American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Winter 2022 WHAT'S HAPPENING?
The NFB and its blindness training centers have long sponsored summer programs for blind children and teens. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these programs had to be discontinued, while others were held virtually. Virtual programs allowed students to connect with peers and with blind adults, but no one pretended that sitting at a laptop provided the same learning opportunities as meeting in person.
We are thrilled to announce that many of our youth programs will be up and running again this summer. Below you will find information about programs that combine valuable learning with generous portions of fun.
NFB BELL® Academy
nfb.org/bell
Contact: [email protected]
Application in English: https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy/'nfb-bell-academy-application
Application in Spanish: https://nfb.org/es/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy/nfb-bell-academy-application
The NFB BELL Academy provides children with instruction in Braille and nonvisual skills through fun, hands-on learning activities. BELL (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning) is a nationwide (US and Puerto Rico) summer program that prepares blind and low-vision children to grow into confident, independent people who live the lives they want. Activities are provided in a day or residential setting, depending on location. In addition to Braille, crafts, games, and engaging projects, children learn vital independent living skills, interact with blind adult mentors, and enjoy field trips to sites related to the NFB BELL Academy curriculum. Through these activities and interactions, the children learn that blindness/low vision does not define them or their future. NFB BELL Academy typically runs Monday through Friday for six hours per day for two weeks.
Who Should Attend? Blind and low-vision children, ages four through twelve, who:
2022 NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition
Dates: July 18-August 5, 2022
Application in English: https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy/nfb-bell-academy-home-edition
Application in Spanish: https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy/en-espanol-in-home
The National Federation of the Blind is offering one three-week virtual program of the BELL Academy In-Home Edition this summer. The program is designed to prepare blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and independent blind people by enhancing their education. Options are available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced Braille readers.
These residential programs for blind teens and children help students develop skills in cane travel, home management, technology, and more. Applicants to high school and college programs must have an open case with their state office of rehabilitation services to defray the cost.
BLIND, Inc. (Blindness: Living in New Dimensions)
https://www.blindinc.org
100 E. 22nd St., Minneapolis, MN, 55404
Contact: Michell Gip, Youth Services Coordinator, 612-872-0100
[email protected]
Buddy Program 2022
August 6-August 20, 2022
Ages 9-13
Cost: $700 (some funding may be available for those in need)
Application Deadline: April 30, 2022
Children will gain important blindness skills along with empowering attitudes about blindness while exploring the Twin Cities.
Blindness Skills: Buddies will work on Braille reading, cane travel, adaptive technology, independent living skills, and much more. They will enjoy an educational and recreational experiences with program counselors, most of whom are blind college students. They will learn to prepare meals and travel effectively on public transportation.
Confidence-building Activities: Activities in the Twin Cities may include visiting the Mall of America, exploring a museum, adaptive cycling, indoor rock climbing, and more. Buddies use the skills they are taught in the program while participating in these fun activities.
Come to gain blindness skills and leave with lifelong friends!
PREP 2022 (Postsecondary Readiness Empowerment Program)
June 11-July 31, 2022
Application Deadline: March 31, 2022
This exciting summer program is designed to prepare students to reach their personal, academic, and professional goals as they transition to adulthood. The PREP curriculum empowers blind youth as they learn the alternative techniques of blindness and develop the self-confidence needed to become successful adults.
Instruction: The core classes include Braille reading and writing, independent cane travel, adaptive technology, career exploration, and home management, which includes cooking, cleaning, and personal care, and other daily living skills. Students participate in regularly scheduled discussion groups designed to build confidence as they learn from blind peers and adults. PREP students live with fellow students and counselors in apartments. Counselors and instructors serve as successful and positive role models. Students shop for groceries, prepare meals, and clean their apartments as part of their home and personal management training. They learn to live independently while still in a supportive environment. Students develop problem-solving skills needed to take care of themselves and determine their own future.
World of Work: Students will create their professional profile, network, and gain hands-on experience through community projects. These opportunities will help them understand the professional development and the process of obtaining a job.
National Convention: In July PREP students will enjoy the opportunity of accompanying BLIND, Inc. staff students to attend the week-long NFB National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. PREP students will join hundreds of other high school and college students from around the country, learning about groundbreaking technology and attending meetings and seminars.
Confidence-building Activities: Throughout the summer the PREP students will participate in a variety of fun activities, including adaptive cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, and visiting amusement parks and shopping malls.
Colorado Center for the Blind (CCB)
https://cocenter.org/summer-application
Contact: Anahit LaBarre, 303-778-1130, Ext. 223
[email protected]
Session 1: June 10-July 1, 2022
Session 2: July 15-August 5, 2022
Eligibility: Legally blind students ages 14-21
Application Deadline: May 2, 2022
This three-week residential program will provide students with the tools they need to move forward in high school, college, or on the job. Students will:
Admission Requirements: Students must be:
Independent with basic self-care skills