[rehab] question for the list

Tue Aug 6 19:53:18 UTC 2013

We now do a 600-hour or four months training.  The idea of immersing someone for just one week disturbs me a little.  I think you need enough time to realize that blindness does not have to be scary.  One week spells out scary in big bold letters for me.  Dick said it so eloquently about the training; I couldn't add more to that if I tried.  Instead of trying, I am quoting.  *smile*  "It seems like those centers that have such a requirement also do the best work.  That is kind of a no brainer, because staff immersion training provides a knowledge base, an attitude base, and a confidence base, all of which a person needs to work effectively with blind people.  As far as I can tell, blindness rehabilitation is the only field that questions such fundamental career preparation, and it shows in the kind of services (or lack thereof) that blind people get.  If you can't walk the walk, you won't be able to talk the talk, at least not convincingly."
Dick Davis

-----Original Message-----
From: rehab [mailto:rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lansaw,Jane (DARS)
Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2013 2:27 PM
To: Rehabilitation Counselor Mailing List
Subject: Re: [rehab] question for the list

Amen to walking the walk.  When I was in Nebraska immersion was 3 months flat for everyone.  Still, I'd like to find some data.  When I was majoring in English Education, we did a lot of reading and writing.  Much of it in the  Ed department was children's lit and teen lit because we were aiming for certification in 9-12.  Looked like immersion to me.  I need to sell it though and need more data than, the cool kids are doing it.  You and I both know why it's a good idea but umbrella agencies are often lead by people outside blindness and/or education.  I'll keep digging and watching the lists in case someone comes up with a publication I can wave around.  

Yours on the barricades,

Jane

-----Original Message-----
From: rehab [mailto:rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dick Davis
Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2013 2:12 PM
To: Rehabilitation Counselor Mailing List
Subject: Re: [rehab] question for the list

Jane,
I don't know of anyone who collects such data; maybe Dr. Bell?  At BLIND, Inc., we require new hires to go through three months of training.  I am sure the same is the case in Louisiana and Colorado.  New Mexico requires either two or three months. Nebraska is either three or six months, I
forget.  Iowa has training too.   I am sure BISM has a similar
requirement.  Hawaii does for sure.  It seems like those centers that have such a requirement also do the best work.  That is kind of a no brainer, because staff immersion training provides a knowledge base, an attitude base, and a confidence base, all of which a person needs to work effectively with blind people.  As far as I can tell, blindness rehabilitation is the only field that questions such fundamental career preparation, and it shows in the kind of services (or lack thereof) that blind people get.  If you can't walk the walk, you won't be able to talk the talk, at least not convincingly.
Dick Davis

-----Original Message-----
From: rehab [mailto:rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lansaw,Jane
(DARS)
Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2013 1:09 PM
To: Rehabilitation Counselor Mailing List
Subject: [rehab] question for the list

Hi folks,

I'm looking for some data because I'm curious.  I know a lot of training centers immerse staff in non-visual training for a time when they are newly hired.  I know why I think this is a good idea but I'd like to hear from others.  Why is this a good idea?  Is there any data out there to support the fact?

Thank you,

Jane Lansaw

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