[nobe-l] public vs. private schools

Wed Nov 16 17:24:57 UTC 2016

Mariane,

You might look into providing online tutoring for homeschoolers. I have used Alpha Omega’s online school curriculum for many years using my Mac and Voice Over to manage the admin of the curriculum and the grading and helping of students through the messaging system and grading system along with using outside tech like Skype and Moodle classroom system (free version similar to Blackboard that actually works and is accessible). Start with stuff you know works and then expand. 

In person tutoring could easily be done, too, using Mac and Voice Over since Apple has ways to connect systems so you can read in braille or audio of what is being done on a student’s machine. Apple designed it, so a teacher can see and even control a classroom full of 30 or 40 computers. I also find that the free and occasional fee upgrades for Apple are much better on my business overhead that all of the expensive upgrades with Windows, Windows programs, and JAWS.

I figure if I can do it being DeafBlind unable to hear and only have touch and braille as options, hearing blind should be able to find an option that works. Of course, you need a tech savvy person to get you started. Fortunately, Apple does have training classes for Special Needs and accessibility options to get you started.

Renée K. Walker and SEGDI guides, Nala and Joey (retired)

In The Shadow of The Master Teacher, Jesus Christ,
Renée K. Walker, Ed.S.
Principal/CEO
Wynfield Christian Academy
DeafBlind Hope
143 Williamson Dr.
Macon, GA 31210
Monroe County
(978) 563-9663
Fax: Email documents to rkwalker at wynfieldca.org or mail
(478) 845-2294 (Deaf IP Relay direct line)

> On Nov 16, 2016, at 11:57 AM, Marianne - Haas via NOBE-L <nobe-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Good Morning,
> I agree with you.  I am a blind Teacher, now retired on disability in CA.  The last District I worked for as a Blind Teacher of the visually impaired  refused to provide an Assistant to drive me and read job related materials.  One month before the school year was over I finally was provided a computer with jaws and open book.  They used an IEP program that was somewhat accessible.  I was never trained on that program.  I often had to stand in the heat to wait for a bus.  That increased my secondary disabilities to the point, where I cannot work full time any more.  I never  found a Christian school or other private school, willing to give me a chance.  I am trying to have my own business, tutoring, advocacy for parents of students with special needs, and employment counseling for adults.  I have not made in roads yet, but I am still trying.  Does anyone on this list have any experience with tutoring businesses?
> 
> Marianne
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NOBE-L [mailto:nobe-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Renee Walker via NOBE-L
> Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2016 8:07 AM
> To: National Organization of Blind Educators Mailing List
> Cc: Renee Walker
> Subject: Re: [nobe-l] public vs. private schools
> 
> I am CEO of a private school. I have taught 35 years in public and private schools and often at the same time (flexible schedules). As far as accommodations for me as first a Deaf teacher and then as a DeafBlind teacher in public schools and private schools there were none. As a Deaf person who could read lips very well, I never asked for any and knew little ASL, anyway. That varies in states, though, and by individual school. The biggest difference is that with the ADA, you can fight for reasonable accommodations in a public school, and you will usually win. Likely the only times, you would fail is if the system is in a very poor or rural area without the means to provide or non-existent resources in the area. Private schools are often too small to provide. In my school, I can’t often provide for myself, but I work hard to make things work for my students who often come to me when they are NOT provided for in the local public system, and no other private school has the resources or even understands. By nature, I can help Deaf and DeafBlind students through experience and ASL which I am now fluent in with pro-tactile ASL methods.
> 
> You can always demand, but you must remember the ADA only supports reasonable accommodations, so know your needs and your options and be willing to compromise or even willing to choose another location when your needs are too great for the school.
> 
> Renée K. Walker and SEGDI Guides Nala and Joey (retired)
> 
> In The Shadow of The Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, Renée K. Walker, Ed.S.
> Principal/CEO
> Wynfield Christian Academy
> DeafBlind Hope
> 143 Williamson Dr.
> Macon, GA 31210
> Monroe County
> (978) 563-9663
> Fax: Email documents to rkwalker at wynfieldca.org or mail
> (478) 845-2294 (Deaf IP Relay direct line)
> 
> 
> 
>> On Nov 16, 2016, at 10:20 AM, Kayla James via NOBE-L <nobe-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> I was wondering about this, because I am looking at certifications.
>> One certification is the Acsi Elementary education certificate:
>> Association of Christian Schools International. Or just a public 
>> school certification.
>> And what is it like in working in private schools vs. public schools.
>> 
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