[Blindtlk] Independence 2011

[Amy Phelps]

The birds are singing, the sun is out, it is time 
to start making plans for the summer and 
Independence 2011 is the place to be! Please be 
sure to help spread the word about this fantastic 
summer program for blind/low vision youth 
entering into the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.

What is Independence 2011?
Independence 2011 is a seven-week residential 
training program that provides blind and low 
vision teens with the nonvisual skills and 
confidence to help transition from high school to college and/or employment.

    * Learn to travel independently using a long white cane
    * Experience real-world career opportunities
    * Two-week paid work experience
    * Learn to read and write using Braille
    * Develop computer skills through assistive technology
    * Reside in campus apartments with blind instructor/mentors
    * Expand cooking, cleaning, and shopping skills
    * Attend the NFB Youth Slam, a STEP Leadership Academy
    * Develop a positive attitude about blindness
    * Attend the 2011 NFB national convention in Orlando, FL
    * Tour Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Disney World
    * Participate in recreational and athletic activities

Who Can Apply?
Legally blind high school students who are 
entering into the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades in 
the fall of 2011. Applicants should have an open 
case with their state’s vocational rehabilitation 
or have an alternative funding source.

Where? Again we will return to Towson University 
where the students will live in apartments on campus

Sponsored by? Blind Industries and Services of Maryland

When? June 19 – August 5

For more information or to apply, please contact 
Amy Phelps at 410-737-2642 or <mailto:aphelps at bism.org>aphelps at bism.org


Warm regards,

Amy C. Phelps, CRC, NOMC

Help sponsor our youth program activities 
<https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1003647>Donate 

Check out information about our summer youth 
program: <http://bism.org/r_youth_TEMP_2.cfm>Independence 2011
Take the NCLB at BISM  in Baltimore on March 26. 
For information: 
<http://www.nbpcb.org/pages/NCLBcertification.php>National 
Certification in Literary Braille

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland
3345 Washington Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21227
Phone: 410-737-2642
Mobile: 410-274-1647
Fax: 410-737-2689
Toll Free: 888-322-4567
E-mail: <mailto:aphelps at bism.org>aphelps at bism.org

"...given proper training and opportunity, the 
average blind person can do the average job in 
the average place of business and do it as well 
as his or her sighted neighbor..." Freedom for the Blind, James H. Omvig



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