[nfbmi-talk] {Spam?} Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind TheBlind Planet

[joe harcz Comcast]

He is a state employee on the board of an outfit that is funded in part by 
BSBP
That is why it is relevent. It is a conflict of interest.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "J.J. Meddaugh" <jj at bestmidi.com>
To: "NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, February 21, 2014 1:44 PM
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] {Spam?} Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind 
TheBlind Planet


> How is this relevant?
>
> Best regards,
> J.J.
>
> On 2/17/2014 5:15 PM, joe harcz Comcast wrote:
>> Is Essenberg and are other BSBP employees still members of the OUB Board?
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Larry Posont" 
>> <president.nfb.mi at gmail.com>
>> To: "nfbmi List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Monday, February 17, 2014 4:47 PM
>> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] {Spam?} Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind 
>> TheBlind Planet
>>
>>
>>> The Blind Planet
>>> February 2014
>>> OUB is a charitable nonprofit organization under Section 501c3. We
>>> gladly accept your generous donations!
>>> Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind's mission is to enrich the
>>> quality of life of people who are blind and visually impaired through
>>> lifelong education and recreation.
>>>
>>> Breaking News!
>>> Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind is now partnering with four
>>> organizations to provide great experiences for children, youth and
>>> adults with blindness or visual impairment!  Our new camp home is
>>> Indian Trails Camp in Grand Rapids, and we are working with Michigan
>>> Parents of Children with Visual Impairments, the Association for the
>>> Blind and Visually Impaired in Grand Rapids, and Running Blind, who is
>>> sponsoring our fabulous Adventure Trip!  See inside for more details!
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> From your Executive Director, Gwen Botting
>>> Happy February, everyone!  Who knew that we were going to have record
>>> weather all over the country this winter?
>>> If you are having trouble coping with this season's challenges, it
>>> might help to imagine our Spring and Summer events and camps, coming
>>> very soon!  All of our camps in 2014 are being offered through some
>>> great partnerships with Indian Trails Camp (our new camp home),
>>> Michigan Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (MPVI), the
>>> Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI), and Running
>>> Blind.
>>> Our Spring Fling will be a lovely weekend at ITC spent in nature,
>>> enjoying each other and the music of our feathered friends and blind
>>> and visually impaired campers!  So find your dancing shoes and come on
>>> out for a great time!  Also coming soon is our Michigan Parents of
>>> Children with Visual Impairments (MPVI) Family Camp weekend, where one
>>> of our activities will be to install our new garden - requiring
>>> woodworking as well as gardening, and we want everyone to have a
>>> chance with a hammer and a shovel!  Previous experience not required!
>>> We also have a completely new camp, Blindness Immersion, that is a
>>> 2-week camp, or you can come to just the first week or just the second
>>> - whatever fits your life and your schedule.  Blindness Immersion is
>>> just that - all things blind!  Music, art, cooking, daily living
>>> skills, sports, nature - everything will be offered both weeks of
>>> camp.  If you are 14 or older and want to take part in the Association
>>> for the Blind and Visually Impaired's Summer in the City program,
>>> never fear!  We are currently working things out with ABVI so that you
>>> can attend BOTH programs, and making transportation easier for your
>>> family!  It's going to be an awesome opportunity!  We end the season
>>> with two fantastic camps:  Survivor Art Camp, focusing on survival
>>> skills at Camp Optimist and on exploring the art community in Grand
>>> Rapids, and our Running Blind Adventure Camp, sponsored by Running
>>> Blind, an organization dedicated to fostering athletic endeavors for
>>> blind and visually impaired persons.  THIS IS GOING TO BE THE MOST
>>> AWESOME ADVENTURE TRIP EVER!  Sign up soon, because, for only $200 per
>>> camper, this trip is available to ONLY the first 15 campers to
>>> register!
>>> There is a lot coming up, and you can help and have fun by attending
>>> our fundraiser, Bowling Blast!  This event will be held this coming
>>> Sunday, February 16. See flyer inside for more details!  You can also
>>> check out Indian Trails camp this weekend - see flyer for their Snow
>>> Ball Dance!
>>> Looking forward to seeing YOU at camp!
>>>
>>> Gwen
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Winter Bowling Blast
>>> Please mark your calendars for this exciting event:
>>> Sunday, February 16
>>> 2:00pm
>>> Park Center Lanes, 2222 28th St SW Wyoming, Michigan
>>> For $20 you get to bowl three games, includes shoes, 2 slices of pizza
>>> and a pop. If you are not a bowler, join us for the Silent Auction
>>>  Sponsored by: Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> 2014 Camp and Event Schedule
>>> Locations:  Indian Trails Camp, 1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, 
>>> MI
>>>          Camp Optimist, 10324 Lovers Lane NW, Grand Rapids, MI
>>>          Camp-in-a-Box, Beaver Island and Lake Charlevoix, MI
>>> Date Event Location
>>> Jan 17-19 Snow Much Fun (family event) Indian Trails
>>> April 4-6 Spring Fling (family event) Indian Trails
>>> May 16-18 MPVI Family Camp/Open House Indian Trails and Camp O
>>> May 27- June 1 Staff Training with ITC staff ITC and Camp O
>>> June 4 - 8 Specialized Staff Training for OUB staff ITC and Camp O
>>> June 8 - 14 Tech Camp (Adults 18 and over) ITC and Camp O
>>> June 15 - 22 Blindness Immersion (Ages 7-HS)* ITC and Camp O
>>> June 22 - 28 Blindness Immersion (Ages 7-HS)* ITC and Camp O
>>> June 29 -  5 ------off------no camp
>>> July 6 - 12 Survivor Art Camp (Ages 12-HS)** Camp O only
>>> July 13-23 Running Blind Adventure Camp (Ages 12- HS)** Beaver Is,
>>> Lake Charlevoix
>>> October 24-26 Harvest Festival (family event) ITC and Camp O
>>> *campers may attend either or both weeks of Blindness Immersion Camp.
>>> Campers do not need to return home over the weekend between the two
>>> weeks of camp.
>>> **participants in Survivor Art may stay with us for the Adventure Trip
>>> without returning home in between camps - but they will be expected to
>>> help us pack!!!
>>> Join us for a great experience - fun and learning and friendships
>>> all-in-one package:
>>> OUB Camps!
>>>
>>> Camp Descriptions - Everything you want to know!*
>>> *if we missed something, please call, email, or check out our website,
>>> www.oubmichigan.org
>>> Snow Much Fun January 17-19 - This was our first event at Indian
>>> Trails Camp and it was SO MUCH FUN!  We "got lost" on a nature walk,
>>> made cardboard sleds, creatures out of vegetables and gingerbread
>>> houses, played games, ate s'mores and had hot chocolate, sat by the
>>> fire and had a great time!  Indian Trails is a great camp for us!
>>> Spring Fling April 4-6 - Don't miss this fun family event with nature
>>> exploration, music, crafts, dancing, an auction and so much more!
>>> Held at Indian Trails Camp.  Cost: $75 per family of 4, $20 each extra
>>> person.
>>> MPVI Family Camp/ Open House May 16-18 - We love Family Camp! MPVI
>>> co-sponsors this camp which will give families a great opportunity to
>>> explore both ITC and Camp Optimist, help put in our new garden at Camp
>>> O, and just relax and have fun together, play games, do special crafts
>>> designed just for you, and learn from each other. Held at ITC and Camp
>>> O. Cost: $75 per family of 4, $20 each extra person.
>>> Staff Training May 27-June 1 and June 4-8 - for those of you who are
>>> considering applying to work as a camp counselor this summer, consider
>>> working for OUB!  Staff training will be held with ITC staff May 27 -
>>> June 1 and with OUB staff only from June 4-8.  Held at ITC and Camp O.
>>> Tech Camp June 8 - 14 - for adults only (18 and over).  This camp is
>>> for adults of any age who enjoy meeting others with blindness or
>>> visual impairment, like to have fun, and want to learn more about the
>>> latest in technical improvements and help with those they already own.
>>> Brush up on your cooking and life skills, too!  Experts in the field
>>> will lead classes, and fun activities will be planned for the
>>> evenings.  All meals included. Held at ITC and Camp O.   Cost: $500
>>> per person.  Hint: talk with your BSBP counselor about helping you
>>> attend this camp!
>>> Blindness Immersion June 15-28 (ages 7 - HS)  or June 15-21 or June
>>> 22-28.  This camp includes - well - EVERYTHING!  Music, drama, art,
>>> cooking, like skills, sports, field trips (even a baseball game!),
>>> campfires, swimming (in a pool!), boating, singing silly songs - all
>>> things blind, all the time!  Come to one week or both. SPECIAL
>>> ARRANGEMENT: for those students who are 14 and over who would like to
>>> attend the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired's Summer in
>>> the City Program, we are currently working out details to make it
>>> possible to do BOTH - OUB will provide transportation to and from this
>>> great program in Grandville, and participants can then come back to
>>> Indian Trails to participate in our evening and weekend activities,
>>> including overnight accommodations and meals.  For more information on
>>> Blindness Immersion or the Special Arrangement, please call Gwen at
>>> 989-855-2430. For information about Summer in the City, contact Amy
>>> Schreiner at the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired at
>>> 616-458-1187 extension 332. Held at ITC and Camp O.  Cost: $1200 per
>>> week or $2000 for 2-week camp.  Reduced rates based on ability to pay.
>>> Scholarships available.  Blindness Immersion/Summer in the City
>>> rates: $300 per week or $500 for two weeks.
>>> Survivor Art Camp July 6-12 (ages 12-HS)  In this exciting reboot of
>>> our wild and crazy new camp of 2013, Survivor Art Camp will be held at
>>> Camp Optimist, learning survival skills, sleeping in tents,
>>> participating in crazy challenges, cooking all of our own meals but
>>> also taking field trips to explore and do extremely cool 3-dimensional
>>> art with experienced artists in the Grand Rapids community. Held at
>>> Camp O.  Cost: $1200.  Reduced rates available based on ability to
>>> pay. Scholarships available.  Special Rate: for participants in
>>> Survivor Art and Running Blind Adventure Camp, two-camp (2 1/2 weeks)
>>> special rate is $600!  What a deal!
>>> Running Blind Adventure Camp July 13-23 (ages 12-HS)  THE ADVENTURE OF
>>> A LIFETIME!  5 days on Beaver Island and 5 days at Lake Charlevoix,
>>> all sponsored by Running Blind!  Hop on one of our camp vans on July
>>> 13 for the ferry to Beaver Island, spend 5 days there exploring and
>>> camping, swimming and whatever else we can cook up, and then go back
>>> to the mainland for 5 days of adventures including Fort Mackinaw, zip
>>> lining, canoeing, track and field challenges, backyard barbeques and
>>> even parasailing!  (That is, being lifted up on a giant kite over the
>>> water behind a boat!  All events are with professional organizations
>>> and are inspected and safe!)  You will NOT want to miss this! With
>>> the financial and organizational support of Running Blind, we can
>>> offer this camp for only $200!  Limited to first 15 participants.
>>> Held at Beaver Island and Camp Whiting and various locations in NW MI
>>> Lower peninsula.  Cost: $200 Special Rate: for participants in
>>> Survivor Art and Running Blind Adventure Camp, two-camp (2 1/2 weeks)
>>> special rate is $600!  What a deal!
>>> Harvest Festival  October 24-26 It might be hard to think of the fall
>>> of 2014 right now, but plan on taking part in our Harvest Festival
>>> family event at ITC and Camp O.  See what our new garden produced for
>>> us over the summer!  Held at ITC and Camp O.  Cost: $75 per family of
>>> 4, $20 each extra person.
>>>
>>> Pricing our camps - why so many options?
>>> We are trying a new pricing structure this summer.  $1200 per week
>>> might sound like a lot, but we run small camps with a lot of staff to
>>> get a nearly one-to-one ratio of campers to staff.  We find our kids
>>> learn best this way.  We also have to pay a little more to hold camps
>>> at Indian Trails than in our previous location.  $1200 is what it
>>> actually costs us to produce camps for your kids.  We know that, for
>>> some families, paying $1200 may be what they can choose to do. But
>>> for most, that much is out of the question.  So we are offering a $600
>>> half price option, and we are offering that rate for those of you who
>>> get scholarships from the State of Michigan Department of Education
>>> Trust Fund.  That will allow you who qualify for those scholarships to
>>> come to at least two camps for free.  For those who DO NOT qualify for
>>> MDE-LIO scholarships, but cannot afford $600, we have a third option.
>>> We will accept $200 from you, but we ask that you try to get
>>> scholarship money from other sources to make up the difference. All
>>> you have to do is write letters to local service organizations in your
>>> area, and send me a copy to show me that you asked for assistance.  A
>>> sample letter is included in this newsletter!  BUT HERE'S THE CATCH!!!
>>> A lot of service groups like Lions Clubs don't meet in the summer!  If
>>> you plan to ask for scholarship assistance, you need to do it NOW!
>>> Better yet, ask your child to help you with the letter, so that they
>>> begin to understand the process of politely asking for help from
>>> groups that like to help others.  It always helps if you are willing
>>> to share your child's story with the group you are asking for funds
>>> from.  DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!
>>> SPECIAL DEAL #1: Partnerships are allowing us to offer some camps for
>>> extraordinarily low rates!  If you live in the Grand Rapids Area and
>>> your child is 14 or older, you may have heard of the STEPS program
>>> offered by the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the
>>> Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, or their two-week (Monday
>>> through Thursday) summer program called Summer in the City. This
>>> program offers lots of experiences with cooking, managing money,
>>> taking public transportation and other important skills under the
>>> watchful eye of Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists and
>>> Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists.  This is a really great
>>> program with a terrific track record.  The only problem is, for some
>>> families, that parents often have to provide transportation both to
>>> and from this program 4 days a week for two weeks.  HERE'S THE SPECIAL
>>> DEAL:  Your blind or visually impaired teenager can come to Blindness
>>> Immersion Camp at Indian Trails AND to Summer in the City.  Your
>>> student can stay with us overnight, have breakfast at Indian Trails,
>>> then we will provide transportation to the SITC program, pick them up
>>> in the afternoon, and they can stay with us and participate in all of
>>> our evening activities.  They can also stay THROUGH THE WEEKEND, June
>>> 20-22.  The cost is only $300 for one week or $500 if participating in
>>> both weeks.  WE hope you like this new option that will help more kids
>>> participate in both SITC and OUB CAMPS!
>>> SPECIAL DEAL #2:  Running Blind, and organization dedicated to
>>> fostering athletic endeavors with people who are blind or visually
>>> impaired, is sponsoring our RUNNING BLIND ADVENTURE TRIP.  This is a
>>> totally awesome combination - our great staff and programming ideas
>>> partnered with Hal Wolf and his ability to organize and fund events
>>> that he is passionate about.  Entirely due to this passion and
>>> generosity, the cost to any camper attending this 11-day camp is only
>>> $200.  Again, DO NOT DELAY.  Open only to the first 15 registrants!
>>> This camp will fill fast!
>>> SPECIAL DEAL #3: For those of you 12 and older who are REALLY into
>>> Adventure, you can attend BOTH Survivor Art Camp AND the Running Blind
>>> Adventure Camp for one low price of $600!  You can stay with OUB staff
>>> for the entire 2 1/2 weeks, but you can also expect to be asked to help
>>> us pack and unpack between camps!  Call Gwen Botting at 989-855-2430
>>> for more information on any of our camps or financial arrangements,
>>> help with scholarships or letters to community organizations.
>>>
>>> How to ask for camp scholarships from your community!
>>> Looking for more ways to get scholarship money to attend camp? When
>>> parents, and sometimes kids, look at websites and try to find a camp
>>> to go to in the summer, COST is often the deciding factor.  Most
>>> people don't realize that is isn't hard to ask community organizations
>>> for financial help to go to the camp of your choice - and your dreams!
>>> Send your request to several organizations.
>>> Michigan Department of Education Low Incidence Outreach Funds
>>> MDE-LIO has been the source of scholarships for camps, parent events
>>> and other activities for children whose families receive Bridge Cards
>>> or who qualify for free or reduced lunch.  You can easily find the
>>> application for these scholarships on the MDE-LIO website under
>>> Scholarships.  You can also call the Low Incidence Outreach office for
>>> assistance.  You can e-mail Ann Langley at langleyA at michigan.gov.  The
>>> phone number to reach them is: 1-888-760-2206.
>>> Letter of Inquiry
>>> A letter of inquiry is written to someone who may have funds to help
>>> you attend OUB events and summer camps.  The first place to start is
>>> your local Lions Club.  Their primary mission is to serve people in
>>> need, but early in their history Helen Keller encouraged them to be
>>> the "Knights for the Blind".
>>> Other philanthropic organizations that might be willing to help you are:
>>> Your church or house of worship
>>> Knights of Columbus
>>> Kiwanis
>>> Rotary
>>> Optimist Clubs
>>> Banks (banks have Community Reinvestment Act funds that they must
>>> disperse every year, so it helps if you mention CRA Funds)
>>> Michigan Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
>>> There may be other philanthropic organizations in your area.
>>> You can find all Lions Club in Michigan on this website:
>>> http://lions.silverthorn.biz/state/clinks.html
>>> You can find all the banks in Michigan on this website:
>>> http://www.thelocalbanker.com/michigan_banks.html
>>>
>>> Here is how to start your letter:
>>>
>>> Date
>>>
>>> Name of the person you are writing to, if you know someone, or have a
>>> name to send your letter to
>>> Company, organization or bank name
>>> Address
>>> Address
>>>
>>> Dear Sir or Madam (or the person's name, if you have one),
>>>
>>> My name is______________, and I am a blind (or visually impaired)
>>> student at ____________School.   I am working hard at school to learn
>>> the special skills I need to be an adult in the world today, but it's
>>> hard to get the time I need to learn everything, like cooking and how
>>> to organize my things.  I also need time with others who are like me.
>>> There is a special camp in Grand Rapids, Michigan that can help me and
>>> others who are blind or visually impaired.  It's called Opportunities
>>> Unlimited for the Blind.  They offer some really great events and
>>> camps during the summer, when I have more time to spend on learning
>>> how to do things as a blind person.  They have a lot of staff persons
>>> there who are also blind or visually impaired, and that helps me feel
>>> like I can learn new things and be successful.
>>> I would really like to attend ________________________________camp
>>> this summer, but it costs a lot of money to go to this camp. The
>>> price is_______________.  My family (can or cannot) help pay for this,
>>> but they cannot pay for all of it.  My family can pay_______________.
>>> Attending camp at Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind is really
>>> important to me, and it will help me be successful in the future.
>>> Please help me go to camp.  I would be happy to come to a meeting of
>>> your organization to talk about my camp experience and what I learned.
>>> For more information about OUB CAMPS, please look at the website,
>>> www.oubmichigan.org, or call Gwen Botting, Executive Director, at
>>> 989-855-2430.  You can contact me at:
>>>
>>> Your name
>>> Your address
>>> Your phone
>>> Your email
>>>
>>> Sincerely,
>>>
>>> Your name
>>>
>>> Good Luck!
>>>
>>> OUB Board and Staff Members Available for Presentations
>>> We are so excited about our upcoming camp season, we want to share
>>> what we are doing with everyone!  OUB Board Members and Staff are
>>> available to do presentations for business organizations, community
>>> groups, civic or service organizations, Scout meetings, church
>>> education programs, teen groups or any other group you can think of.
>>> We can focus on our mission or on topics such as disability awareness.
>>> Please contact Gwen Botting, OUB Executive Director at 989-855-2430
>>> or gwen at oubmichigan.org to make an appointment or for more
>>> information.
>>>
>>> Frequently Asked Question:  What is Indian Trails Camp Like?
>>> Indian Trails is our new location for most of our events.  Yes, we
>>> loved Camp Tuhsmeheta, but the time had come for a change, and Indian
>>> Trails wanted to work with us to form a new kind of partnership!  ITC
>>> is a 15-acre camp located within Aman Park, a Grand Rapids City Park.
>>> The Park is quite big and is mostly wilderness, with several different
>>> kinds of terrain, including ravines and a creek running at the bottom
>>> and miles of trails for us to explore, local history, and more. ITC
>>> has a small lake for boating and fishing and an indoor pool.  We will
>>> be sharing space during most of our camps with their camps for
>>> children and/or adults with other disabilities.  Everything at ITC is
>>> wheelchair accessible, including the sliding doors on the dining room
>>> - as Gala, Ozzie's guide dog, discovered gave her instant access to
>>> the great outdoors!  They have cabins that sleep 12 each, a large
>>> dining hall with an attached rec room/program area, a screened in
>>> porch for plays and other stage events, and several smaller buildings
>>> that have other purposes.
>>> ITC has another camp that they operate that is about 3 miles away
>>> called Camp Optimist.  This camp has a lodge with a large open kitchen
>>> that is perfect for group cooking classes, an outdoor pool, a craft
>>> building, recreation field, campfire ring/amphitheater, and more.
>>> This camp does NOT have cabins at the present time, but showers and
>>> restrooms are available there in the lodge and the pool building.
>>> What they do have is 120 acres of natural area with widely variant
>>> ecosystems ripe for exploring.  This is where we will be establishing
>>> our camp garden and where we will be holding Survivor Art Camp - more
>>> on that in this newsletter!
>>> The staff at ITC are great and they want us to have a great
>>> experience.  We are looking forward to this remarkable sharing of
>>> resources that will benefit all!
>>> Tips
>>> By Osman Koroma
>>>
>>> Conversing with Others
>>> You may find that others are at first uncertain about how to speak
>>> with you. They may address their comments to your sighted companions
>>> rather than speak directly to you. Or they may speak more loudly that
>>> usual. Let them know that if they wish to get your attention, they
>>> should simply address you by name.
>>>
>>> If you would like to share tips or want us to put your news in our
>>> newsletter or write a story for our newsletter please e-mail Osman
>>> Koroma: osman at oubmichigan.org
>>>
>>>
>>> Microsoft Announces Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
>>> Microsoft is pleased to announce the launch of the Microsoft
>>> DisAbility Scholarship intended to empower and enable high school
>>> students with disabilities to (a) go to college, (b) realize the
>>> impact technology has on the world, and (c) target a career in the
>>> technology industry.
>>> The scholarship launched Friday, January 17, 2014 and includes a goal
>>> to increase enrollment of persons living with a disability in higher
>>> education and, in the long term, decrease the unemployment bias for
>>> disabled persons.
>>> This new program was started by, and is supported by, Microsoft
>>> employees who will select promising high school seniors who require
>>> financial assistance in order to enter and successfully complete a
>>> vocational or academic college program.  This non-renewable $5000
>>> scholarship will be paid to the recipient's Financial Aid Office by
>>> the Seattle Foundation on behalf of the DisAbility Employee Resource
>>> Group (ERG) at Microsoft.
>>> Eligibility
>>> All candidates must be high school students living with a disability
>>> who plan to attend a 2 to 4 year University or College program,
>>> maintain a cumulative 3.0 CPA or equivalent and have declared a major
>>> from the approved list (see scholarship guidelines on application).
>>> Requirements
>>> To apply for the Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship, the student must
>>> meet the following guidelines:
>>> 1.     Be a current high school senior with living with a disability
>>> (as defined by WHO), whether that be visual, hearing, mobility,
>>> cognitive or speech.
>>> 2.     Plan to attend an undergraduate program in a 2 or 4-year
>>> University/College or Technical College in the fall of the academic
>>> year following high-school graduation.  Schools must be in the USA or
>>> have a USA-Affiliate for financial transactions (contact Seattle
>>> Foundation to verify non-USA school's eligibility).
>>> 3.     Declare a major in engineering, computer science, computer
>>> information systems, legal or in business that are approved (i.e.
>>> paralegal, pre-law, finance, business administration, or marketing).
>>> 4.     Demonstrate a passion for technology.
>>> 5.     Demonstrate leadership at school and/or in the community.
>>> 6.     Have a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
>>> 7.     Require financial assistance to attend college.
>>> 8.     Enrollment status must be full-time or half time
>>> Contact:
>>> DisAbility Employee Resource Group
>>> Microsoft Corporation
>>> http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/microsoftdisabilityscholarship.aspx
>>> Email: Disability Scholarship Fund
>>>
>>> Now Available on Blindscience.org:   Blindmath Gems
>>>
>>> For almost 10 years, the NFB has maintained the Blindmath listserve, a
>>> lively exchange of worldwide postings on all topics mathematical. The
>>> Blindmath archives are now ginormous.  For math tools or to join the
>>> list or  learn more go to this website
>>> www.blindscience.org/blindmath-gems-home.
>>>
>>> New Show Features Blind Dad
>>> A new TV show will be starting in February about a family whose two
>>> children are dealing with the divorce of their parents, like many
>>> families. However, Dad is blind with a guide dog. It's based on true
>>> happenings of the executive producer, growing up with his blind
>>> father. It is humorous and heatfelt. They are using a lot of "creative
>>> license"...because it's for TV - so don't take it too seriously. Lorri
>>> Bernson from Guide Dogs of America is a consultant for the program on
>>> blindness issues - but not dog guide use.
>>> The show will premiere after the Olympics Closing Ceremony on Sunday,
>>> February 23rd at 10:30pm (ET/PT) and then in its regular slot on
>>> Tuesdays (beginning February 25th) at 9:30pm (ET/PT) on NBC.
>>>
>>> New Website!
>>> In case you missed it, we have a new website and new email addresses:
>>> www.oubmichigan.org, gwen at oubmichigan.org, melinda at oubmichigan.org and
>>> osman at oubmichigan.org.
>>>
>>> Indian Trails Camp
>>> invites you to join our respite campers in attending our winter
>>> Snow Ball Dance
>>> Saturday, February 15, 2014
>>> From 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the
>>> Indian Trails Camp Lodge
>>> Dancing, Games, and Snacks
>>> Please RSVP to Amy DeMott at 616.677.5251 or
>>> email info at indiantrailscamp.org.
>>>
>>>
>>> * Individuals needing support are required to have a person accompanying 
>>> them.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Looking for GREAT EMPLOYEES!
>>> OUB is looking for great employees to join its summer staff at our new
>>> location at Indian Trails Camp, only a few miles from the Allendale
>>> campus of Grand Valley State University.  OUB hires young adults who
>>> are totally blind, visually impaired or sighted.  If you or someone
>>> you know is looking for a job experience that will be exciting and
>>> fulfilling, check out our website, www.oubmichigan.org, soon for an
>>> application.  Applications are expected to be available before the end
>>> of 2013.  Don't miss out - apply today!
>>>
>>> OUB Board Meetings
>>> The Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind Board meets, generally, on
>>> the 4th Monday of each month by conference call, and once or twice per
>>> year in person in an all day retreat.  There is opportunity for public
>>> comment at each of these meetings.  For more information about OUB
>>> Board meetings, please contact Board Chair Casey Dutmer at
>>> casey354 at comcast.net.  We are currently looking for people who are
>>> interested in what OUB does and want to be part of the great work we
>>> do.  If you are interested in board membership, please contact Casey.
>>>
>>> OUB Youth Advisory Council - and thank you, Austin and MPVI!
>>> OUB recently began a Youth Advisory Council made up of 7 teens and
>>> young adults who love our camps!  Austin Shepherd, Yang Heppe, Kristen
>>> Kellen, Leah Richter, Taylor Arndt, Dustin Pogue and Emmie Lo have
>>> been busy thinking up cool new events, challenges and fund raisers!
>>> Austin Shepherd came up with the idea to hold a live auction of
>>> donated items at MPVI's Challenge Mountain Weekend in January.
>>> Austin's mom, Amy, publicized the event and asked families to bring
>>> items to auction.  Austin was fabulous as the auctioneer, using his
>>> "radio announcer voice"!  Families were very generous, and all of the
>>> money collected was given to OUB for camp scholarships!  Well done,
>>> Austin!
>>>
>>> Thanks to our supporters!
>>> Our list of financial supporters continues to grow!  Here are some of
>>> the highlights:
>>> Kalamazoo Community Foundation
>>> Michigan Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
>>> Greenville Community Foundation
>>> Running Blind
>>> Grand Rapids Community Foundation
>>> Visually Impaired Persons for Progress
>>> Many Lions Clubs from all over the state!
>>> Anonymous (private donors - over $1000 so far!)
>>>
>>> The Braille Monster
>>> We are very sorry to report that the Braille Monster, also known as
>>> the nefarious, Theodous Drosophilus Mysterious, has EATEN this month's
>>> story, and he did it in a particularly ingenious way! Apparently,
>>> from all the evidence we have been able to gather, the Braille Monster
>>> entered Ozzie's house in the dead of night through a mouse hole,
>>> walked right under Gala's ear, and took a snowball (which was, we are
>>> thinking, close to zero degrees due to the FRIGHTFULLY COLD weather we
>>> have been having), and stuck the snowball in Ozzie ear!  Of course,
>>> Ozzie woke up and was pretty, well, shall we say, in shock, and while
>>> Ozzie was concerned about how in the world a zero degree snowball
>>> ended up in his ear, the nefarious Braille Monster calmly made his way
>>> to Ozzie's computer, found the thumbdrive on which all the Braille
>>> Monster stories are stored, and ATE IT.  How do we know all this took
>>> place?  Well, there was a line of very tiny snowy footprints from the
>>> mousehole to where Gala was sleeping, and one of her ears - and this
>>> is very, very odd - was standing straight up for almost three days.
>>> Now Gala is a Labrador, and Labs don't have ears that stand up, and
>>> she was thoroughly  embarrassed - but there was nothing that Gala,
>>> Ozzie or anyone else could do about it.  Her ear was just sticking up
>>> like a German Shepherd's!  And how do we know the Braille Monster ATE
>>> the thumbdrive?  Well, you see, that was the only thumbdrive that
>>> Ozzie had that he had typed in BRAILLE, and we all know how the
>>> Braille Monster LOVES Braille.  Ozzie thought it would be safe since
>>> it was electronic Braille, but no, apparently the Braille Monster has
>>> discovered a love of all things Braille!  But this just might be his
>>> undoing.........stay tuned for the next installment of The Braille 
>>> Monster!
>>>
>>> ANNOUNCING WMU/MBAA
>>> SPORTS EDUCATION CAMPS for Students with VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS 2014!
>>>
>>> Location: Campus of Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
>>>
>>> Eligibility: Applicants must have visual impairments of 20/70 or 
>>> greater.
>>> Students with mild secondary disabilities will also be considered. 
>>> However,
>>> the SEC attempts to fill a niche between the services offered by the 
>>> public
>>> schools and those of Special Olympics.  As such, students whose 
>>> cognitive
>>> disabilities, cognitive delays, or developmental disabilities are
>>> sufficiently severe as to require technical expertise should be referred 
>>> to
>>> Special Olympics.  Additionally, those whose physical or sensory
>>> disabilities are severe enough to require specific technical expertise 
>>> will
>>> be considered only if support staff from the local ISD or another local
>>> agency can assist at Camp.  If clarification of this statement is 
>>> needed,
>>> either contact us in one of the ways listed below or complete the
>>> application and describe the student's need for technical expertise and 
>>> we
>>> will contact you.
>>>
>>> Age:    Junior Camp:  9-12 years
>>> Senior Camp:  13-17 years
>>> Michigan State Games:  age 13-19 years old who have previously
>>> attended Senior Camp and
>>> are still in high school.
>>>
>>>
>>> Dates:    Junior Camp:  Sunday, May 4th to Tuesday, May 6th, 2014
>>> Senior Camp:  Wednesday, May 7th to Saturday, May 10th, 2014
>>> Michigan State Games:  Friday, May 9th to Saturday, May 10th, 2014
>>>
>>> Application Deadline: Applications are needed by March 1, 2014,
>>> for all athletes who wish to attend the Junior Camp, Senior Camp, or the
>>> Michigan State Games.
>>>
>>> Dear vision teacher/parent/professional:
>>> We are sending this notice to you in the hope that you will distribute 
>>> it to
>>> the parents and students within your area.  You are the only link to
>>> students, since privacy laws forbid the Department of Education from
>>> distributing mailing lists.
>>> We would like to notify you of three major events occurring during the 
>>> week
>>> of May 4th to May 10th, 2014, which will be of interest to students with
>>> visual impairments.  The first event is the Junior Camp, a series of 
>>> clinics
>>> designed to teach younger students fundamental athletic skills. The 
>>> second
>>> event is the Senior Camp, a series of clinics designed to teach middle 
>>> and
>>> senior high school students intermediate athletic skills. The final 
>>> event is
>>> the Michigan State Games, which offers an opportunity for students to
>>> compete as individuals and on teams.
>>> The camps are designed to introduce students with visual impairments to
>>> sports and recreational activities and to provide continued training to
>>> those demonstrating athletic potential.  Typical Junior Camp activities
>>> include: introductory running, throwing, jumping, kicking, swimming,
>>> and gymnastics, and wrestling, rock climbing wall, judo, and goalball.
>>> Senior Camp
>>> activities will likely include: track and field (athletics), swimming,
>>> wrestling, goalball, tandem cycling, ERG rowing, weight training, rock 
>>> climbing
>>> wall, and judo.
>>> Athletes who attend these Camps have the unique opportunity to interact 
>>> with
>>> others who have the same difficulties in physical education as they do.
>>> However, applicants need to understand that the primary focus of these 
>>> camps
>>> is sports education.  As such, it requires nearly nonstop active
>>> participation, and is designed specifically for those who show interest 
>>> in
>>> physical activities.
>>> Unfortunately, we cannot accept all who apply to the Wednesday thru 
>>> Friday
>>> clinic part of Senior Sports Camp.  Virtually all new applicants are
>>> accepted, but a few returnees may not be, due to limited slots 
>>> available.
>>> However, they will, along with everyone, who participates in Senior 
>>> Camp, be
>>> invited to compete in the Michigan State Games on Friday and Saturday.
>>> Because we are limited to 60 athletes who can attend camp, it will be
>>> necessary to take applications, review them, and determine which camp a
>>> student will be invited to attend.  The following applicants will be 
>>> given
>>> priority in this process:  (a) those with the most severely limited 
>>> vision,
>>> (b) those in the age group 10-16, (c) those whose applications indicate 
>>> a
>>> strong desire to participate in sports, (d) those who have attended 
>>> previous
>>> camps and demonstrated interest and sports potential, and (e) 1st time
>>> applicants.
>>> Please complete the application that can be found at
>>> https://mbaa-mi.com/Sports_Camp_HNNF.html we appreciate your time and
>>> effort.  If
>>> you have any questions please contact Scott or Leanne Ford at
>>> michigansec at gmail.com or 231-715-1732.
>>>
>>> **Applications must be received by March 1, 2014.  Athletes
>>> will be notified of acceptance by the end of March. **
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> About this newsletter
>>> Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive our newsletters! You
>>> can join by going to:
>>> http://oubmichigan.org/mailman/listinfo/info_oubmichigan.org
>>> If you have any questions about OUB or have question about blindness,
>>> you can post your question on this list and someone in the OUB family
>>> will answer it! Please join our family today!
>>> The Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind Newsletter is published 8
>>> times per year and is co-edited by Gwen Botting, Osman Koroma and
>>> Melinda Latham.
>>>
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