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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello everyone,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am pleased to announce that the application form for the 2017 NFB BELL Academies in Maryland is now open! This is a program for children ages 4-12 who are blind or visually impaired, and who are either learning braille, or who would benefit from gaining exposure to braille and other nonvisual techniques. We have worked with students who have multiple disabilities in the past, and will do all we can to work with all children. This year, our Salisbury academy will take place July 17-July 28, excluding the weekend. Our academies in Baltimore and Glendale will occur July 31-August 11, excluding the weekend. Some academy highlights are: classes in braille reading, braille writing, cane travel, and daily living skills, new friendships, fun field trips to swimming pools, the beach, parks, etc., opportunities for children to interact with peers who are blind and positive blind adult role models, craft projects, and so much more!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To apply, visit<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="https://nfb.org/bell-student-application-form">https://nfb.org/bell-student-application-form</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A Spanish version of the application can be found at<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="https://nfb.org/bell-summer-program-student-application-form-spanish">https://nfb.org/bell-summer-program-student-application-form-spanish</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you, or families you work with, have questions, please contact Melissa Riccobono at 443-708-3663, or<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:melissa@riccobono.us">melissa@riccobono.us</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We look forward to working with many children in our NFB BELL Academies this summer!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Melissa<o:p></o:p></p></div>
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