[LPOBC] The BEE: Early Literacy and Movement for Young Blind Children

Thu Apr 20 21:28:00 UTC 2023

The BEE: Early Literacy and Movement for Young Blind Children

April 2023

What’s Buzzing with the National Federation of the Blind?

It’s NFB National Convention time! This year’s convention is from July 1 through July 6 in Houston, Texas. It is the premier event for training, support, and information for the blind community. There will be exhibits, plenary sessions, and evenings filled with fun activities. Visit the convention page<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT-2BYPFY1W898jzlXsLk2GsfbyXsV1gYPvTWnZQac3BpIN5FhQgOG-2BIDKRQcVqck6RBY-3DXwLC_iM-2B2Xts5pvb3cHr-2Fy-2Bx9DLVcyda-2BIZonSmks52Ala0-2BrWi4reHQzbvamjcZ9138Z135VWQrY66wXzALLdea-2B2uswWCVYC2WvGNfn4038gpgK-2FilnbbsSrLXhbPDUNpOK60ckz-2FpJzcvOaOqNBQr3SikaYZ2XPwIUelM8cmeRZkNU628FOyxXbslK8twhLPUp7YlFW6cRg9Gb4S337m4BUqIkSxN0firgSRjRC0v47pk-3D>, to find out more and register before May 31.

As part of the national convention, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children also runs a simultaneous program for parents, teachers, and children. The NOPBC is also responsible for NFB camp so that you have time to go to sessions, have fellowship with other attendees, or take a splash in the pool. Your blind child(ren) and their siblings can take advantage of this exciting camp. It is a unique opportunity for your blind child and their siblings to spend time with other blind children.

There will be more information about this program coming out very soon. Check out the NOPBC website at www.nopbc.org<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT-2BYPFY1W898jzlXsLk2GsfbqTx1irUG3CrSLpTqPjXidCNJHoSe3cHVRijbcL-2Bsiok-3DcLsq_iM-2B2Xts5pvb3cHr-2Fy-2Bx9DLVcyda-2BIZonSmks52Ala0-2BrWi4reHQzbvamjcZ9138Z135VWQrY66wXzALLdea-2B2pUKs4mOcM9EI9w-2BMnq0M9ICq-2F4dL-2F1nuMwwtgeU-2BhZFaI9wNWxgKTtxAVk3LmhF4C9UCC5WwptB9ATYZM19g8kyRYBbB7lboOBKwIsP1y4uaVqvfclaR5-2FjaPAjBd2RB8nyqW9rtzV4wPz-2BOcXNe2M-3D>.

Another exciting portion of the NFB National Convention are the awards that are presented throughout the week. One such award is the Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award. Anyone who is currently a teacher, counselor, or the administrator of programs for blind students is eligible for this award.

Applicants can be nominated by colleagues, parents, supervisors, or friends who have first-hand knowledge of that individual’s work with blind students. We would love to have your help with nominating a person you know is a dedicated, innovative teacher for their blind students.

All applications must be received by May 1, 2023. Nominate a distinguished educator today<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT-2BYPFY1W898jzlXsLk2Gsfb-2F-2FsAYNC62-2FC6wr4ePc-2BmWDwogo3UVQy93-2F-2Bc-2BD-2BZQF8-3Dj2E1_iM-2B2Xts5pvb3cHr-2Fy-2Bx9DLVcyda-2BIZonSmks52Ala0-2BrWi4reHQzbvamjcZ9138Z135VWQrY66wXzALLdea-2B2kMd1W7dKnE-2BA6IEYPMzOFcdDCM7AhDJl4Vjzorhr9wxFVnGSnCVytYx0CRkuBXOoIhqn7UiRw2No9rvqYelKA70O6Rrpa6axF1-2FzYr8zaOSmgGdXb4lXvlWX-2BcuTQoJDtcfKviK98Ck-2FDPlrR7pLyI-3D>!

Literacy Hints From the Hive

We are going back to basics: One of the very first things that parents may want to do to expose their very young blind child to Braille is label items, drawers, cabinets, anything that your blind child will meet that could have a Braille label. I know it sounds funny but giving your child that exposure to Braille will get their little fingers used to feeling those bumps, gives them something interesting to feel, and ignites their brains into recognizing the formation of those bumps! As we know practice, practice, practice makes perfect.

Another great idea is having books with both Braille and print within them. These books are called Twin Vision®. You can find them several places, but you can find free ones from the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults through their Share Braille program. In this program, folks from all over the country put Braille/Print and Braille books they no longer want or need up on the Share Braille website for others to have. All you need to do is visit https://sharebraille.org<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT-2BYPFY1W898jzlXsLk2GsfbvtTExhqSYGab-2BaTmSL7ze2w6gQFTsBlcN-2FiuQsfpj4Q-3DiLGV_iM-2B2Xts5pvb3cHr-2Fy-2Bx9DLVcyda-2BIZonSmks52Ala0-2BrWi4reHQzbvamjcZ9138Z135VWQrY66wXzALLdea-2B2gAW1i6Fer6rjjvV3E-2BHcQHSdmbvyXq7WOaEH4VIhW8u3LOArhrEaFmgc2CEjiH72HPvBlAZa-2FVgR4rv51WHusycM9PlU1-2FLH0NODOTWd-2FhQnnAKnYXYeLgPQ1Ssl26zs2KObkznHCE7d3WJX4KksmI-3D>, create an account, and you can begin perusing books by title, author, or category. You can request as many books as you want, as often as you want, and they are sent directly to you and are yours to keep.

The only caveat here is that most of the books will be in literary Braille format rather than Unified English Braille format. But if you are just trying to get your young blind child used to Braille, this would not be a problem, plus you can find uncontracted Braille through Share Braille as well. Uncontracted Braille means the Braille is letter for letter and there are no contracted Braille signs.

Giving your little one this type of exposure to Braille early on will give them a leg up as they continue to learn Braille throughout their lives. Braille is beautiful!

Travel Tales

Being a parent of a blind child means that you will be your child’s first Orientation and Mobility teacher. Using the Promotion Model lets parents know that their child will grow to full capacity and have full participation throughout their lives. Touch and hearing will be the blind child’s most important senses in learning nonvisual skills. These skills will be their access to freedom.

For blind children, success is not measured by how much vision they have, but rather is built on how many skills are developed for independent movement and travel. One skill is built upon another, and the goal of development is proficiency over the environment to move and travel safely and independently.

The book, Independent Movement and Travel in the Young Blind Child: A Promotion Model is by Joe Cutter. You will find this book extremely helpful when introducing the cane to your child, creating effective strategies for movement and travel, and making using the cane as normal as putting on your shoes. You can order the book from the National Federation of the Blind’s Independence Market<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT-2BYPFY1W898jzlXsLk2GsfbWX2c5OtW5dWrNmDt0cM-2BAN6gMIltSiu-2FAWzZucuGcv8-3DA3Ih_iM-2B2Xts5pvb3cHr-2Fy-2Bx9DLVcyda-2BIZonSmks52Ala0-2BrWi4reHQzbvamjcZ9138Z135VWQrY66wXzALLdea-2B2oaVqpvlyxvTExKLKy10t6uwRqtLNNYVCZ-2Fao0VWqrOxtn-2FeODIi9y-2BtqQpFoz0kEJrt-2FkbYgrko2HjqvUlxsOReEe4ABn4mzgyhDBmzLCTuVn-2FTWryoeo8ZJMDKuEUohUi29gpp-2BaX9S1gcXPfBXFg-3D>. Let’s get back to the basics of movement!

A Taste of Honey

April is a month with many holidays and times to get together with friends and family. I bet there are some candies around your house somewhere, too. How about creating some Braille letters with those candies? You could use M&M’s, or jellybeans, or even chocolate coins. Get your parent, a family member, or your sibling(s) to call out letters and then you have to create that letter in Braille with your candies as fast as you can. Do any of the letters of the Braille alphabet stump you? If so, you can practice the same letter over and over, and when you are done, you can eat your alphabet!! Going back to basics can be so much fun.

Busy Bees Booth: Fall into More Braille

  *   There is still time to register for the NFB BELL Academy<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT-2BYPFY1W898jzlXsLk2GsfbG-2FLKu4TTDu1-2B8EmVFAN0Yfl3UNDSbQ1PXPgc2ddEqvI-3DBcpx_iM-2B2Xts5pvb3cHr-2Fy-2Bx9DLVcyda-2BIZonSmks52Ala0-2BrWi4reHQzbvamjcZ9138Z135VWQrY66wXzALLdea-2B2rbJlH4VCdh6EH9qVtYkSfWgbIKzYjtl0D7HOVdKZrQ0wiPjdGTTrdVmJy-2F0ojIyA9gDiJ6lS5tRL0xLxyimtct3lGNo2HxTYpnDlq1rE-2BHdYBHP54hHk28YVUehstfK2cwjfvHn13RemBTf9SioJx4-3D>, a nationwide summer program for blind and low-vision children. There are in-person opportunities and a virtual in-home edition.
  *   Check out the Braille storybook resources webpage<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT-2BYPFY1W898jzlXsLk2GsfbJnXMrxo7cAmPj-2BLeCZdkBNZyuK5B8leA1k8byQ7-2Bn30-3DcegA_iM-2B2Xts5pvb3cHr-2Fy-2Bx9DLVcyda-2BIZonSmks52Ala0-2BrWi4reHQzbvamjcZ9138Z135VWQrY66wXzALLdea-2B2nTbyrVK2IYKUP2knGlDMC39pBfl04IRZ-2FbCTbqpzKgQIf37CW0uFjlEAyKQ6arRGMH0n1RBJwGkNesrbCG-2BaOj1o-2Bx4qayJ7kb-2BorsUMMSE14UQCBg2C6yzu-2BKU43o8QKbLDKu-2BBak8IgNLiB9zOxQ-3D> for information on free books, lending libraries, and Braille book retailers. Continue reading every day.
  *   Our Independence Market is an extensive store that offers hundreds of products and literature created by and for the blind community. Access the catalog<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT-2BYPFY1W898jzlXsLk2GsfbWX2c5OtW5dWrNmDt0cM-2BAN6gMIltSiu-2FAWzZucuGcv8-3D-qJK_iM-2B2Xts5pvb3cHr-2Fy-2Bx9DLVcyda-2BIZonSmks52Ala0-2BrWi4reHQzbvamjcZ9138Z135VWQrY66wXzALLdea-2B2p8T4d8Ckl8UHJbqMRY7oRJOpcAPeBitWV2V3Q-2BXlzap0jGUMYIvcTbyehv5t98pKfTluES66U-2FlfxS5tkHrzgfK5IHczMMBjOjun3kPCsRHwzzeEXqqknjp2LposqTsplB49tA2Psmbz9mtbqRlM2c-3D>!

Share with Us

Tag the National Federation of the Blind in a social media post for any of the fun activities you try. Find us by name on Facebook. And on Twitter and Instagram, our handle is @nfb_voice. Please remember to include an alt text (image description) when you post any pictures. We look forward to connecting with you.

About Our Early Childhood Initiatives

We’re providing young blind children and their families with support and guidance to master the fundamental skills of literacy and independent travel. The National Federation of the Blind Early Childhood Initiatives<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT-2BYPFY1W898jzlXsLk2GsfbB94m-2FoKLb9iT3LpqEJIizpc16ykmrKUbBFbV0ClBChc-3DYCUk_iM-2B2Xts5pvb3cHr-2Fy-2Bx9DLVcyda-2BIZonSmks52Ala0-2BrWi4reHQzbvamjcZ9138Z135VWQrY66wXzALLdea-2B2niBhJrNIyA-2BALsP7j-2BAhd10MWztTJ2FK6VEol4V-2BISxzHG7IpVKlOQx472ZKHQiK7uc4XHSLiVEdNV4K5iGJwGIJW-2F1FI-2FYY0cIWrZZgy6AP0M2Bi1-2B18IMuTa7rJD-2BlyMjofDW6lKIyCN1OasIYFc-3D> are sponsored in part by the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children and the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults. For more information, or to give feedback on the programs, please contact us at communityrelations at nfb.org<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT-2BYPFY1W898jzlXsLk2Gsfbw33prOeB9-2B1xuU-2FKjE7gF9tSXP9HufN3BiwZDBGCKQY-3DcjI-_iM-2B2Xts5pvb3cHr-2Fy-2Bx9DLVcyda-2BIZonSmks52Ala0-2BrWi4reHQzbvamjcZ9138Z135VWQrY66wXzALLdea-2B2tSDA9SscPHt4l380pA2g5sI5lq1iBIZj6zAN9ZHafb8AKpRzjssf8pgzMxjCTYWN75RLQxN4lPRsp-2BnlhyhTAltsvTSDPxRevJDnJLy4gIXM2NaPdl-2BVFGS4aKDE0tAs8dmd-2B-2FHKa2RccgkYyy3nCY-3D> or call 410-659-9314, extension 2418.

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