American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Winter 2023 WHAT'S HAPPENING?
Since the 1980s the NFB training centers have provided unique opportunities for blind children and teens. While participants enhance their cane travel, Braille, and home management skills, they also build positive attitudes about blindness. The COVID-19 pandemic curtailed these programs, but this summer many of them are back. Below is information about some 2023 summer programs.
Buddy Program 2023
When: June 11 - 25, 2023
Where: BLIND, Inc.
100 East 22nd St.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
Who is eligible: Blind and low-vision students ages nine to thirteen
Application Deadline: April 15, 2023
Challenge yourself. Conquer your fears. Create new memories.
"Buddies" will gain important blindness skills along with the empowering attitudes about blindness and exposure to the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) while exploring and experiencing the Twin Cities.
Buddies will learn Braille reading and writing, orientation and mobility (O&M), access technology, independent living skills, and much more! Buddies will also have the chance to craft friendships that will last a lifetime with their blind/low-vision peers. Buddies will have an educational and recreational experience with program counselors, most of whom are blind college students. Buddies will learn to prepare meals under the supervision of the instructors. They will also learn to travel effectively, using the public transit system. These skills will be beneficial for a lifetime!
Buddies will participate in a variety of activities around the Twin Cities. Activities may include: visiting the Mall of America, exploring a museum, and visiting an amusement park. They will experience adaptive cycling, swimming, and more. Buddies use the skills they are taught in the program while they participate in these fun activities.
For more information or to apply, contact Michell Gip, Youth Services Coordinator, at 612-872-0100, Ext. 231, or [email protected]. Apply today to ensure your space in the 2023 Buddy Program!
No Limits to Learning
When: July 9 - August 4, 2023
Who is eligible: Blind and low-vision students ages fourteen to twenty-one
This four-week residential program will change lives. Participants will live in apartments with other students and a staff member. Mentors will meet blind people who work in all kinds of jobs. They will challenge themselves by participating in rock climbing, goalball, boating, and more. Participants will build their core skills in Braille, technology, home management, and cane travel. They expand their skills in STEM fields with hands-on experiments using accessible, nonvisual tools and strategies.
College coming up soon? Participants learn what it takes to be successful, including how to navigate the unfamiliar new landscape of higher education. They will learn that being blind need not limit them from pursuing their dreams.
For more information or to apply, contact Chaz Davis, [email protected] or 303-778-1130.
101 S. Trenton
Ruston, LA 71270
Contact: Pamela Allen
318-251-2891
[email protected]
Plans are underway for the Louisiana Center for the Blind to host a STEM enrichment program for students this summer. For more information, please contact Pamela Allen.