American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Winter 2024 WHAT'S HAPPENING?
Summer Programs Equip Blind Teens for Success
by Julie Deden
From the Editor: Since the 1990s blind and low-vision teens have gained skills and confidence by attending summer programs at the Colorado Center for the Blind (CCB) and other NFB centers. In this article CCB Director Julie Deden describes this summer's programs and explains how they can make a positive difference for blind youth.
For more than thirty years our NFB training centers have hosted programs for blind youth of all ages. The programs at each center have been unique, though the core components have remained constant. Our centers have offered summer programs to teens from all over the country. We have also provided year-round training that primarily serves blind teens locally.
Cody came to the Colorado Center the summer after he graduated from high school. Totally blind from birth, he had been fully mainstreamed, and he did not know any positive blind role models. Cody used a cane at school, but he did not take his cane with him when he went out with his family and friends. He had good skills in the areas of Braille and technology, but he had only minimal experience with cooking, cleaning, and other household management skills.
Cody jumped right into training at the CCB. He thrived on the challenging aspects of cane travel. He worked well with his counselor and roommates, cooking and cleaning in his apartment. The summer program gave him the confidence he needed to be successful in college and beyond.
Today Cody is a certified public accountant (CPA) who works for Price-Waterhouse. He travels regularly throughout the US for work, and he has visited Europe. Cody is a leader in the National Federation of the Blind.
At the CCB we believe blind people can do just about anything. Every day we encourage and challenge each of our students. They come to understand their potential as they build the skills and confidence to live the lives they want. We know that when you believe in yourself and experience a thriving community of positive blind people, nothing can hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
Here are the elements that have made our summer programs vibrant and life-changing for so many teens.
- Students receive instruction from positive blind role models.
- Students live with a counselor and a roommate in their own apartments to build upon their skills in all aspects of cooking and cleaning.
- Students gain belief and confidence in themselves as blind individuals.
- All students are required to use a long white cane.
- Students develop nonvisual techniques by wearing learning shades in all their classes.
- Students take the following core classes: cane travel, Braille, technology, and home management.
- Students learn about the world of work through job-seeking skills class, job shadows, and direct work experiences.
- College-bound students participate in a college readiness class.
- Students learn about methods that they can use to succeed in STEM fields through hands-on seminars.
- Students build confidence by participating in challenging recreational activities, including rock climbing, canoeing, self-defense, ice skating, rafting, and more.
- Discussion groups are held several times each week. Topics covered include taking charge of school and life as a blind person, dating, taking responsibility, educating the public, images of blindness in the media, and more.
- A seminar held for family members provides them with encouragement to have high expectations for their blind teen.
What Do Students Gain?
- Lifelong friendships with blind peers.
- Belief in their abilities.
- Pride in being blind.
- Skills in all class areas.
- Connections with the National Federation of the Blind in their state. Leadership skills.
Cody explains, "The summer program gave me belief in myself and the connections to blind people that have truly made the difference. When I started college, I began using my cane everywhere. I realized that I could compete with others and that I truly was an equal."
Summer 2024 at the CCB
This summer the Colorado Center for the Blind will again offer its No Limits to Learning program for blind teens. In addition to the four-week program we offered in 2023, we will also offer a seven-week program that will include attending the National Federation of the Blind Convention in Orlando.
No Limits to Learning
Seven-week Program
Dates: June 21 through August 9
This program will provide students with additional instruction to cement their skills and confidence. Students enrolled in this seven-week program will have the opportunity to attend the national convention of the NFB that will be held in Orlando, Florida. They will learn about techniques of airport travel and how to navigate in a large hotel. They will have the opportunity to examine a wide array of technology, meet blind people in many fields, learn more about the NFB, and much more.
To participate in this program applicants must be sixteen years of age or older. They are required to submit an essay discussing why they want to attend the NFB National Convention.
No Limits to Learning
Four-week Program
Dates: July 12 through August 9
Except for attending the national convention, this shorter program will cover all elements listed above, including challenge recreation activities.
Applicants for the four-week program must be fifteen or older.
The Colorado Center for the Blind is located in Littleton, Colorado. We place a strong emphasis on safety and security and follow the Youth Protection Policy established by the National Federation of the Blind. All staff members receive extensive training prior to the students' arrival. Students live with a counselor and will be supervised.
All potential students and their parents or guardians are interviewed by our director of Youth Services, Chaz Davis. Chaz has a master's degree in social work (MSW). He is blind, a marathon runner, and the father of a two-year-old. This is his third summer with us.
Funding to attend the summer programs is typically available through vocational rehabilitation programs.
For more information please contact:
Chaz Davis, Director of Youth Programs
303-778-1130
[email protected]
Visit our website at www.cocenter.org