[Rehab] Subject: Hello from Blaine – Exploring Structured Discovery Certification

[Blaine Deutscher]

Hi Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well!

My name is Blaine, and I’m currently looking into becoming structured
discovery certified. I’m from Canada, so right now I’m in the process of
learning the regulations and figuring out the logistics to come down and
pursue this exciting journey. I’ve been doing some research on the
apprenticeship program, but I wanted to ask for some general feedback on
the differences between the Louisiana Tech master’s program and the
apprenticeship program.

I understand that with the apprenticeship, you do an immersion phase at a
center for about 3 months, and then move to another center for 800 hours of
apprenticeship. The immersion phase seems like a great opportunity to get a
feel for things and discover what you enjoy. How does this work at
Louisiana Tech? I know students go to LCB for a stint, but do they also
follow it with an apprenticeship afterward?

A little about me: As mentioned, I’m Canadian, and structured discovery
isn’t widely recognized here unless you work as a private contractor. The
organization CNIB has a branch called Vision Loss Rehab Canada (VLRC), but
they don’t recognize blind people as being capable of becoming orientation
and mobility instructors, unlike the structured discovery model. In fact,
they don’t believe blind individuals can pursue careers in O&M due to
safety concerns. While other areas like assistive technology and rehab are
open to blind professionals, VLRC’s stance on O&M is a significant barrier
for anyone wanting to pursue that path in Canada.

I first learned about structured discovery through friends who attended the
Louisiana Center for the Blind (LCB). I was so impressed by the program,
especially seeing blind people navigate a large hotel confidently at the
NFB convention. I love that structured discovery not only teaches practical
skills but also emphasizes a positive philosophy. Here in Canada, O&M
instructors only see clients once or twice a week, while centers in the
U.S. provide daily, more intensive training. It’s one thing to teach
someone how to use a cane or cook, but it’s another when you help them
believe in themselves. I’m inspired by how blind people who’ve gone through
structured discovery are truly living the life they want. I often see blind
people enjoying life with their families—parents taking their kids to the
fair, and blind couples doing everything together, which is something
that’s less common in Canada.

I really appreciate everyone’s feedback so far! I have some logistical
details to work out, like what to do with my wife while I’m doing the
apprenticeship program. I’m considering doing my immersion at LCB and then
possibly moving on to Saavy Services, as they mentioned my wife could join
me. The big challenge, of course, is affordability. Living on a long-term
disability income while doing some podcast editing on the side doesn’t
leave much room to save, especially when a large portion of the income is
going to rent and basic needs. I’m figuring out how to make the trip work,
including food and living expenses during both the immersion and
apprenticeship phases.

My wife and I had a good conversation after the NFB convention and agreed
that if I found a job in the States, we’d sell everything and start fresh
down there.

One more thing—I’m a Seeing Eye graduate, and I was wondering if any of you
orientation and mobility instructors who are also guide dog handlers could
share what you do with your dog while you’re working. If you're teaching
assistive technology, you could probably leave your dog in a kennel in the
classroom, but what about when you're out all day with students? Do you
leave your dog back at the center and pick them up during lunch or after
work? I’d love to hear how others manage this.

Thanks again for all the great feedback and support. I look forward to
hearing from everyone and learning more about this incredible field.

Best,
Blaine