It took me an entire year to get people to understand what I did and that my services were mandated by federal and state laws. Laurie Hudson from the Perkins School for the Blind addressed this issue over the internet. Blind students need to learn environmental concepts. They need time set aside to explore the world, and they need the opportunity to move outside the school to examine diverse environments. Their ability to learn in school is directly affected by their understanding of the world.
Blind students learn skills best in the real world.
Indoor, school based simulations don't necessarily transfer to real life. Schools have a responsibility to educate individuals to become self sufficient, tax paying adults. Blind children will not develop self sufficiency without good mobility skills. Our responsibility is to help shape blind students into contributing members of society, not financial and emotional burdens. Schools have a broader mission, beyond academics.