[Njabs-talk] April 11 conference call minutes

[Melissa Hurff]

NJABS Conference Call 
Sunday April 11, 2009
 
 
Meeting came to order at 8:00pm 
Attendees: Evelyn Valdez: President
                    Shafeka Hash-Hash: Vice President
                    Melissa Hurff: Board Member
                    Gregory Rivera: Board Member
                    Jon Rowan: Board Member
                    Paul Grenier 
                    Jessica Scannell
                    Daniel Romero 
                    Jason Capati 
                    Jeremy Capati  
                    Esha Mehta 
                    Brent Batron
                       
                                                                                    
Melissa Hurff- Recited NFB pledge
Guest Speakers: Brent Batron: Youth Services Coordinator at the Colorado Center for the Blind 
                              Esha Mehta: Graduate of the Colorado Center for the Blind (Independence 
                              Training Program)            
 
I.)            Discussion Topics
A.)   Difference between Independence Training Program(ITP) and High School Summer 
       Program
B.)    How to receive funding for the ITP program.
      a.)   State agencies fund for students to receive training at the center for both      
             Programs
      b.)   Talk to your NJ Commission for the Blind counselor to start the process
      c.)   If you have problems contact Joe Ruffalo (NFB state President) or NJ client 
            assistant program          
C.)    Differences between all 3 Centers
      a.)   Colorado Center is city travel 
      b.)   Louisiana Center is more suburban/ rural areas
      c.)   Blind Inc is geared towards urban
      d.)   However, all 3 centers provide extensive and intensive training. The classes and
            techniques are all the same at each center.   
D.)   Classes at Colorado Center
      a.)   Braille 
      b.)   Home Management 
      c.)   Technology 
      d.)   Travel
      e.)   Industrial Arts 
       f.)    Organizational Skills
E.)    When is the best time to go to the Colorado Center?
      a.)   Anytime is a “good” time; however, many people say it is more beneficial to attend             the center before college. 
F.)    Why should you go to the center?
       a.)   To gain confidence 
       b.)   To gain Independence 
       c.)   To gain lasting friendships and a second family 
       d.)   Excellent way to find connections in your career choice 
G.)   Esha Mehta walked us through an ordinary day at the Colorado Center
       a.)   Take bus and light rail to the center every morning and also in the afternoon to get               home
        b.)   Classes are from 8-4:30
        c.)   Sleep shades are mandatory during this time for classes 
        d.)   Weekends and evenings are free. Students are able to do whatever they desire
        e.)   An apartment is shared with one other student.    
H.)   The Center participates in the mandatory Town Rec. Activities include:
        a.)   Skiing 
        b.)   Hiking 
        c.)   Rock Climbing 
        d.)   Canoeing
        e.)   Rafting 
         f.)    Driving a Car!
        g.)   Trips to the Carson Nature Center 
        h.)   Scuba diving is in process  
 
For more information such as literature and DVD contact Robert Eyson at the Colorado Center for the Blind
303-778-1130 
Or go on the Colorado Center Website at:
www.cocenter.org 
For information about the High School Summer Program contact Brent Batron at: 
bbatron at cocenter.org    
If you would like a student perspective feel free to email Esha Mehta at dreamer2289 at gmail.com 
Meeting adjourned at 8:56 
 
 
  		 	   		  
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