| Al Spooner from BLIND, Inc.; Tom Barkley from Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education and Early Intervention; and Jim Marks from Disability Services at University of Montana, share insights with parents on transitioning to independence. |
The National Federation of the Blind’s High School/High Tech Transition to Independence Club, in conjunction with the Jernigan Institute, hosted their second annual Career Fair at the National Center for the Blind in Baltimore. Students from several states, as well as students from NFB’s Transition to Independence Club, participated in workshops and discussions related to career exploration, vocational opportunities, job interviewing, postsecondary education choices, financial aid, scholarships, assistive technology, vocational rehabilitation, and services available from Centers for the Blind. There were also workshops held for parents and teachers as well. Throughout the day, students engaged in a budgeting activity. They were given ‘whozit’ money at the beginning of the day, and were able to earn money in each workshop by asking and answering questions. They had certain necessities they needed to pay for (food, rent, utilities, etc.) and could then use the rest of their money for luxury items; however, they needed to be sure they had enough to pay for those necessities. Students seemed to greatly enjoy this activity; those who arrived late were confused at first, but quickly caught on that people would give them money if they asked and answered questions!
| Sue Schaeffer and Sharon Webb from the Division of Rehabilitation Services’ Office for Blindness and Vision Services explain what students can expect when they work with a DORS counselor. |
During a delicious lunch prepared by NFB students, participants were treated to a motivational speech by Ever Lee Hairston, a teacher, counselor, and leader with National Federation of the Blind, who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, in the process, learned that it was “respectable to be blind.” She urged all students to live up to their own values and pursue their dreams.
| Ever Lee Hairston regaled the lunchtime audience with stories of her experiences in protest marches with Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. |
In the afternoon, students had the opportunity to visit exhibits from various vendors and service providers, including NFB Newsline, Maryland Department of Disabilities, Making Choices for Independent Living, NASA, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, Blind Inc., DORS’ Office for Blindness and Vision Services, Maryland Business Enterprise Program, the Workforce and Technology Center, among others. At many of these exhibits, applications were available for them to apply for services on the spot.
| Students, parents and teachers were able to gather a variety of materials and resources in the Exhibit Hall. |
Students alternated in groups between visiting the exhibits and attending workshops, which included completing a Career Inventory; learning about Assistive Technology; Looking for the Perfect Job; and building a resume through volunteer opportunities, job shadowing, internships, etc. Students also had the opportunity to participate in mock interviews to better prepare for job interviews. The day concluded with a social event and tour of the National Center for the Blind. This proved to be an extremely productive and valuable experience for students, their parents, and their teachers.
| Students learn how their interests can translate into career choices by participating in a Career Inventory with Curtis Buler, vocational evaluator, from the Workforce and Technology Center. |