[nfbwatlk] Monitor Article

Wed May 14 19:07:01 CDT 2008

Now, Joanne, it was of equal joy for me to read YOUR article.

Thank you for sharing.

Alco 

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces+amcanfield=comcast.net at nfbnet.org
[mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces+amcanfield=comcast.net at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Joanne Laurent
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:59 PM
To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfbwatlk] Monitor Article

I was just reading the article "Living a Miracle Every Day," in the May
Braille Monitor, by Barbara Pierce and Dan Frye that brought back memories
of where I really learned to teach. Oh sure, I got the official piece of
paper from the university that taught me the "Science" of teaching O&M; but
the NFB gave me the good training. The NFB is where I learned the "Art" of
teaching.
        On my way to college I spent three days at Blind, Inc. in
Minneapolis where my bind friend, Ron Burzese, served as my tour guide
through the training center, the city, and the Mall of America among other
places! I spent most of that three days shadowing Ron as he taught mobility
wearing sleep shades. I am so glad that I was able to exercise tremendous
restraint and keep silent when he started walking full speed ahead into a
busy street (that had no curb, ramp or other physical barrier) because I'll
always remember how swiftly and easily he reoriented. He put one foot in the
street, and like a dance, stepped back without putting any weight on that
foot. Then he immediately said something to the effect of, "Oh I must have
turned on Such & Such Street. We have to go to bla, bla, bla." He was so
solid and confident, in spite of his wrong turn that I learned right then
and there about the ability of blind people to learn how to reorient EASILY.

   After I graduated I immediately went to Colorado Center for the Blind
where I spent an entire week.  This is when I was fortunate enough to meet
Doug Tremble, who picked me up at the airport, showed me around and made
sure I was comfortable and well taken care of. Doug managed my activities
and made sure that I had a well-rounded, and wonderful, experience. While I
was at Colorado I did observe, and participate in, a goodly amount of
mobility training from all three mobility instructors. But  Doug made sure
that I also spent time observing the other classes and I am so grateful.
Thanks Doug!
   I went in the wood shop under sleepshade where Eric Wood impressed me
beyond words with the way he masterfully taught me confidence and instantly
eliminated fear by providing me with the information and the skills to take
responsibility for my own safety as I cut wood with a radial arm saw. I
learned more confidence from Eric in one hour than I did building an entire
woodshop project-several weeks- under sleepshade in a state agency (NOT DSB)
where the woodshop instructor moved my hands like I was a puppet. I learned
from Eric the importance of giving my students all of the information
necessary for them to have complete control over their own safety. 
    On another occasion, I remember running into two Colorado students in a
mall where I was shopping alone after hours.  They were having a blast
feeling the clothes and figuring out whether they liked them or not. While
they did seem to enjoy running into a sighted person they knew (because they
could ask a few questions like, "what color is this"? And, "How much is
it?"), they certainly did not need me to have fun. We spoke briefly and went
on our separate ways.  This shopping scene is my Colorado experience that I
always carry with me when I am teaching my students that they can continue
to enjoy shopping, even if they can't see the merchandise. 
      I wish I could remember the cooking instructor at the Colorado Center.
Though I can't remember her name, I'll never, ever forget the gentle
encouragement that she used to instill confidence in a student who was
nervous about spilling a very full bowl of scrambled eggs as he was carrying
it across the room. She didn't help him as he struggled; but she was so
sweet and encouraging as she told him, "I have complete confidence in you."
The student was beaming after he successfully completed the task.  This
Colorado instructor taught me the art of encouraging my students in a calm
and positive manner and I quote her often when I'm teaching. 
        Everywhere I turned, in both of the NFB training centers that I
visited, I heard positive and uplifting confidence-building statements. The
students all seemed happy to be there. The energy was high and positive.
It's great to see Barbara and Dan writing these detailed reports about what
goes on at the training centers. What a great addition to the Monitor! 
     I receive a lot of compliments about my teaching methods, which usually
reference my relaxed and positive attitude. My students sometimes say they
like my teaching because, "You make it seem so easy." Instilling confidence
and making it seem easy is the "Art" of teaching that I learned from all of
you! I learned at the training centers and I also have learned tons of
traveling and teaching methods from many of you at the conventions.  Thank
you for the great training!
    I still hope to convince one of our own (you know who you are) to teach
me how to stay oriented while going from the bar back to my own table in a
large,  crowded room with a sleepshade and a few drinks in me! I try and I
try, but I can't even do it sober!           

Joanne Laurent
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist If you can't learn it, I'm not
teaching it right!
www.blindcoach.com <http://www.blindcoach.com/> 

Highest Expectations Travel and Adaptive Skills Instruction for the Blind
P.O. Box 586 Ariel, WA 98603
(360) 231-4597 

_______________________________________________
nfbwatlk mailing list
nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
nfbwatlk:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk/amcanfield%40comcast.net

__________ NOD32 3100 (20080514) Information __________

This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
http://www.eset.com