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NBPCB Center Approval Checklist
The following checklist will be provided to evaluators who will observe and check off each element in the list. Evaluators may simply state “Yes” or “No” to the item as appropriate. Where the orientation center does not meet a given point, it is appropriate to provide at least one sentence that explains why the center does not meet the standard set forth in this checklist, (e.g., many of the instructional staff do not believe in/enforce the universal use of sleep shades). After considering the merits of each item in the list, the evaluator will provide a final score for each section based on a 100 point scale - scores of 79 points or below are not satisfactory for passing that section. If an orientation center receives a satisfactory final score in each section they will receive NBPCB Approval. Provisional Approval may be awarded if a the final score was satisfactory in most areas and the remaining area(s) could be easily improved. Orientation centers that do not pass the NBPCB evaluation will not be approved. Each of the following six areas will be evaluated.
Administration
Director is a consumer-focused leader
Director understands/models nonvisual independence
Director actively works to move center towards nonvisual, structured discovery instruction
Administrative/support staff understand/support student independence
Instructional Staff
Models Nonvisual instruction
Demonstrates positive, empowering attitudes about blindness
Dedicated to both skill and attitude
Orientation and Mobility/Cane Travel Instructors
Braille/Literacy Instructors
Activities of Daily Living/Home Ec. Instructors
Computers/Access Technology Instructors
Industrial Arts/Shop Instructors
Other instructional areas/Instructors
Students
Students are treated as adults by administration and staff
Students are using nonvisual skills/white cane
Students are functioning independently, as appropriate
All students taking all classes in core curriculum
Student body is positive
Evidence that students are achieving independence
Facilities
Training center is clean and inviting
Training center is free of custodial barriers
Training center has access to integrated, public/commercial areas
Training center contains equipment, technology, and supplies that are in good repair
Is training center residential/non-residential
Living space is designed to promote student independence
Living space is free from custodial barriers
Program Content
Average number of instructional hours per week per student
Average number of weeks in program per student
Core content is based on Structured Discovery/Problem Solving
All classes part of required core curriculum
All students take all classes in core curriculum
Nonvisual training for all students
Canes used by all students throughout instructional activities
Sleep shades used by all students, as appropriate, throughout instruction
Proactive instruction designed to discuss attitudes/expectations of blindness
Activities designed to promote personal empowerment/confidence
Activities designed to integrate students into public life
Consumer-Focus
Program driven by philosophy that is endorsed by consumer organization, being consistent with the goals of the NBPCB
Staff and students have access to consumer organizations
Staff allowed/required to attend consumer meetings
Staff paid/supported to attend consumer conventions
Consumers have easy access to director
Consumers feel invited to visit the center
Click here to download a copy of the Orientation Center Evaluation Checklist