[Nfbf-l] NFB Center in Florida

[RJ Sandefur]

Here's the aprovel process need for aproving an NFB Center here in Florida. I strongly feel we should look into this. RJ
National Blindness Professional Certification Board

Orientation Center Approval Plan

For Immersion and Training

 

Overview. The National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) will provide approval to orientation centers for the purpose of providing immersion and training related to certification and continuing education. The primary focus of approval is that the orientation center be consumer driven, (i.e., is consumer-based in its model of rehabilitation). To be consumer-driven, a center must not only collaborate with consumer organizations of the blind, but maintain concerted efforts towards establishing Structured Discovery methods and an empowering philosophy about training. The NBPCB has an approval plan which is designed to determine whether an orientation center meets standards which make it a consumer-based program. 

 

Process. Each training center must apply to the NBPCB for approval status. At least one member of the board of directors of the NBPCB and a second person designated by the board member will make a site visit to the orientation center to perform evaluation duties. The team will conduct an evaluation of the program based on the agency approval evaluation checklist. An orientation center that meets these standards will be granted approval status. Continued approval is contingent upon follow up evaluation by he NBPCB on a annual basis. An agency that is not granted  approval will be provided with the written report which shows the center's areas for needed improvement. 

 

Evaluation. The evaluator will make a site visit to the orientation center, touring all areas of the facility and living quarters. The evaluator will interview the director and will meet with staff and students. The NBPCB board evaluator will write a narrative response that addresses each of the pointes listed in the evaluation checklist. Based on that response, the evaluator will provide a percentage score for each of the six sections of the evaluation. An orientation center must achieve 80% on each of the six sections in order to be granted approval. 

 

Fees. The NBPCB will charge a fee of $15,000 for the initial evaluation. This fee covers all costs for the NBPCB evaluation. Agencies that receive unconditional approval will be assessed a $5,000 annual maintenance fee. Agencies that are approved on a conditional status will be assessed a $7,500 annual maintenance fee. 

 

Application.  To apply for the NBPCB evaluation, send a letter detailing your agency's interest. The NBPCB office will arrange the evaluation at a time convenient to the agency, but no evaluation will be conducted until all fees are paid in full. Annual renewal fees must be paid each twelve months, and NBPCB approval will be withdrawn if (1) appropriate fees are not paid; and/or (2) if the agency engages in practices unbecoming of a consumer-focused training center. 

 

Contact. Send letters of interest to the NBPCB Office C/O Edward Bell, Secretary/Treasurer, 101 South Trenton Street, Ruston LA 71270. For more information, you can call (318) 257-4554, write ebell at nbpcb.org, or visit our web page www.nbpcb.org