities: The top priority is for a student who is
currently
> > working or in school. The second priority is for a student who has been
> > promised a job or is accepted to school. The last priority is for
> computer
> > knowledge for personal enrichment.
> >
> >
> >
> > For more details, please call Cynthia Slater, supervisor of instruction
> > 386.254.3833
> >
> >
> >
> > BUREAU OF BUSINESS ENTERPRISES PROGRAM (BBE)
> >
> >
> >
> > The BBE (Bureau of Business Enterprises) Program relies on field
> counselors
> > to identify likely candidates who have the interest, basic skills and
> drive
> > to independently manage a food service facility.
> >
> >
> >
> > Once the client, who is interested in becoming a successful Business
> > Enterprise manager, completes the necessary documentation and one-week
> work
> > experience, the General Services Manager (GSM) in the BBE state office,
> > approves referral to the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and
Visually
> > Impaired in Daytona Beach for a two to three week assessment and
> evaluation.
> > Upon receipt of the referral from the GSM and/or Home Counselor, The
> > Center's Rehabilitation Technician (RT) sends the candidate a packet of
> > forms to complete and information about the Center. Once the completed
> > forms are returned and reviewed, the Center's Referral Committee
schedules
> a
> > start date and the candidate is invited by the RT.
> >
> >
> >
> > While at the Center, the candidate is given a battery of tests,
including
> > vocational interest, aptitude and psychological assessment, and the
> person's
> > independent living (Home and Personal Management), mobility,
> communications
> > and adaptive technology skills are assessed.
> >
> >
> >
> > At the end of the evaluation period, an exit/transfer staffing is held,
> with
> > the candidate, Center case manager, instructors and Home Counselor, to
> > review and discuss needs and plans. This information is then provided
to
> > the Bureau of Business Enterprise which will make the final
determination
> on
> > the candidate's request to enter the training program.
> >
> >
> >
> > If significant needs are indicated, the student may enroll in a program
of
> > remedial instruction, either at the Center or in his/her home area.
> >
> >
> >
> > BBE class:
> >
> >
> >
> > Generally, no more than five students are accepted and scheduled into
each
> > session of BBE training classes. The course consists of six modules
> > (Vending Machines; Food Safety and Sanitation; Food Service and
Cafeteria;
> > Record Keeping and Business Forms; Business Start Up; and Business
> > Management), Excel and Computer Instruction, and Business Math. At the
end
> > of each of the six modules, the student's knowledge and understanding is
> > tested. (Note: the student has two tries to achieve a passing score, but
> if
> > he/she fails to obtain at least a 75, he/she is out of the program.)
Once
> > the client successfully completes the BBE coursework, he/she
participates
> in
> > an on-the-job training to obtain advanced skills, prior to receiving a
> food
> > service license and applying for a food service facility.
> >
> >
> >
> > For more details, please contact Harry McEwen, MA, CVE, CRC at
> 386.254.3853
> >
> >
> >
> > CONTRACT MANAGEMENT (CM)
> >
> >
> >
> > Lighthouse Central Florida (LHCF) has received funding to establish a
> > program to assess and provide basic training for candidates who wish to
> > become Contract Managers. Counselors who have clients who wish to
enroll
> in
> > this program, should contact Light House Central Florida (LHCF) with
> > inquiries and referrals. If LHCF wishes, The Rehabilitation Center may
> > provide an approximate two-week assessment and evaluation for candidates
> for
> > that project. Areas of assessment include vocational interest,
aptitude
> > and psychological testing, in addition to the Center's usual Adaptive
> > Technology (computer skills), Orientation and Mobility, Communications
and
> > Independent Living (Personal and Home Management) Skills. At the end of
> the
> > two-week evaluation, an evaluation staffing is held to review the
> student's
> > performance in the necessary areas. Attending the staffing (in addition
to
> > the client) are Center staff, the client's home counselor and
> > representatives from LHCF. The student may be accepted to advance to the
> > next phase of the training at LHCF or be enrolled for additional
training
> at
> > the Center to obtain necessary basic skills. When the student and
> Center's
> > instructors feel that the student has obtained sufficient skills,
another
> > staffing is held to acquaint LHCF with the progress.
> >
> >
> >
> > Conclusion:
> >
> >
> >
> > All our programs are designed to help the client become as independent
as
> > possible in their living, learning and working environments. To achieve
> > this goal, we work with not only the client, but also with their
available
> > support, which includes their family whenever possible and always their
> home
> > or referring DBS counselor. If we can provide more information, please
do
> > not hesitate to contact us.
> >
> > Now, here's the resulution I am proposing.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Resolution concerning the creation of an NFB center in
> > Florida
> >
> > Where as in 2006, Craig Kiser, former director
implemented
> > positive changes at the rehabilitation center in Daytona beach in order
to
> > foster independence, and where as these policies have been discontinued
by
> > the corrent director, and where as the national federation of the blind
> of
> > Florida was not consulted concerning these proposed changes in policy by
> the
> > courent director, Now Therefor Be it resolved by the National federation
> of
> > the Blind of Florida That the President of this organization along with
> > Craig Kiser former director of the Florida division of blind services
> shall
> > consult with the directors of the three NFB training centers concerning
> the
> > creation of an NFB center, and how to go about establishing an NFB
center
> in
> > this state and be it further resolved, that Craig Kiser, shall be
involved
> > in all meetings concerning its creation.
> >
> > RJ
> > _______________________________________________
> > Nfbf-l mailing list
> > Nfbf-l at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> > Nfbf-l:
> >
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-l_nfbnet.org/glorianfb%40irescue-
> > tax.com
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Nfbf-l mailing list
> > Nfbf-l at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> > Nfbf-l:
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-
> > l_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Nfbf-l mailing list
> > Nfbf-l at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Nfbf-l:
> >
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-l_nfbnet.org/danjhicks%40yahoo.co
> m
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbf-l mailing list
> Nfbf-l at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Nfbf-l:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-
> l_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbf-l mailing list
> Nfbf-l at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Nfbf-l:
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-l_nfbnet.org/danjhicks%40yahoo.co
m
More information about the NFBF-L
mailing list