[Mi-abs] NFB BELL Program for 2009

[Thorpe, Mary Jo]

Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Nonvisual Learning

2009 NFB BELL Summer Program



The NFB Jernigan Institute is pleased to announce the Braille 
Enrichment for Literacy and Nonvisual Learning (BELL) program in the 
summer of 2009.  The BELL program is designed to serve as a 
demonstration program to help provide intensive Braille instruction 
to low vision children during the summer months.  This pilot program 
will be modeled after the successful 2007 BELL Program led by the NFB 
of Maryland state affiliate. The NFB Jernigan Institute plans to 
expand this program into two additional states during the summer of 2009.



Selected states will host the Institute's BELL Core team during the 
two weeks of their program. BELL Core Team members will facilitate a 
variety of fun, hands-on lessons ranging from group activities to 
one-on-one instruction to help teach Braille to low vision students 
ages four to twelve. The program will run Monday through Friday from 
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please visit 
<http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Bell_Program_2009.asp>www.nfb.org/nfb/Bell_Program_2009.asp 
to learn more about this exciting program.



Interested in being part of the BELL Core Team?



Members of this team will be responsible for creating and 
implementing the curriculum and various activities for the three BELL 
program sites.  These individuals will work closely with staff 
members from the NFB Jernigan Institute and the state coordinators 
from selected states to design lesson plans and projects for the 
program.  Selected team members will be hired as contractual summer 
staff for the NFB Jernigan Institute beginning in June through the 
middle of August 2009.  Team members will also participate in the NFB 
Youth Slam.



Qualifications



We are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals who 
are passionate about encouraging the next generation of blind 
children and eager to promote Braille literacy.  Teachers of the 
Blind/Low Vision and those with experience teaching Braille to 
children are highly encouraged to apply.  However, members do not 
have to be certified teachers to be effective participants in the NFB 
BELL program, but they should have experience working with young children.



Benefits



All aspects of the program, including transportation, room, and board 
will be provided by the NFB at no expense to selected team 
members.  Team members will also receive a $3,500 stipend as payment 
for the summer.  This program is an extraordinary opportunity for 
individuals to assist blind children and help to promote our efforts 
for Braille literacy.



How to Apply

Please visit the Web site to obtain an application.  Applications are 
due by February 1, 2009.



For all other questions about the NFB BELL Program, please contact:

Mary Jo Thorpe, Education Programs Specialist, National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, ext. 2407, or by e-mail at 
<mailto:mthorpe at nfb.org>mthorpe at nfb.org.