Category: Let's talk
Is Carroll Center a good program? I am interested in applying and I would like some info. Did the training help? Are the instructors good at what they do? And finally, how are you treated at the Center? Thanks for the help.
Hi. I graduated from the Carroll Center imn March of this year. They have a lot of programs but I was in the independent living pogram. I found that all the students are treated welland that the instructers are good at what theydo. If you wnt more information the you sould all the carroll center.
I went to the Carroll Center for 3 summers in a row. During my first summer there, I attended their Youth in Transition program (Y.I.T.) which is sort of a shorter version of the independent living program for teens. I found it very well-run; full of many classes and activities you could be involved in. But you also had your share of free time as well. What made it cool was the fact that they tried their best to put you in the classes with students who learned at the same pace you did so you weren't always having to wait while others caught up. Never having gone to a school for the blind, I didn't know what it would be like to be with a bunch of blind people my age but like anywhere, you learn to make friends with those who have the same interests as you.
During my second summer there, I was involved in their work program and worked at a daycare. Let's just say tottlers aren't my forte. The summer after that, I went to their online to college program and learned a lot about computers and how to use microsoft office. It was more intense because you were in class from about 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. But it was a lot of fun because I always loved learning new things.
As for how they treated you, we were much younger then and so of course they were a bit more strict. However, I met a few of the older clients in the adult Independent living program who told me it wasn't too bad. I personally liked about 90 percent of my instructors and thought most of them weren't too bad as teachers. Hopefully, you found what I wrote helpful in your decision of whether or not you would like to go to the Carroll Center. For me, the C.C.B. helped me gain a lot of confidence in myself and opened my eyes to what was out there for someone who was blind.
Michelle
No! Don't go there! It's like a jail! It sucks crap! Can I empahsize anymore! Don't go!
Oh, you're treated like a number and a child! They won't even let you use the microwave in the dorm alone!
I was in the YIT program about 25 years ago, and found I was treated well. Their O&M folks were far better at motivating and teaching me than that of Perkins. All classes were intense; it's pressed for time, after all. There was still plenty of time and opportunity for recreation, such as yoga, aerobics, canoing, and fencing (foil). Definitely consider the Carroll.
lol I got to use the microwave and the stove at the dorms when I was there. One of my friends brought a bunch of Asian nootles and we got to cook them over the stove. I think it's the way you act and whether or not the staff think you're independent/capable. At first they looked in on us from time to time but as the summer progressed, we were left alone to do what we wanted in the kitchen. We also always cleaned up after ourselves though.
My fiance and a few friends and I almost burned the dorm down one weekend! *laughs* We were heating up chicken tenders over the stove and it started smoking! The alarm went off and the fire trucks came. lol It was so fun! But that never stopped them from letting us back in the kitchen.
Michelle
I graduated from the carroll center in march of this year. Overall, it's good, and I learned a whole lot. The teachers were good, and I met quite a few of my life long friends there. As for the dorm, it sucked at first because I was bored on weekends, but as the time went on, I was more social than ever. I went to eat, took taxies, went shopping. In the dorm, they do treat us like babies. The supervisors even came in and inspected our rooms. One warning. When you go to the carroll center, do not eat there cafateria food. It's terrible. There are some eating places close by, so if you have the money, you can go eat.