[Nfbn-announce] BLIND Inc. Buddy Program

[Amy Buresh]

Warm Greetings from BLIND, Incorporated
 
It is once again time to start planning for our 2012 Buddy program.  
This three-week summer fun and learning program is for children ages 9 to
13.  
The dates for 2012 are July 13 through August 4, 2012.  
 

[]The Buddy Program offers an opportunity for blind children to make friends
and have fun in a positive and secure setting as well as to learn and
practice alternative techniques of blindness while building self-confidence.

 
[]The training in alternative techniques includes instruction in reading and
writing Braille, basic cane travel, cooking skills, and introductions to
independent living skills and industrial arts.  Students may learn to pour
liquids, carry a food tray, do laundry, follow a recipe, and much more.
Self-confidence and problem solving skills are gained through building and
painting projects such as their own birdhouses and nightstands.  Students
also participate in "talk time," where they discuss important issues about
blindness with blind peers and instructors.  This time gives the students a
chance to discuss their feelings about blindness, their frustrations with
uncomfortable situations, and suggestions for overcoming problems caused by
blindness.   
[]
In addition, students participate in many exciting activities in the Twin
Cities area, such as visits to Build a Bear work shop, Wild Mountain Water
Park, and horseback riding.  These activities allow students to develop
their socialization skills.  Activities are well supervised and mentoring
for the children is provided by active blind role models.  Lifelong
friendships begin during this brief summer experience.
 
During these entire out-of-the- classroom activities during the Buddy
Program, one of our goals is to teach our students the alternative
techniques of blindness and gain the self-confidence that would allow them
to return home and actively participate in even more fun activities with
their sighted friends.  
 
[]Activities are excellent opportunities to teach and reinforce a wide
variety of alternative techniques, as they apply to real life, and this
learning experience is usually most effective when there is a lot of fun
involved.
 
If you have questions please call 612-872-0100 (ext. 251), toll-free
800-597-9558, or email cguggisberg at blindinc.org .  You may complete an
application by visiting our website at www.blindinc.org
<http://www.blindinc.org/> 
 
Sincerely,
 
Charlene Guggisberg 
Coordinator for Youth and Special programs
         
 

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