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

[debandjeff at allophone.com]

Hello Blaine,

I can provide you with some information regarding your questions. 

The apprenticeship will allow you to earn the NOMC; however, a lot depends on where you are looking to work. Many employers want at least a Batchlor's Degree, and many want a Masters in order to consider you for employment. 

Now, there are a number of private agencies, and subcontracting opportunities, so the apprenticeship can work if you choose to go this route. There is also the Masters Certificate program through Louisiana Tech, and this can be a good alternative. The young woman that will be taking my place here in Nebraska obtained her NOMC through this program, and it took approximately a year. The full Masters of Arts would give you the best opportunity in terms of employment, but in truth, either the Masters Certificate or the Degree will likely land you a job before you graduate. 

Being you are from Canada, you would need to look into obtaining a work Visa, and working your way toward citizenship, since this would get you benefits, such as finding it easier to move to other jobs where things such as medical insurance are better. I'm referring to working for a state agency versus a private one, which tend to be a bit less able to provide really good benefits.

As far as how the Master's certificate and Degree are concerned, both involve an internship, so you would still be receiving hands-on training, and lots of sleep-shade training before you would be teaching on your own. You would also be able to turn to those of us on the NOMCT committee to answer questions and encouragement. That is the National Orientation and Mobility Certification Trainers Committee, by the way. We also offer online trainings, and we are involved in the National conference held prior to the NFB National convention each year.

Regarding your guide dog, I don't use a dog, and I don't know if any NOMC's currently do, so I'm not sure what to suggest. You do have to keep in mind that you would be teaching with a cane, since a major part of your job is to role model for your students, so you probably should discuss this with Dr. Bell, and he can perhaps help you to figure out the proper balance.

I wish you luck, and if you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me.

Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB


-----Original Message-----
From: Rehab <rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Blaine Deutscher via Rehab
Sent: Friday, December 6, 2024 2:13 AM
To: rehab at nfbnet.org
Cc: Blaine Deutscher <deutscherblaine at gmail.com>
Subject: [Rehab] Subject: Hello from Blaine – Exploring Structured Discovery Certification

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
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