American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Winter 2019 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Summer Programs
The National Federation of the Blind and the country's premier training centers for the blind offer a variety of summer programs for blind and low-vision children and young adults. These programs build blindness skills and encourage independence. Here is some basic information about summer opportunities in 2019.
NFB BELL Academy
NFB BELL Academy is a two-week summer program that prepares blind and low-vision children to be confident and independent adults. Children learn Braille and nonvisual skills through fun, hands-on activities in a daytime or residential setting. More than forty BELL Academies will be held in cities across the country in the summer of 2019.
Ages: 4 to 12
Dates: Varies
Location: Nationwide
More Info: https://nfb.org/bell-academy
NFB EQ (Engineering Quotient)
NFB EQ is a week-long summer engineering program for blind and low-vision teens. Participants forge new friendships while increasing their engineering knowledge, problem-solving abilities, self-confidence, and independence.
Grades: 9 to 12
Dates: June 16 to 22, 2019
Location: Baltimore, MD
More Info: https://blindscience.org/nfbeq
NFB National Convention Youth Track
The NFB National Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the world. Every year blind youth can participate in a variety of seminars and social activities designed to provide a meaningful convention experience, foster independence, and promote positive attitudes about blindness.
Ages: Varies
Dates: July 7 to 12, 2019
Location: Las Vegas, NV
More Info: https://nfb.org/convention
Louisiana Center for the Blind
Location: Ruston, LA
Buddy Program
The Buddy Program is an innovative three-week program that pairs blind children with positive blind role models, teaches them alternative techniques, and includes fun activities such as swimming, tandem biking, and horseback riding.
Grades: 4 to 8
Dates: July 21 to August 10, 2019
More Info: https://www.louisianacenter.org/buddyprogram
STEP Program
The eight-week Summer Transition and Empowerment Program (STEP) introduces blind teens to the alternative techniques of blindness and workplace readiness skills through a paid internship. By interacting with mentors and peers (including during the NFB National Convention), students acquire the skills and attitudes necessary for living independently and productively.
Grades: 9 to 12
Dates: June 16 to August 10, 2019
More Info: https://www.louisianacenter.org/step-program
BLIND, Inc.
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Buddy Program
In the Buddy Program blind children learn important skills, embrace the empowering attitudes and philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind, and explore the wonderful and fun Twin Cities.
Ages: 9 to 13
Dates: June 9 to 29, 2019
More Info: https://buddy.blindinc.org
PREP
The Post-Secondary Readiness and Empowerment Program (PREP) is an eight-week summer program for blind teens where they learn new skills and become better prepared to attend college and transition into the workforce.
Grades: 9 to 12
Dates: June 8 to August 3, 2019
More Info: https://prep.blindinc.org
STYLE
The Summer Transition Youth Learning Experience (STYLE) program offers three separate five-day sessions for high school students where they learn new skills, gain confidence, and have fun. Attend one, two, or all three sessions.
Ages: 14 to 21
Session 1: July 15 to 19, 2019
Session 2: July 22 to 26, 2019
Session 3: July 29 to August 2, 2019
More Info: https://style.blindinc.org
Summer College Comprehensive Program
This program is designed with the busy college student in mind. Participants enhance their blindness skills and increase their confidence during one or more summer programs at BLIND, Inc.
Ages: High school graduates (18 years and older)
Dates: June 1 to August 10, 2019
More Info: https://college.blindinc.org
Colorado Center for the Blind
Location: Littleton, CO
Challenge and Adventure
In this program, students can run in a 5K race, play goalball and hockey, learn self-defense, and go canoeing. They can also try yoga and gymnastics and develop an exercise routine. They learn how to prepare delicious foods and how to maintain a nutritious diet.
Ages: 11 to 21
Dates: June 21 to 30, 2019
More Info: https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth
Confidence Camp
This two-week day program is filled with learning, challenges, and fun. Children meet blind role models and focus on cooking, cleaning, Braille, independent travel, and technology. They also have fun swimming, rock climbing, making a tactile art piece, and going on exciting field trips.
Ages: 5 to 10
Dates: June 10 to 21, 2019
More Info: https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth
Cracking the College Code
In this program blind students develop the skills they need to be successful in college. They learn about accessible tools and strategies for chemistry, biology, statistics, robotics, and more. In addition, they learn how to practice self-advocacy and how to navigate the landscape of higher education.
Ages: 16 to 21
Dates: July 18 to August 2, 2019
More Info: https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth
Module Madness
For those interested in a shorter program, the Colorado Center offers three different modules throughout the summer. In all three modules, students live in an apartment with other students and a counselor, and they build core skills in Braille, technology, home management, and cane travel.
Ages: Varies
Dates: Varies
More Info: https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth
No Limits to Learning
In this eight-week residential program, students live in an apartment and meet blind people who work in all kinds of jobs. They participate in rock climbing, goalball, whitewater rafting, and more. They also build core skills in Braille, technology, home management, and cane travel, and attend the NFB National Convention.
Ages: 14 to 21
Dates: June 7 to August 2, 2019
More Info: https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth
World of Work
In the World of Work program, students travel to the Denver metro area via bus and light rail to meet with blind people who work in a variety of professions. They develop confidence, practice their interviewing skills, and put together a résumé.
Ages: 11 to 21
Dates: June 7 to 21, 2019
More Info: https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth
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