Hi Listers, As many of you know, I work for Oklahoma Department of rehabilitation services, an agency not exactly known for supporting the structured discovery Learning philosophy. Fortunately, I’m itinerant and when I’m out in the field, there is nobody to criticize my use of structured discovery with my clients. Here’s my ethical problem. They want to send me out into the field to give sunglasses to people who are not legally blind. Yes I know our people don’t generally handle filters because we are trying to help people optimize vision instead of maximize vision but in my job I have to do filters. OK, I can do that. Problem is now they are giving me referrals for people who are not even legally blind. It started with people who just had cataracts removed and needed filters to deal with bright light and sunlight. I thought I had my managers persuaded that this is not a blindness issue and these people should go to vision clinics or even just to Walmart to pick up some filters on their own to satisfy their needs. After all, I’m a highly trained Blindness Professional. Later they started sending people who are not just post cataract, but have other pathologies which allow them to drive with the blessing of the doctor and vocational counselor and just want sunglasses for better contrast. My problem is I don’t want to help anybody drive better. I’m not teaching driver’s ed in high school. I also think it’s not ethical for a blindness specialist to help a sighted person drive better. My manager sent me the policy manual and said there was nothing in it to help me stop these referrals of people are not legally blind. Guys I need some ammunition. Is there anything I can use in our code of ethics to help me stop getting these “Junk referrals “? I’m really getting tired of this, and I also think somebody could get hurt by taking my word for a pair of sunglasses. They have some kind of pathology that makes them eligible to be a client at Services for the blind and visually impaired in the first place. My giving them sunglasses for better contrast could just get them into more trouble. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 23, 2025, at 2:50 PM, NBPCB Office via NOMC <members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote:
National Blindness Professional Certification Board
The Authority on Structured Discovery Instruction
Over the past few months, the National Blindness Professional Certification Board has received numerous inquiries on what the term Structured Discovery, certified Structured Discovery Training Center, and Structured Discovery Instructor/Professional mean. The NBPCB believes and advocates that Structured Discovery is the best form of instruction and methodology to empower blind people when learning non-visual skills for independence. In celebration of blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day that passed on October 15th, the NBPCB is publishing a white paper/position paper on what defines Structured Discovery, which is attached here and can be freely distributed. For individuals who have graduated from a certified Structured Discovery Training Center or who have worked with a Structured Discovery certified instructor, one can be confident that they have had the best form of instruction possible and have achieved a significant accomplishment; as Structured Discovery Training is both challenging and rewarding due to the new pathways, expectations, skills, and philosophy on blindness that they have developed throughout their training.
At present, NBPCB oversees three certifications which are based on Structured Discovery Training -- the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB), and the National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind (NCATB). Additionally, the board oversees one credential that measures braille proficiency -- the National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB). NBPCB also credentials Community-based Rehabilitation training Programs which conduct immersion and training of Structured Discovery Professionals and provide adjustment training for those experiencing significant sight loss - Certified Structured Discovery Training Centers (CSDTC)
The National Blindness Professional Certification Board wants to thank all the professionals, instructors, and educators who have obtained their NOMC, NCRTB, NCATB, and NCUEB. These instructors have been certified to teach using the Structured Discovery model and continue to uphold the high expectations that the NBPCB expects out of their certified instructors. To find out if someone is certified by the NBPCB, go to this link.
https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php
In addition, we want to thank our certified Structured Discovery Training Centers for providing an environment and culture that embodies and represents the teachings of Structured Discovery. Structured Discovery Training Centers transform lives, redefines expectations for blind people, and are the epitome of quality blindness training across the world. To see the7 certified Structured Discovery Training Centers who have met the rigor, quality, and standards set by the NBPCB, follow the below link.
https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapproval.php
To learn more about what defines Structured Discovery, please read the attached white paper/position statement or visit our website.
If you are looking for a career in changing the lives of blind people, please reach out to the NBPCB as obtaining a certification is the first step to a fulfilling career in blindness.
Happy blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day,
National Blindness Professional Certification Board
NBPCB Office
PO Box 2373
Ruston LA 71273
318 299-7340
<mailto:admin@nbpcb.org> admin@nbpcb.org
<http://www.nbpcb.org/> www.nbpcb.org
<https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php> Click here to verify the status of NBPCB certified professionals
Sign up for the Structured Discovery Announcement mailing list <https://lists.nbpcb.org/mailman3/lists/sdteaching.lists.nbpcb.org/> here.
<2025 NBPCB Position Statement on Structured Discovery.pdf> _______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list -- members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org
Hi Jane, I'm still unclear why you are being asked to provide referrals or provide sunglasses to sighted people and how they qualify for Rehab in the first place. Also not sure how it falls within the scope of an O&M instructor/cane travel instructor. https://nbpcb.org/pages/read-code-of-conduct.php Link to our code. https://nbpcb.org/pages/read-code-of-conduct.php Relevant points 2.2 SD PROFESSIONALS and certified facilities shall always use their best professional judgement and accepted practices in assessing, training, and supervising consumers and those participating in apprenticeships or internships in all settings according to the principles of Structured Discovery methods. 2.4 SD PROFESSIONALS and certified facilities shall always advocate for the provision of appropriate services and/or referrals for consumers or potential consumers. 5.1 SD PROFESSIONALS and certified facilities practice only within the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience, professional credentials, and appropriate professional experience and do not misrepresent their competence to consumers or others. 5.2 SD PROFESSIONALS and certified facilities act to avoid harming consumers, students, employees, supervisees, and research participants and to minimize or to remedy unavoidable or unanticipated harm. 5.3 SD Professionals and certified facilities shall refer to or consult with other qualified service providers whenever such a referral or consultation would be beneficial to consumers or potential consumers. 5.15 SD PROFESSIONALS and certified facilities are accurate, honest, and objective in reporting their professional activities and judgments to authorized third parties (e.g., courts, health insurance companies, recipients of evaluation reports etc.). 7.1 SD Professionals and certified facilities shall claim or imply only professional qualifications actually completed and correct any known misrepresentations of their qualifications by others. They truthfully represent their qualifications and those of their professional colleagues. Any of these points should provide you with solid justification about why you are unable to perform responsibilities besides what is expected out of an O&M instructor. It may also be helpful to see if you have other colleagues in Oklahoma and see if they are required to perform this task. Warm regards, Colin Wong MA, NOMC s.colin.wong@gmail.com 480-886-4445 -----Original Message----- From: Jane Lansaw via NOMC <members@lists.nbpcb.org> Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 9:32 AM To: admin@nbpcb.org Cc: members@lists.nbpcb.org Subject: [NOMC] Help me build my ethics argument Hi Listers, As many of you know, I work for Oklahoma Department of rehabilitation services, an agency not exactly known for supporting the structured discovery Learning philosophy. Fortunately, I’m itinerant and when I’m out in the field, there is nobody to criticize my use of structured discovery with my clients. Here’s my ethical problem. They want to send me out into the field to give sunglasses to people who are not legally blind. Yes I know our people don’t generally handle filters because we are trying to help people optimize vision instead of maximize vision but in my job I have to do filters. OK, I can do that. Problem is now they are giving me referrals for people who are not even legally blind. It started with people who just had cataracts removed and needed filters to deal with bright light and sunlight. I thought I had my managers persuaded that this is not a blindness issue and these people should go to vision clinics or even just to Walmart to pick up some filters on their own to satisfy their needs. After all, I’m a highly trained Blindness Professional. Later they started sending people who are not just post cataract, but have other pathologies which allow them to drive with the blessing of the doctor and vocational counselor and just want sunglasses for better contrast. My problem is I don’t want to help anybody drive better. I’m not teaching driver’s ed in high school. I also think it’s not ethical for a blindness specialist to help a sighted person drive better. My manager sent me the policy manual and said there was nothing in it to help me stop these referrals of people are not legally blind. Guys I need some ammunition. Is there anything I can use in our code of ethics to help me stop getting these “Junk referrals “? I’m really getting tired of this, and I also think somebody could get hurt by taking my word for a pair of sunglasses. They have some kind of pathology that makes them eligible to be a client at Services for the blind and visually impaired in the first place. My giving them sunglasses for better contrast could just get them into more trouble. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 23, 2025, at 2:50 PM, NBPCB Office via NOMC <members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote:
National Blindness Professional Certification Board
The Authority on Structured Discovery Instruction
Over the past few months, the National Blindness Professional Certification Board has received numerous inquiries on what the term Structured Discovery, certified Structured Discovery Training Center, and Structured Discovery Instructor/Professional mean. The NBPCB believes and advocates that Structured Discovery is the best form of instruction and methodology to empower blind people when learning non-visual skills for independence. In celebration of blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day that passed on October 15th, the NBPCB is publishing a white paper/position paper on what defines Structured Discovery, which is attached here and can be freely distributed. For individuals who have graduated from a certified Structured Discovery Training Center or who have worked with a Structured Discovery certified instructor, one can be confident that they have had the best form of instruction possible and have achieved a significant accomplishment; as Structured Discovery Training is both challenging and rewarding due to the new pathways, expectations, skills, and philosophy on blindness that they have developed throughout their training.
At present, NBPCB oversees three certifications which are based on Structured Discovery Training -- the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB), and the National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind (NCATB). Additionally, the board oversees one credential that measures braille proficiency -- the National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB). NBPCB also credentials Community-based Rehabilitation training Programs which conduct immersion and training of Structured Discovery Professionals and provide adjustment training for those experiencing significant sight loss - Certified Structured Discovery Training Centers (CSDTC)
The National Blindness Professional Certification Board wants to thank all the professionals, instructors, and educators who have obtained their NOMC, NCRTB, NCATB, and NCUEB. These instructors have been certified to teach using the Structured Discovery model and continue to uphold the high expectations that the NBPCB expects out of their certified instructors. To find out if someone is certified by the NBPCB, go to this link.
https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php
In addition, we want to thank our certified Structured Discovery Training Centers for providing an environment and culture that embodies and represents the teachings of Structured Discovery. Structured Discovery Training Centers transform lives, redefines expectations for blind people, and are the epitome of quality blindness training across the world. To see the7 certified Structured Discovery Training Centers who have met the rigor, quality, and standards set by the NBPCB, follow the below link.
https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapproval.php
To learn more about what defines Structured Discovery, please read the attached white paper/position statement or visit our website.
If you are looking for a career in changing the lives of blind people, please reach out to the NBPCB as obtaining a certification is the first step to a fulfilling career in blindness.
Happy blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day,
National Blindness Professional Certification Board
NBPCB Office
PO Box 2373
Ruston LA 71273
318 299-7340
<mailto:admin@nbpcb.org> admin@nbpcb.org
<http://www.nbpcb.org/> www.nbpcb.org
<https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php> Click here to verify the status of NBPCB certified professionals
Sign up for the Structured Discovery Announcement mailing list <https://lists.nbpcb.org/mailman3/lists/sdteaching.lists.nbpcb.org/> here.
<2025 NBPCB Position Statement on Structured Discovery.pdf> _______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list -- members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org
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Aloha Jane, I could not hope to add to what Colin has already offered except to ask whether your agency provides low vision/optometric services which seems to me a more appropriate use of referral services. Low vision services used to fall under my scope of instruction when I worked for another agency for which I was grateful because of what I learned and that served to reinforce my specialization as a no vision instead of a low vision professional. Sounds pretty random the scope of services you are asked to provide, not entirely unlike what I used to hear from TVIs in the school system by teachers and administrators who really had no relevant idea of the essential purpose and scope thereof. Keep up the struggle to do what you do best! 😊 Mahalo, Maurice -----Original Message----- From: Jane Lansaw via NOMC <members@lists.nbpcb.org> Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 6:32 AM To: admin@nbpcb.org Cc: members@lists.nbpcb.org Subject: [NOMC] Help me build my ethics argument Hi Listers, As many of you know, I work for Oklahoma Department of rehabilitation services, an agency not exactly known for supporting the structured discovery Learning philosophy. Fortunately, I’m itinerant and when I’m out in the field, there is nobody to criticize my use of structured discovery with my clients. Here’s my ethical problem. They want to send me out into the field to give sunglasses to people who are not legally blind. Yes I know our people don’t generally handle filters because we are trying to help people optimize vision instead of maximize vision but in my job I have to do filters. OK, I can do that. Problem is now they are giving me referrals for people who are not even legally blind. It started with people who just had cataracts removed and needed filters to deal with bright light and sunlight. I thought I had my managers persuaded that this is not a blindness issue and these people should go to vision clinics or even just to Walmart to pick up some filters on their own to satisfy their needs. After all, I’m a highly trained Blindness Professional. Later they started sending people who are not just post cataract, but have other pathologies which allow them to drive with the blessing of the doctor and vocational counselor and just want sunglasses for better contrast. My problem is I don’t want to help anybody drive better. I’m not teaching driver’s ed in high school. I also think it’s not ethical for a blindness specialist to help a sighted person drive better. My manager sent me the policy manual and said there was nothing in it to help me stop these referrals of people are not legally blind. Guys I need some ammunition. Is there anything I can use in our code of ethics to help me stop getting these “Junk referrals “? I’m really getting tired of this, and I also think somebody could get hurt by taking my word for a pair of sunglasses. They have some kind of pathology that makes them eligible to be a client at Services for the blind and visually impaired in the first place. My giving them sunglasses for better contrast could just get them into more trouble. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 23, 2025, at 2:50 PM, NBPCB Office via NOMC <members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote:
National Blindness Professional Certification Board
The Authority on Structured Discovery Instruction
Over the past few months, the National Blindness Professional Certification Board has received numerous inquiries on what the term Structured Discovery, certified Structured Discovery Training Center, and Structured Discovery Instructor/Professional mean. The NBPCB believes and advocates that Structured Discovery is the best form of instruction and methodology to empower blind people when learning non-visual skills for independence. In celebration of blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day that passed on October 15th, the NBPCB is publishing a white paper/position paper on what defines Structured Discovery, which is attached here and can be freely distributed. For individuals who have graduated from a certified Structured Discovery Training Center or who have worked with a Structured Discovery certified instructor, one can be confident that they have had the best form of instruction possible and have achieved a significant accomplishment; as Structured Discovery Training is both challenging and rewarding due to the new pathways, expectations, skills, and philosophy on blindness that they have developed throughout their training.
At present, NBPCB oversees three certifications which are based on Structured Discovery Training -- the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB), and the National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind (NCATB). Additionally, the board oversees one credential that measures braille proficiency -- the National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB). NBPCB also credentials Community-based Rehabilitation training Programs which conduct immersion and training of Structured Discovery Professionals and provide adjustment training for those experiencing significant sight loss - Certified Structured Discovery Training Centers (CSDTC)
The National Blindness Professional Certification Board wants to thank all the professionals, instructors, and educators who have obtained their NOMC, NCRTB, NCATB, and NCUEB. These instructors have been certified to teach using the Structured Discovery model and continue to uphold the high expectations that the NBPCB expects out of their certified instructors. To find out if someone is certified by the NBPCB, go to this link.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php__;!!LIY SdFfckKA!0_dMajOv_aOhTM-Y3yGguLOfahVzl1VIuGmEAGFITh_M9BHYj0HwcfKqnySDx yreqruBWkeXkweKTnsqbL-0RHAp$
In addition, we want to thank our certified Structured Discovery Training Centers for providing an environment and culture that embodies and represents the teachings of Structured Discovery. Structured Discovery Training Centers transform lives, redefines expectations for blind people, and are the epitome of quality blindness training across the world. To see the7 certified Structured Discovery Training Centers who have met the rigor, quality, and standards set by the NBPCB, follow the below link.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapprova l.php__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!0_dMajOv_aOhTM-Y3yGguLOfahVzl1VIuGmEAGFITh_M9BHY j0HwcfKqnySDxyreqruBWkeXkweKTnsqbNOhsZsD$
To learn more about what defines Structured Discovery, please read the attached white paper/position statement or visit our website.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!0_dMajO v_aOhTM-Y3yGguLOfahVzl1VIuGmEAGFITh_M9BHYj0HwcfKqnySDxyreqruBWkeXkweKT nsqbIpbz3KG$
If you are looking for a career in changing the lives of blind people, please reach out to the NBPCB as obtaining a certification is the first step to a fulfilling career in blindness.
Happy blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day,
National Blindness Professional Certification Board
NBPCB Office
PO Box 2373
Ruston LA 71273
318 299-7340
<mailto:admin@nbpcb.org> admin@nbpcb.org
<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.nbpcb.org/__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!0_d MajOv_aOhTM-Y3yGguLOfahVzl1VIuGmEAGFITh_M9BHYj0HwcfKqnySDxyreqruBWkeXk weKTnsqbMfuRp1y$ > https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.nbpcb.org__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!0_dMa jOv_aOhTM-Y3yGguLOfahVzl1VIuGmEAGFITh_M9BHYj0HwcfKqnySDxyreqruBWkeXkwe KTnsqbPDx4CYq$
<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php__; !!LIYSdFfckKA!0_dMajOv_aOhTM-Y3yGguLOfahVzl1VIuGmEAGFITh_M9BHYj0HwcfKq nySDxyreqruBWkeXkweKTnsqbCG5xkUA$ > Click here to verify the status of NBPCB certified professionals
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Hi Jane! I, too, work in Oklahoma. What you are describing is what low vision occupational therapists or maybe even the optometrist would do at my workplace. I will note that we don’t solely work with legally blind folks in Oklahoma. Elizabeth Delgado-Gann On Thu, Oct 30, 2025 at 11:32 AM Jane Lansaw via NOMC < members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote:
Hi Listers, As many of you know, I work for Oklahoma Department of rehabilitation services, an agency not exactly known for supporting the structured discovery Learning philosophy. Fortunately, I’m itinerant and when I’m out in the field, there is nobody to criticize my use of structured discovery with my clients. Here’s my ethical problem. They want to send me out into the field to give sunglasses to people who are not legally blind. Yes I know our people don’t generally handle filters because we are trying to help people optimize vision instead of maximize vision but in my job I have to do filters. OK, I can do that. Problem is now they are giving me referrals for people who are not even legally blind. It started with people who just had cataracts removed and needed filters to deal with bright light and sunlight. I thought I had my managers persuaded that this is not a blindness issue and these people should go to vision clinics or even just to Walmart to pick up some filters on their own to satisfy their needs. After all, I’m a highly trained Blindness Professional. Later they started sending people who are not just post cataract, but have other pathologies which allow them to drive with the blessing of the doctor and vocational counselor and just want sunglasses for better contrast. My problem is I don’t want to help anybody drive better. I’m not teaching driver’s ed in high school. I also think it’s not ethical for a blindness specialist to help a sighted person drive better. My manager sent me the policy manual and said there was nothing in it to help me stop these referrals of people are not legally blind. Guys I need some ammunition. Is there anything I can use in our code of ethics to help me stop getting these “Junk referrals “? I’m really getting tired of this, and I also think somebody could get hurt by taking my word for a pair of sunglasses. They have some kind of pathology that makes them eligible to be a client at Services for the blind and visually impaired in the first place. My giving them sunglasses for better contrast could just get them into more trouble.
Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 23, 2025, at 2:50 PM, NBPCB Office via NOMC < members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote:
National Blindness Professional Certification Board
The Authority on Structured Discovery Instruction
Over the past few months, the National Blindness Professional Certification Board has received numerous inquiries on what the term Structured Discovery, certified Structured Discovery Training Center, and Structured Discovery Instructor/Professional mean. The NBPCB believes and advocates that Structured Discovery is the best form of instruction and methodology to empower blind people when learning non-visual skills for independence. In celebration of blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day that passed on October 15th, the NBPCB is publishing a white paper/position paper on what defines Structured Discovery, which is attached here and can be freely distributed. For individuals who have graduated from a certified Structured Discovery Training Center or who have worked with a Structured Discovery certified instructor, one can be confident that they have had the best form of instruction possible and have achieved a significant accomplishment; as Structured Discovery Training is both challenging and rewarding due to the new pathways, expectations, skills, and philosophy on blindness that they have developed throughout their training.
At present, NBPCB oversees three certifications which are based on Structured Discovery Training -- the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB), and the National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind (NCATB). Additionally, the board oversees one credential that measures braille proficiency -- the National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB). NBPCB also credentials Community-based Rehabilitation training Programs which conduct immersion and training of Structured Discovery Professionals and provide adjustment training for those experiencing significant sight loss - Certified Structured Discovery Training Centers (CSDTC)
The National Blindness Professional Certification Board wants to thank all the professionals, instructors, and educators who have obtained their NOMC, NCRTB, NCATB, and NCUEB. These instructors have been certified to teach using the Structured Discovery model and continue to uphold the high expectations that the NBPCB expects out of their certified instructors. To find out if someone is certified by the NBPCB, go to this link.
https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php
In addition, we want to thank our certified Structured Discovery Training Centers for providing an environment and culture that embodies and represents the teachings of Structured Discovery. Structured Discovery Training Centers transform lives, redefines expectations for blind people, and are the epitome of quality blindness training across the world. To see the7 certified Structured Discovery Training Centers who have met the rigor, quality, and standards set by the NBPCB, follow the below link.
https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapproval.php
To learn more about what defines Structured Discovery, please read the attached white paper/position statement or visit our website.
If you are looking for a career in changing the lives of blind people, please reach out to the NBPCB as obtaining a certification is the first step to a fulfilling career in blindness.
Happy blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day,
National Blindness Professional Certification Board
NBPCB Office
PO Box 2373
Ruston LA 71273
318 299-7340
<mailto:admin@nbpcb.org> admin@nbpcb.org
<http://www.nbpcb.org/> www.nbpcb.org
<https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php> Click here to verify the status of NBPCB certified professionals
Sign up for the Structured Discovery Announcement mailing list <https://lists.nbpcb.org/mailman3/lists/sdteaching.lists.nbpcb.org/> here.
<2025 NBPCB Position Statement on Structured Discovery.pdf> _______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list -- members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org
NOMC mailing list -- members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org
Tell me about it, preaching to the choir sister. I’m hoping that my NOMC brother and will help me come up with a good ethical argument to put a stop to this nonsense at least with DRS. You guys are on your own over there. Although I advise listening into this conversation to see what people tell me because some of it might be useful for you. Some of us have to work in the agencies. Like I said there is not enough work within the shelter of the structured discovery, belief system, and those of us out here in hostile territory, really are fighting to make a difference in blindness. For example, I love Nebraska. I didn’t want to leave Nebraska. I got laid off and had to leave Nebraska. Everybody in the whole Federation knows how much I love Nebraska. Go big red! But when I was in Nebraska Carlos SERVAN said to me one time that those of us working in the Centers where they already believe what we believe are not doing as much good as people out there fighting in hostile territory. We really were preaching to the choir. We are getting positive reinforcement from every coworker, mostly, and every manager. It’s easy to maintain the faith when you work for your church. But the sinners are out here in the big bad world. That’s not exactly how Carlos put it but I am from Missouri and I work in Oklahoma so you have to figure my surroundings. Those of us out here on the front lines need to get together and reinforce each other because our peers working in the easy environments are too busy drinking that sweet bubble up and eating that rainbow stew. Yes more Oklahoma from Merle Haggard. I was eating rainbow stew in Nebraska. I admit it. I had no intention of walking away. I had to be forced out practically gunpoint. I say I was driven out of Nebraska by the 49 dumbest people in the state, the legislature. But I was a client in a hostile agency and I guess there’s a part of me that always knew that is where I was supposed to go. I landed in Texas, served my time and rolled out into Oklahoma. As close as I can get to home. I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to give up on Oklahoma. I want to stand and fight. If I don’t, who will? Stand with me, Liz. Stay in Oklahoma and make a difference with me. If it’s two of us, it will be easier. I didn’t say easy, just easier. The more we get the more of us there are to reinforce each other and build each other up when we get down like this. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone On Oct 30, 2025, at 1:26 PM, Elizabeth Delgado <edelgado0098@gmail.com> wrote: Hi Jane! I, too, work in Oklahoma. What you are describing is what low vision occupational therapists or maybe even the optometrist would do at my workplace. I will note that we don’t solely work with legally blind folks in Oklahoma. Elizabeth Delgado-Gann On Thu, Oct 30, 2025 at 11:32 AM Jane Lansaw via NOMC <[1]members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote: Hi Listers, As many of you know, I work for Oklahoma Department of rehabilitation services, an agency not exactly known for supporting the structured discovery Learning philosophy. Fortunately, I’m itinerant and when I’m out in the field, there is nobody to criticize my use of structured discovery with my clients. Here’s my ethical problem. They want to send me out into the field to give sunglasses to people who are not legally blind. Yes I know our people don’t generally handle filters because we are trying to help people optimize vision instead of maximize vision but in my job I have to do filters. OK, I can do that. Problem is now they are giving me referrals for people who are not even legally blind. It started with people who just had cataracts removed and needed filters to deal with bright light and sunlight. I thought I had my managers persuaded that this is not a blindness issue and these people should go to vision clinics or even just to Walmart to pick up some filters on their own to satisfy their needs. After all, I’m a highly trained Blindness Professional. Later they started sending people who are not just post cataract, but have other pathologies which allow them to drive with the blessing of the doctor and vocational counselor and just want sunglasses for better contrast. My problem is I don’t want to help anybody drive better. I’m not teaching driver’s ed in high school. I also think it’s not ethical for a blindness specialist to help a sighted person drive better. My manager sent me the policy manual and said there was nothing in it to help me stop these referrals of people are not legally blind. Guys I need some ammunition. Is there anything I can use in our code of ethics to help me stop getting these “Junk referrals “? I’m really getting tired of this, and I also think somebody could get hurt by taking my word for a pair of sunglasses. They have some kind of pathology that makes them eligible to be a client at Services for the blind and visually impaired in the first place. My giving them sunglasses for better contrast could just get them into more trouble. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 23, 2025, at 2:50 PM, NBPCB Office via NOMC <[2]members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote: > > National Blindness Professional Certification Board > > The Authority on Structured Discovery Instruction > > > > Over the past few months, the National Blindness Professional Certification > Board has received numerous inquiries on what the term Structured Discovery, > certified Structured Discovery Training Center, and Structured Discovery > Instructor/Professional mean. The NBPCB believes and advocates that > Structured Discovery is the best form of instruction and methodology to > empower blind people when learning non-visual skills for independence. In > celebration of blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day that > passed on October 15th, the NBPCB is publishing a white paper/position paper > on what defines Structured Discovery, which is attached here and can be > freely distributed. For individuals who have graduated from a certified > Structured Discovery Training Center or who have worked with a Structured > Discovery certified instructor, one can be confident that they have had the > best form of instruction possible and have achieved a significant > accomplishment; as Structured Discovery Training is both challenging and > rewarding due to the new pathways, expectations, skills, and philosophy on > blindness that they have developed throughout their training. > > > > At present, NBPCB oversees three certifications which are based on > Structured Discovery Training -- the National Orientation and Mobility > Certification (NOMC), National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for > the Blind (NCRTB), and the National Certification in Access Technology for > the Blind (NCATB). Additionally, the board oversees one credential that > measures braille proficiency -- the National Certification in Unified > English Braille (NCUEB). NBPCB also credentials Community-based > Rehabilitation training Programs which conduct immersion and training of > Structured Discovery Professionals and provide adjustment training for those > experiencing significant sight loss - Certified Structured Discovery > Training Centers (CSDTC) > > > > The National Blindness Professional Certification Board wants to thank all > the professionals, instructors, and educators who have obtained their NOMC, > NCRTB, NCATB, and NCUEB. These instructors have been certified to teach > using the Structured Discovery model and continue to uphold the high > expectations that the NBPCB expects out of their certified instructors. To > find out if someone is certified by the NBPCB, go to this link. > > [3]https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php > > > > In addition, we want to thank our certified Structured Discovery Training > Centers for providing an environment and culture that embodies and > represents the teachings of Structured Discovery. Structured Discovery > Training Centers transform lives, redefines expectations for blind people, > and are the epitome of quality blindness training across the world. To see > the7 certified Structured Discovery Training Centers who have met the rigor, > quality, and standards set by the NBPCB, follow the below link. > > [4]https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapproval.php > > > > To learn more about what defines Structured Discovery, please read the > attached white paper/position statement or visit our website. > > [5]https://nbpcb.org/ > > > > If you are looking for a career in changing the lives of blind people, > please reach out to the NBPCB as obtaining a certification is the first step > to a fulfilling career in blindness. > > > > > > Happy blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day, > > National Blindness Professional Certification Board > > > > NBPCB Office > > PO Box 2373 > > Ruston LA 71273 > > 318 299-7340 > > <mailto:[6]admin@nbpcb.org> [7]admin@nbpcb.org > > <[8]http://www.nbpcb.org/> [9]www.nbpcb.org > > <[10]https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php> Click here to verify the status of > NBPCB certified professionals > > Sign up for the Structured Discovery Announcement mailing list > <[11]https://lists.nbpcb.org/mailman3/lists/sdteaching.lists.nbpcb.o rg/> here. > > > > <2025 NBPCB Position Statement on Structured Discovery.pdf> > _______________________________________________ > NOMC mailing list -- [12]members@lists.nbpcb.org > To unsubscribe send an email to [13]members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org _______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list -- [14]members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to [15]members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org References 1. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 2. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 3. https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php 4. https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapproval.php 5. https://nbpcb.org/ 6. mailto:admin@nbpcb.org 7. mailto:admin@nbpcb.org 8. http://www.nbpcb.org/ 9. http://www.nbpcb.org/ 10. https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php 11. https://lists.nbpcb.org/mailman3/lists/sdteaching.lists.nbpcb.org/ 12. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 13. mailto:members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org 14. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 15. mailto:members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org
Hi Jane, It sounds like you are asking for two major things on this list, and I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't be asking for those things. I'll name them and then try to respond to each one. In one sense, it appears that you are looking for a place to share your frustration and also seek moral support. This situation sounds frustrating. I think it's great that the people of the Tulsa area get to have you as a front-line service provider. It's great that blind people in the Tulsa area get to meet you and learn from you. You're doing a good thing by being there. In another sense, it looks like you are asking for help negotiating a complicated and unfamiliar request that has been made of you in your job. You asked about making an ethical argument, and I think the pieces of the code that Colin dropped into the thread are going to be useful to you, especially the parts that relate to your areas of professional competency. Still going with the sense of asking for help negotiating this situation, I want to offer one more thing, though it is not exactly what you requested. I think you are smart to look for ways that our NBPCB Code of Ethics relates to your situation. I also think that there might be a strategy that might work for you that goes beyond telling your employer why you cannot do what they are asking. You could consider expressing something like this: - I am concerned that this assignment creates conflict with the NBPCB Code of Ethics, to which I am bound under the certification that is my primary qualification for this job. - Because I am not currently skilled in the duties that you are requesting that I perform, I could end up causing harm to the people we serve by acting outside of my areas of competency. - If you want me to perform those additional duties, it would be best for everyone if I were to receive training to develop competencies in those areas because I do not have them right now. - If I were to undertake that training, which I may be willing to do, I would be taking valuable time away from performing the work duties that I have been performing and fall within my area of professional expertise. - I would be happy to help you to try to locate and identify other kinds of professionals who already possess the competencies and relevant licensures/certifications for these vision services that you would like to provide to the people we serve. This approach might be helpful or useful to you. Either way, I hope the best for you and everyone else. Aloha, Justin Justin MH Salisbury, MEd, NOMC, NCRTB English Pronouns: He/Him/His Email: President@Alumni.ECU.edu ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1786-2786 “Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter.” Chinua Achebe -----Original Message----- From: Jane Lansaw via NOMC <members@lists.nbpcb.org> Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 7:59 PM To: Elizabeth Delgado <edelgado0098@gmail.com> Cc: admin@nbpcb.org; members@lists.nbpcb.org Subject: [NOMC] Re: Help me build my ethics argument Tell me about it, preaching to the choir sister. I’m hoping that my NOMC brother and will help me come up with a good ethical argument to put a stop to this nonsense at least with DRS. You guys are on your own over there. Although I advise listening into this conversation to see what people tell me because some of it might be useful for you. Some of us have to work in the agencies. Like I said there is not enough work within the shelter of the structured discovery, belief system, and those of us out here in hostile territory, really are fighting to make a difference in blindness. For example, I love Nebraska. I didn’t want to leave Nebraska. I got laid off and had to leave Nebraska. Everybody in the whole Federation knows how much I love Nebraska. Go big red! But when I was in Nebraska Carlos SERVAN said to me one time that those of us working in the Centers where they already believe what we believe are not doing as much good as people out there fighting in hostile territory. We really were preaching to the choir. We are getting positive reinforcement from every coworker, mostly, and every manager. It’s easy to maintain the faith when you work for your church. But the sinners are out here in the big bad world. That’s not exactly how Carlos put it but I am from Missouri and I work in Oklahoma so you have to figure my surroundings. Those of us out here on the front lines need to get together and reinforce each other because our peers working in the easy environments are too busy drinking that sweet bubble up and eating that rainbow stew. Yes more Oklahoma from Merle Haggard. I was eating rainbow stew in Nebraska. I admit it. I had no intention of walking away. I had to be forced out practically gunpoint. I say I was driven out of Nebraska by the 49 dumbest people in the state, the legislature. But I was a client in a hostile agency and I guess there’s a part of me that always knew that is where I was supposed to go. I landed in Texas, served my time and rolled out into Oklahoma. As close as I can get to home. I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to give up on Oklahoma. I want to stand and fight. If I don’t, who will? Stand with me, Liz. Stay in Oklahoma and make a difference with me. If it’s two of us, it will be easier. I didn’t say easy, just easier. The more we get the more of us there are to reinforce each other and build each other up when we get down like this. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone On Oct 30, 2025, at 1:26 PM, Elizabeth Delgado <edelgado0098@gmail.com> wrote: Hi Jane! I, too, work in Oklahoma. What you are describing is what low vision occupational therapists or maybe even the optometrist would do at my workplace. I will note that we don’t solely work with legally blind folks in Oklahoma. Elizabeth Delgado-Gann On Thu, Oct 30, 2025 at 11:32 AM Jane Lansaw via NOMC <[1]members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote: Hi Listers, As many of you know, I work for Oklahoma Department of rehabilitation services, an agency not exactly known for supporting the structured discovery Learning philosophy. Fortunately, I’m itinerant and when I’m out in the field, there is nobody to criticize my use of structured discovery with my clients. Here’s my ethical problem. They want to send me out into the field to give sunglasses to people who are not legally blind. Yes I know our people don’t generally handle filters because we are trying to help people optimize vision instead of maximize vision but in my job I have to do filters. OK, I can do that. Problem is now they are giving me referrals for people who are not even legally blind. It started with people who just had cataracts removed and needed filters to deal with bright light and sunlight. I thought I had my managers persuaded that this is not a blindness issue and these people should go to vision clinics or even just to Walmart to pick up some filters on their own to satisfy their needs. After all, I’m a highly trained Blindness Professional. Later they started sending people who are not just post cataract, but have other pathologies which allow them to drive with the blessing of the doctor and vocational counselor and just want sunglasses for better contrast. My problem is I don’t want to help anybody drive better. I’m not teaching driver’s ed in high school. I also think it’s not ethical for a blindness specialist to help a sighted person drive better. My manager sent me the policy manual and said there was nothing in it to help me stop these referrals of people are not legally blind. Guys I need some ammunition. Is there anything I can use in our code of ethics to help me stop getting these “Junk referrals “? I’m really getting tired of this, and I also think somebody could get hurt by taking my word for a pair of sunglasses. They have some kind of pathology that makes them eligible to be a client at Services for the blind and visually impaired in the first place. My giving them sunglasses for better contrast could just get them into more trouble. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 23, 2025, at 2:50 PM, NBPCB Office via NOMC <[2]members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote: > > National Blindness Professional Certification Board > > The Authority on Structured Discovery Instruction > > > > Over the past few months, the National Blindness Professional Certification > Board has received numerous inquiries on what the term Structured Discovery, > certified Structured Discovery Training Center, and Structured Discovery > Instructor/Professional mean. The NBPCB believes and advocates that > Structured Discovery is the best form of instruction and methodology to > empower blind people when learning non-visual skills for independence. In > celebration of blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day that > passed on October 15th, the NBPCB is publishing a white paper/position paper > on what defines Structured Discovery, which is attached here and can be > freely distributed. For individuals who have graduated from a certified > Structured Discovery Training Center or who have worked with a Structured > Discovery certified instructor, one can be confident that they have had the > best form of instruction possible and have achieved a significant > accomplishment; as Structured Discovery Training is both challenging and > rewarding due to the new pathways, expectations, skills, and philosophy on > blindness that they have developed throughout their training. > > > > At present, NBPCB oversees three certifications which are based on > Structured Discovery Training -- the National Orientation and Mobility > Certification (NOMC), National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for > the Blind (NCRTB), and the National Certification in Access Technology for > the Blind (NCATB). Additionally, the board oversees one credential that > measures braille proficiency -- the National Certification in Unified > English Braille (NCUEB). NBPCB also credentials Community-based > Rehabilitation training Programs which conduct immersion and training of > Structured Discovery Professionals and provide adjustment training for those > experiencing significant sight loss - Certified Structured Discovery > Training Centers (CSDTC) > > > > The National Blindness Professional Certification Board wants to thank all > the professionals, instructors, and educators who have obtained their NOMC, > NCRTB, NCATB, and NCUEB. These instructors have been certified to teach > using the Structured Discovery model and continue to uphold the high > expectations that the NBPCB expects out of their certified instructors. To > find out if someone is certified by the NBPCB, go to this link. > > [3]https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php > > > > In addition, we want to thank our certified Structured Discovery Training > Centers for providing an environment and culture that embodies and > represents the teachings of Structured Discovery. Structured Discovery > Training Centers transform lives, redefines expectations for blind people, > and are the epitome of quality blindness training across the world. To see > the7 certified Structured Discovery Training Centers who have met the rigor, > quality, and standards set by the NBPCB, follow the below link. > > [4]https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapproval.php > > > > To learn more about what defines Structured Discovery, please read the > attached white paper/position statement or visit our website. > > [5]https://nbpcb.org/ > > > > If you are looking for a career in changing the lives of blind people, > please reach out to the NBPCB as obtaining a certification is the first step > to a fulfilling career in blindness. > > > > > > Happy blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day, > > National Blindness Professional Certification Board > > > > NBPCB Office > > PO Box 2373 > > Ruston LA 71273 > > 318 299-7340 > > <mailto:[6]admin@nbpcb.org> [7]admin@nbpcb.org > > <[8]http://www.nbpcb.org/> [9]www.nbpcb.org > > <[10]https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php> Click here to verify the status of > NBPCB certified professionals > > Sign up for the Structured Discovery Announcement mailing list > <[11]https://lists.nbpcb.org/mailman3/lists/sdteaching.lists.nbpcb.o rg/> here. > > > > <2025 NBPCB Position Statement on Structured Discovery.pdf> > _______________________________________________ > NOMC mailing list -- [12]members@lists.nbpcb.org > To unsubscribe send an email to [13]members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org _______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list -- [14]members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to [15]members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org References 1. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 2. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 3. https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php 4. https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapproval.php 5. https://nbpcb.org/ 6. mailto:admin@nbpcb.org 7. mailto:admin@nbpcb.org 8. http://www.nbpcb.org/ 9. http://www.nbpcb.org/ 10. https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php 11. https://lists.nbpcb.org/mailman3/lists/sdteaching.lists.nbpcb.org/ 12. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 13. mailto:members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org 14. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 15. mailto:members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org _______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list -- members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org
Aloha, Just my two cents, Jane and others, but given the current environment, we also cannot take for granted our centers certified as Structured Discovery®. Without naming specific examples, there are any number of pressures that would attempt to pull us into the abyss of mediocrity. Therefore, Jane, we all look to and count on you as among our soldier leaders diligently carrying the banner of higher expectations and quality services. I know the feeling like you're alone out there but you are one of the proud few and mighty, hopefully growing in number and effectiveness as we navigate these tricky landscapes. Keep the faith, sister! 😊 Maurice -----Original Message----- From: Jane Lansaw via NOMC <members@lists.nbpcb.org> Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 2:59 PM To: Elizabeth Delgado <edelgado0098@gmail.com> Cc: admin@nbpcb.org; members@lists.nbpcb.org Subject: [NOMC] Re: Help me build my ethics argument Tell me about it, preaching to the choir sister. I’m hoping that my NOMC brother and will help me come up with a good ethical argument to put a stop to this nonsense at least with DRS. You guys are on your own over there. Although I advise listening into this conversation to see what people tell me because some of it might be useful for you. Some of us have to work in the agencies. Like I said there is not enough work within the shelter of the structured discovery, belief system, and those of us out here in hostile territory, really are fighting to make a difference in blindness. For example, I love Nebraska. I didn’t want to leave Nebraska. I got laid off and had to leave Nebraska. Everybody in the whole Federation knows how much I love Nebraska. Go big red! But when I was in Nebraska Carlos SERVAN said to me one time that those of us working in the Centers where they already believe what we believe are not doing as much good as people out there fighting in hostile territory. We really were preaching to the choir. We are getting positive reinforcement from every coworker, mostly, and every manager. It’s easy to maintain the faith when you work for your church. But the sinners are out here in the big bad world. That’s not exactly how Carlos put it but I am from Missouri and I work in Oklahoma so you have to figure my surroundings. Those of us out here on the front lines need to get together and reinforce each other because our peers working in the easy environments are too busy drinking that sweet bubble up and eating that rainbow stew. Yes more Oklahoma from Merle Haggard. I was eating rainbow stew in Nebraska. I admit it. I had no intention of walking away. I had to be forced out practically gunpoint. I say I was driven out of Nebraska by the 49 dumbest people in the state, the legislature. But I was a client in a hostile agency and I guess there’s a part of me that always knew that is where I was supposed to go. I landed in Texas, served my time and rolled out into Oklahoma. As close as I can get to home. I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to give up on Oklahoma. I want to stand and fight. If I don’t, who will? Stand with me, Liz. Stay in Oklahoma and make a difference with me. If it’s two of us, it will be easier. I didn’t say easy, just easier. The more we get the more of us there are to reinforce each other and build each other up when we get down like this. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone On Oct 30, 2025, at 1:26 PM, Elizabeth Delgado <edelgado0098@gmail.com> wrote: Hi Jane! I, too, work in Oklahoma. What you are describing is what low vision occupational therapists or maybe even the optometrist would do at my workplace. I will note that we don’t solely work with legally blind folks in Oklahoma. Elizabeth Delgado-Gann On Thu, Oct 30, 2025 at 11:32 AM Jane Lansaw via NOMC <[1]members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote: Hi Listers, As many of you know, I work for Oklahoma Department of rehabilitation services, an agency not exactly known for supporting the structured discovery Learning philosophy. Fortunately, I’m itinerant and when I’m out in the field, there is nobody to criticize my use of structured discovery with my clients. Here’s my ethical problem. They want to send me out into the field to give sunglasses to people who are not legally blind. Yes I know our people don’t generally handle filters because we are trying to help people optimize vision instead of maximize vision but in my job I have to do filters. OK, I can do that. Problem is now they are giving me referrals for people who are not even legally blind. It started with people who just had cataracts removed and needed filters to deal with bright light and sunlight. I thought I had my managers persuaded that this is not a blindness issue and these people should go to vision clinics or even just to Walmart to pick up some filters on their own to satisfy their needs. After all, I’m a highly trained Blindness Professional. Later they started sending people who are not just post cataract, but have other pathologies which allow them to drive with the blessing of the doctor and vocational counselor and just want sunglasses for better contrast. My problem is I don’t want to help anybody drive better. I’m not teaching driver’s ed in high school. I also think it’s not ethical for a blindness specialist to help a sighted person drive better. My manager sent me the policy manual and said there was nothing in it to help me stop these referrals of people are not legally blind. Guys I need some ammunition. Is there anything I can use in our code of ethics to help me stop getting these “Junk referrals “? I’m really getting tired of this, and I also think somebody could get hurt by taking my word for a pair of sunglasses. They have some kind of pathology that makes them eligible to be a client at Services for the blind and visually impaired in the first place. My giving them sunglasses for better contrast could just get them into more trouble. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 23, 2025, at 2:50 PM, NBPCB Office via NOMC <[2]members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote: > > National Blindness Professional Certification Board > > The Authority on Structured Discovery Instruction > > > > Over the past few months, the National Blindness Professional Certification > Board has received numerous inquiries on what the term Structured Discovery, > certified Structured Discovery Training Center, and Structured Discovery > Instructor/Professional mean. The NBPCB believes and advocates that > Structured Discovery is the best form of instruction and methodology to > empower blind people when learning non-visual skills for independence. In > celebration of blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day that > passed on October 15th, the NBPCB is publishing a white paper/position paper > on what defines Structured Discovery, which is attached here and can be > freely distributed. For individuals who have graduated from a certified > Structured Discovery Training Center or who have worked with a Structured > Discovery certified instructor, one can be confident that they have had the > best form of instruction possible and have achieved a significant > accomplishment; as Structured Discovery Training is both challenging and > rewarding due to the new pathways, expectations, skills, and philosophy on > blindness that they have developed throughout their training. > > > > At present, NBPCB oversees three certifications which are based on > Structured Discovery Training -- the National Orientation and Mobility > Certification (NOMC), National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for > the Blind (NCRTB), and the National Certification in Access Technology for > the Blind (NCATB). Additionally, the board oversees one credential that > measures braille proficiency -- the National Certification in Unified > English Braille (NCUEB). NBPCB also credentials Community-based > Rehabilitation training Programs which conduct immersion and training of > Structured Discovery Professionals and provide adjustment training for those > experiencing significant sight loss - Certified Structured Discovery > Training Centers (CSDTC) > > > > The National Blindness Professional Certification Board wants to thank all > the professionals, instructors, and educators who have obtained their NOMC, > NCRTB, NCATB, and NCUEB. These instructors have been certified to teach > using the Structured Discovery model and continue to uphold the high > expectations that the NBPCB expects out of their certified instructors. To > find out if someone is certified by the NBPCB, go to this link. > > [3]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php__;!!LIYSdFfck... > > > > In addition, we want to thank our certified Structured Discovery Training > Centers for providing an environment and culture that embodies and > represents the teachings of Structured Discovery. Structured Discovery > Training Centers transform lives, redefines expectations for blind people, > and are the epitome of quality blindness training across the world. To see > the7 certified Structured Discovery Training Centers who have met the rigor, > quality, and standards set by the NBPCB, follow the below link. > > [4]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapproval.php_... > > > > To learn more about what defines Structured Discovery, please read the > attached white paper/position statement or visit our website. > > [5]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!xy0ZRyyuwWkAr... > > > > If you are looking for a career in changing the lives of blind people, > please reach out to the NBPCB as obtaining a certification is the first step > to a fulfilling career in blindness. > > > > > > Happy blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day, > > National Blindness Professional Certification Board > > > > NBPCB Office > > PO Box 2373 > > Ruston LA 71273 > > 318 299-7340 > > <mailto:[6]admin@nbpcb.org> [7]admin@nbpcb.org > > <[8]https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.nbpcb.org/__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!xy0ZRyyuwW... > [9]https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.nbpcb.org__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!xy0ZRyyuwWk... > > <[10]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php__;!!LIYSd... > Click here to verify the status of > NBPCB certified professionals > > Sign up for the Structured Discovery Announcement mailing list > <[11]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://lists.nbpcb.org/mailman3/lists/sdteachin... rg/> here. > > > > <2025 NBPCB Position Statement on Structured Discovery.pdf> > _______________________________________________ > NOMC mailing list -- [12]members@lists.nbpcb.org > To unsubscribe send an email to [13]members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org _______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list -- [14]members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to [15]members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org References 1. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 2. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 3. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php__;!!LIYSdFfck... 4. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapproval.php_... 5. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!xy0ZRyyuwWkAr... 6. mailto:admin@nbpcb.org 7. mailto:admin@nbpcb.org 8. https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.nbpcb.org/__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!xy0ZRyyuwW... 9. https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.nbpcb.org/__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!xy0ZRyyuwW... 10. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php__;!!LIYSd... 11. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://lists.nbpcb.org/mailman3/lists/sdteachin... 12. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 13. mailto:members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org 14. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 15. mailto:members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org _______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list -- members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org NOTICE: This information and attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential. 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Maurice, I can always count on you. Thanks, brother, my shield is still bright, and my sword is still sharp. Sometimes my boots have holes in them and my greves have slashes. My chain mail has some missing links but my helmet doesn’t need a silly eye hole. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 31, 2025, at 12:20 PM, Peret, Maurice S <mperet@dhs.hawaii.gov> wrote:
Aloha,
Just my two cents, Jane and others, but given the current environment, we also cannot take for granted our centers certified as Structured Discovery®. Without naming specific examples, there are any number of pressures that would attempt to pull us into the abyss of mediocrity. Therefore, Jane, we all look to and count on you as among our soldier leaders diligently carrying the banner of higher expectations and quality services. I know the feeling like you're alone out there but you are one of the proud few and mighty, hopefully growing in number and effectiveness as we navigate these tricky landscapes.
Keep the faith, sister! 😊
Maurice -----Original Message----- From: Jane Lansaw via NOMC <members@lists.nbpcb.org> Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 2:59 PM To: Elizabeth Delgado <edelgado0098@gmail.com> Cc: admin@nbpcb.org; members@lists.nbpcb.org Subject: [NOMC] Re: Help me build my ethics argument
Tell me about it, preaching to the choir sister. I’m hoping that my NOMC brother and will help me come up with a good ethical argument to put a stop to this nonsense at least with DRS. You guys are on your own over there. Although I advise listening into this conversation to see what people tell me because some of it might be useful for you.
Some of us have to work in the agencies. Like I said there is not enough work within the shelter of the structured discovery, belief system, and those of us out here in hostile territory, really are fighting to make a difference in blindness. For example, I love Nebraska. I didn’t want to leave Nebraska. I got laid off and had to leave Nebraska. Everybody in the whole Federation knows how much I love Nebraska. Go big red!
But when I was in Nebraska Carlos SERVAN said to me one time that those of us working in the Centers where they already believe what we believe are not doing as much good as people out there fighting in hostile territory. We really were preaching to the choir. We are getting positive reinforcement from every coworker, mostly, and every manager. It’s easy to maintain the faith when you work for your church. But the sinners are out here in the big bad world. That’s not exactly how Carlos put it but I am from Missouri and I work in Oklahoma so you have to figure my surroundings.
Those of us out here on the front lines need to get together and reinforce each other because our peers working in the easy environments are too busy drinking that sweet bubble up and eating that rainbow stew. Yes more Oklahoma from Merle Haggard. I was eating rainbow stew in Nebraska. I admit it. I had no intention of walking away. I had to be forced out practically gunpoint. I say I was driven out of Nebraska by the 49 dumbest people in the state, the legislature. But I was a client in a hostile agency and I guess there’s a part of me that always knew that is where I was supposed to go. I landed in Texas, served my time and rolled out into Oklahoma. As close as I can get to home. I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to give up on Oklahoma. I want to stand and fight. If I don’t, who will? Stand with me, Liz. Stay in Oklahoma and make a difference with me. If it’s two of us, it will be easier. I didn’t say easy, just easier. The more we get the more of us there are to reinforce each other and build each other up when we get down like this.
Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 30, 2025, at 1:26 PM, Elizabeth Delgado <edelgado0098@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Jane! I, too, work in Oklahoma. What you are describing is what low vision occupational therapists or maybe even the optometrist would do at my workplace. I will note that we don’t solely work with legally blind folks in Oklahoma. Elizabeth Delgado-Gann On Thu, Oct 30, 2025 at 11:32 AM Jane Lansaw via NOMC <[1]members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote:
Hi Listers, As many of you know, I work for Oklahoma Department of rehabilitation services, an agency not exactly known for supporting the structured discovery Learning philosophy. Fortunately, I’m itinerant and when I’m out in the field, there is nobody to criticize my use of structured discovery with my clients. Here’s my ethical problem. They want to send me out into the field to give sunglasses to people who are not legally blind. Yes I know our people don’t generally handle filters because we are trying to help people optimize vision instead of maximize vision but in my job I have to do filters. OK, I can do that. Problem is now they are giving me referrals for people who are not even legally blind. It started with people who just had cataracts removed and needed filters to deal with bright light and sunlight. I thought I had my managers persuaded that this is not a blindness issue and these people should go to vision clinics or even just to Walmart to pick up some filters on their own to satisfy their needs. After all, I’m a highly trained Blindness Professional. Later they started sending people who are not just post cataract, but have other pathologies which allow them to drive with the blessing of the doctor and vocational counselor and just want sunglasses for better contrast. My problem is I don’t want to help anybody drive better. I’m not teaching driver’s ed in high school. I also think it’s not ethical for a blindness specialist to help a sighted person drive better. My manager sent me the policy manual and said there was nothing in it to help me stop these referrals of people are not legally blind. Guys I need some ammunition. Is there anything I can use in our code of ethics to help me stop getting these “Junk referrals “? I’m really getting tired of this, and I also think somebody could get hurt by taking my word for a pair of sunglasses. They have some kind of pathology that makes them eligible to be a client at Services for the blind and visually impaired in the first place. My giving them sunglasses for better contrast could just get them into more trouble. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 23, 2025, at 2:50 PM, NBPCB Office via NOMC <[2]members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote:
National Blindness Professional Certification Board
The Authority on Structured Discovery Instruction
Over the past few months, the National Blindness Professional Certification Board has received numerous inquiries on what the term Structured Discovery, certified Structured Discovery Training Center, and Structured Discovery Instructor/Professional mean. The NBPCB believes and advocates that Structured Discovery is the best form of instruction and methodology to empower blind people when learning non-visual skills for independence. In celebration of blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day that passed on October 15th, the NBPCB is publishing a white paper/position paper on what defines Structured Discovery, which is attached here and can be freely distributed. For individuals who have graduated from a certified Structured Discovery Training Center or who have worked with a Structured Discovery certified instructor, one can be confident that they have had the best form of instruction possible and have achieved a significant accomplishment; as Structured Discovery Training is both challenging and rewarding due to the new pathways, expectations, skills, and philosophy on blindness that they have developed throughout their training.
At present, NBPCB oversees three certifications which are based on Structured Discovery Training -- the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB), and the National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind (NCATB). Additionally, the board oversees one credential that measures braille proficiency -- the National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB). NBPCB also credentials Community-based Rehabilitation training Programs which conduct immersion and training of Structured Discovery Professionals and provide adjustment training for those experiencing significant sight loss - Certified Structured Discovery Training Centers (CSDTC)
The National Blindness Professional Certification Board wants to thank all the professionals, instructors, and educators who have obtained their NOMC, NCRTB, NCATB, and NCUEB. These instructors have been certified to teach using the Structured Discovery model and continue to uphold the high expectations that the NBPCB expects out of their certified instructors. To find out if someone is certified by the NBPCB, go to this link.
[3]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php__;!!LIYSdFfck...
In addition, we want to thank our certified Structured Discovery Training Centers for providing an environment and culture that embodies and represents the teachings of Structured Discovery. Structured Discovery Training Centers transform lives, redefines expectations for blind people, and are the epitome of quality blindness training across the world. To see the7 certified Structured Discovery Training Centers who have met the rigor, quality, and standards set by the NBPCB, follow the below link.
[4]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapproval.php_...
To learn more about what defines Structured Discovery, please read the attached white paper/position statement or visit our website.
[5]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!xy0ZRyyuwWkAr...
If you are looking for a career in changing the lives of blind people, please reach out to the NBPCB as obtaining a certification is the first step to a fulfilling career in blindness.
Happy blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day,
National Blindness Professional Certification Board
NBPCB Office
PO Box 2373
Ruston LA 71273
318 299-7340
<mailto:[6]admin@nbpcb.org> [7]admin@nbpcb.org
<[8]https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.nbpcb.org/__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!xy0ZRyyuwW... > [9]https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.nbpcb.org__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!xy0ZRyyuwWk...
<[10]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php__;!!LIYSd... > Click here to verify the status of NBPCB certified professionals
Sign up for the Structured Discovery Announcement mailing list
<[11]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://lists.nbpcb.org/mailman3/lists/sdteachin... rg/> here.
<2025 NBPCB Position Statement on Structured Discovery.pdf> _______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list -- [12]members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to [13]members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org
_______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list -- [14]members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to [15]members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org
References
1. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 2. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 3. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php__;!!LIYSdFfck... 4. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapproval.php_... 5. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nbpcb.org/__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!xy0ZRyyuwWkAr... 6. mailto:admin@nbpcb.org 7. mailto:admin@nbpcb.org 8. https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.nbpcb.org/__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!xy0ZRyyuwW... 9. https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.nbpcb.org/__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!xy0ZRyyuwW... 10. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php__;!!LIYSd... 11. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://lists.nbpcb.org/mailman3/lists/sdteachin... 12. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 13. mailto:members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org 14. mailto:members@lists.nbpcb.org 15. mailto:members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org _______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list -- members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org NOTICE: This information and attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited and may be punishable under state and federal law. If you have received this communication and/or attachments in error, please notify the sender via email immediately and destroy all electronic and paper copies.
Does your agency have an O&M director/team leader? If so reaching out to that person could help. As I have found all O&M specialist even outside of SD trained get nervous when asked about helping with accommodations for driving. Also my experience with a few states has been that clients are usually sent to low vision specialist if needing tools for specific situations such as driving, and O&M do not make that kind of recommendation. So maybe recommend that clients are referred to low vision specialist instead of O&M. As heads up agencies are making qualifications for service more liberal as to help justify maintaining funding/staffing. So you will get more people that may not ever really use cane fulltime. -----Original Message----- From: Jane Lansaw via NOMC <members@lists.nbpcb.org> Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 12:32 PM To: admin@nbpcb.org Cc: members@lists.nbpcb.org Subject: [NOMC] Help me build my ethics argument Hi Listers, As many of you know, I work for Oklahoma Department of rehabilitation services, an agency not exactly known for supporting the structured discovery Learning philosophy. Fortunately, I’m itinerant and when I’m out in the field, there is nobody to criticize my use of structured discovery with my clients. Here’s my ethical problem. They want to send me out into the field to give sunglasses to people who are not legally blind. Yes I know our people don’t generally handle filters because we are trying to help people optimize vision instead of maximize vision but in my job I have to do filters. OK, I can do that. Problem is now they are giving me referrals for people who are not even legally blind. It started with people who just had cataracts removed and needed filters to deal with bright light and sunlight. I thought I had my managers persuaded that this is not a blindness issue and these people should go to vision clinics or even just to Walmart to pick up some filters on their own to satisfy their needs. After all, I’m a highly trained Blindness Professional. Later they started sending people who are not just post cataract, but have other pathologies which allow them to drive with the blessing of the doctor and vocational counselor and just want sunglasses for better contrast. My problem is I don’t want to help anybody drive better. I’m not teaching driver’s ed in high school. I also think it’s not ethical for a blindness specialist to help a sighted person drive better. My manager sent me the policy manual and said there was nothing in it to help me stop these referrals of people are not legally blind. Guys I need some ammunition. Is there anything I can use in our code of ethics to help me stop getting these “Junk referrals “? I’m really getting tired of this, and I also think somebody could get hurt by taking my word for a pair of sunglasses. They have some kind of pathology that makes them eligible to be a client at Services for the blind and visually impaired in the first place. My giving them sunglasses for better contrast could just get them into more trouble. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 23, 2025, at 2:50 PM, NBPCB Office via NOMC <members@lists.nbpcb.org> wrote:
National Blindness Professional Certification Board
The Authority on Structured Discovery Instruction
Over the past few months, the National Blindness Professional Certification Board has received numerous inquiries on what the term Structured Discovery, certified Structured Discovery Training Center, and Structured Discovery Instructor/Professional mean. The NBPCB believes and advocates that Structured Discovery is the best form of instruction and methodology to empower blind people when learning non-visual skills for independence. In celebration of blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day that passed on October 15th, the NBPCB is publishing a white paper/position paper on what defines Structured Discovery, which is attached here and can be freely distributed. For individuals who have graduated from a certified Structured Discovery Training Center or who have worked with a Structured Discovery certified instructor, one can be confident that they have had the best form of instruction possible and have achieved a significant accomplishment; as Structured Discovery Training is both challenging and rewarding due to the new pathways, expectations, skills, and philosophy on blindness that they have developed throughout their training.
At present, NBPCB oversees three certifications which are based on Structured Discovery Training -- the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB), and the National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind (NCATB). Additionally, the board oversees one credential that measures braille proficiency -- the National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB). NBPCB also credentials Community-based Rehabilitation training Programs which conduct immersion and training of Structured Discovery Professionals and provide adjustment training for those experiencing significant sight loss - Certified Structured Discovery Training Centers (CSDTC)
The National Blindness Professional Certification Board wants to thank all the professionals, instructors, and educators who have obtained their NOMC, NCRTB, NCATB, and NCUEB. These instructors have been certified to teach using the Structured Discovery model and continue to uphold the high expectations that the NBPCB expects out of their certified instructors. To find out if someone is certified by the NBPCB, go to this link.
https://nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php
In addition, we want to thank our certified Structured Discovery Training Centers for providing an environment and culture that embodies and represents the teachings of Structured Discovery. Structured Discovery Training Centers transform lives, redefines expectations for blind people, and are the epitome of quality blindness training across the world. To see the7 certified Structured Discovery Training Centers who have met the rigor, quality, and standards set by the NBPCB, follow the below link.
https://nbpcb.org/pages/NBPCBcenterapproval.php
To learn more about what defines Structured Discovery, please read the attached white paper/position statement or visit our website.
If you are looking for a career in changing the lives of blind people, please reach out to the NBPCB as obtaining a certification is the first step to a fulfilling career in blindness.
Happy blindness achievement month and white cane awareness day,
National Blindness Professional Certification Board
NBPCB Office
PO Box 2373
Ruston LA 71273
318 299-7340
<mailto:admin@nbpcb.org> admin@nbpcb.org
<http://www.nbpcb.org/> www.nbpcb.org
<https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php> Click here to verify the status of NBPCB certified professionals
Sign up for the Structured Discovery Announcement mailing list <https://lists.nbpcb.org/mailman3/lists/sdteaching.lists.nbpcb.org/> here.
<2025 NBPCB Position Statement on Structured Discovery.pdf> _______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list -- members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org
NOMC mailing list -- members@lists.nbpcb.org To unsubscribe send an email to members-leave@lists.nbpcb.org
participants (6)
-
Elizabeth Delgado -
Jane Lansaw -
Justin Salisbury -
Lerone Walker -
Peret, Maurice S -
s.colin.wong＠gmail.com