[NFBMI-Talk] The REAL Program is still accepting registrations!

[atherjammoa at gmail.com]

Good afternoon everyone!

Spring is in full bloom, and Michigan's weather is changing (for the
better). April's showers are indeed bringing forth May flowers that are
making the air smell amazing with all of the different and assorted smells
that Mother Nature gives to us for the Spring season. With the arrival of
the month of May however, is also the arrival of our upcoming REAL Program
registration deadline. If you are interested in participating in the
program, whether it is as a volunteer, or as a student, time is fast running
out for you to fill out the registration form.

 


What is the REAL Program?


The Raising Expectations, Accessing Life (REAL) Program is a weekend-long
developmental program that works with children and students on a wholistic
level to support their development and exploration of topics and
opportunities that raise the expectations of themselves, their families, and
their educational community. Our age-appropriate programming offers a medley
of interactive opportunities for children and older students. There are two
different tracks for the REAL Program. The STEM2U track, and the NFBMI
Scholars track.


 


STEM2U


NFB STEM2U brings nonvisual accessible lessons and activities to blind
youth. Students of varying ages across the country will learn fundamental
nonvisual tools and techniques they can use to pursue further education and
careers. Our NFB STEM2U track for this program is tailored for blind youth
ages 8-13. Participants are required to be accompanied by a parent or
authorized guardian. This informative track is helpful for students who:

*	Are interested in experiments and investigations.
*	Could benefit from fun programs specific to blind students.
*	Need hands-on, nonvisual skills training opportunities.

 


NFBMI Scholars


The NFBMI Scholars track strives to support high school and college
students, ages 14+, in their individual path towards both professional
development and gainful employment. This goal is accessed in a variety of
different activities, interviews, networking opportunities and participation
in our STEM2U experience. Of the variety of topics broached over the
weekend, the NFBMI Scholars track works to support students in:

*	Academic and Professional Ambition
*	Skills of Blindness and Low Vision (Braille, Access Technology,
Personal and Home Management)
*	Vocational Assessment and Exploration
*	Networking and Advocacy Skills Refinement
*	Work Based Experiences
*	Training in Nonvisual STEM Inquiry and Analysis.

 


Resources and contact information


To learn more about the REAL Program or to register yourself, your child or
as a volunteer, you can go to:

The REAL Program page <https://nfbmi.org/real> 

 

To learn more about the Stem2U portion  of the REAL Program, you can contact
Ather Jammoa at:

atherjammoa at gmail.com <mailto:atherjammoa at gmail.com> 

 

For all other questions regarding the REAL Program, you can send an email
to:

president at nfbmi.org <mailto:president at nfbmi.org> 

 

We look forward to seeing you all there, helping us do the work of the
Federation!