What Happened? Highlights from the 2016 Youth Track

What Happened? Highlights from the 2016 Youth Track

American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Convention 2016 PROGRAMS
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What Happened? Highlights from the 2016 Youth Track
by Eric Guillory and Shannon Kemlo
From the Editor: Each year at the NFB national convention, teens and preteens keep busy with a series of activities known as Youth Track. The 2016 Youth Track was coordinated by Eric Guillory and Shannon Kemlo. Eric Guillory has been director of Youth Services at the Louisiana Center for the Blind since 2007. He also serves as president of the National Organization of Professionals in Blindness Education (PIBE), a division of the NFB. Shannon Kemlo is the statewide children and youth services program manager for SAAVI Services for the Blind in Arizona.
We sometimes joke that when a student prefaces the answer to a question with "See, what happened was . . ." we are guaranteed to hear a tall tale or an entertaining excuse. But rest assured, when we discuss Youth Track happenings, in no way are we being hyperbolic.
In the Youth Track activities at the 2016 NFB convention, students between the ages of eleven and eighteen had fun, gained important information, and forged new friendships. Dynamic presenters and role models demonstrated in very tangible ways that these young men and women can, through love, hope, and determination, live the lives they want.
Before we detail what took place in beautiful Orlando, special thanks are in order to those who worked so tirelessly and collaboratively to make Youth Track a success. We would like to offer particular recognition to Melissa Riccobono, Kim Cunningham, and the entire NOPBC board. All provided expert guidance and invaluable logistical support. The summer students and staff of SAAVI Services for the Blind and the Louisiana Center for the Blind took the lead in the planning and organizing. Students and staff of the Colorado Center for the Blind, BLIND Inc. (Blindness Learning in New Dimensions), Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), and the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired also contributed greatly to the quality of all of the events.
One of the questions students and their families ask us most often is, "What can the national convention offer me?" Our first Youth Track session served to answer that question and to get students engaged in dialogue with one another. The discussion was both serious and hilarious, candid and telling. Participants learned a great deal about themselves and one another, and about the strength and welcoming spirit of the National Federation of the Blind. We also reviewed portions of the convention agenda and stressed the importance of active participation and the fun of deliberately seeking out mentors and new friends.
Many of today's youth are savvy on social media, where the Federation has an influential presence. Inviting students and young professionals to remain connected on Facebook and other sites is a critical component of our outreach to students, families, and educators.
The session entitled "Feeling Good and Looking Good: Self Confidence, Fashion, and Style" focused on four main topics--fashion, confidence, involvement, and relationships. Often students are told, "It doesn't matter what you wear or how you hold yourself in the world, as long as you're being yourself." This is great advice in theory, but it can add to the challenges when blind young people try to build and maintain friendships with their peers. The students asked a ton of questions, from "How am I supposed to get a girl when I don't drive?" to "My family told me only to date sighted people so they can take care of me. But I don't agree--how do I tell them?" The kids really opened up and were honest about their feelings and concerns. We are grateful to Jean Brown, First Lady of the Indiana affiliate, for her wisdom and candor.
Speaking of fashion, students cranked up the music and took to the runway at the NOPBC Youth Style Show. Some people, blind and sighted alike, have the erroneous notion that if a person can't see, he or she has no need to keep up with current styles. This idea leads to diminished expectations and all of the associated negatives. It is important that our students always put their best foot forward--and that includes personal hygiene, grooming, and fashion.
The fact that each Youth Track session was led by a blind mentor, usually a young adult, seemed to have a huge impact. The mentors were professionals and college students, and all of them were Federationists. The youth loved it.
During the NFB Board of Directors meeting, youth ages eleven to fourteen were invited to go on a scavenger hunt and explore the wonders of the Exhibit Hall. They were divided into teams led by young blind mentors. The Youth Track kids had a blast checking out all the things on offer in that vast space. They hardly noticed that they were learning about the importance of teamwork, listening for clues, problem solving, and using their canes. Shhhh! Having fun while you learn skills is the best!
Dr. Cary Supalo and other Federationists engaged students in hands-on science exploration. They used common household items as well as innovative equipment available through Independence Science. Some educators still believe that STEM subject matter is out of reach for blind students. Dr. Supalo and others are proving that this assumption is incorrect. Science is fun, and it is essential to a good understanding of our world. Not only did Youth Track students conduct meaningful and enjoyable experiments; they also learned about why matter acts the way it does.
The final Youth Track session was called "Deal Me In." A deck of cards is a portable instrument that allows us to have fun and spend quality time with friends and family almost anywhere. Students learned to play various card games as they socialized with one another and with young blind professionals. Playing with a Braille deck is one more proof that "Braille rocks!"
In planned and spontaneous discussions, we talked with the young people about the importance of ongoing involvement with the NFB. We emphasized that it is important for blind youth to take part in their local chapters, to meet blind peers and mentors, and to participate in summer programs in order to gain confidence and reach new levels of skill.
The energy, enthusiasm, intelligence, and camaraderie displayed by the 2016 Youth Track participants mirrors that of our Federation family and adds value to our national convention. Preliminary planning for the 2017 Youth Track is already underway. Let's go build the Federation by empowering our students!

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