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<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Warm Greetings from
BLIND, Incorporated<br>
<br>
It is once again time to start planning for our 2012 Buddy program. <br>
This three-week summer fun and learning program is for children ages 9 to
13. <br>
The dates for 2012 are July 13 through August 4, 2012. <br>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><img width=144 height=115 id="_x0000_i1025"
src="cid:7.1.0.9.2.20120106031314.045e7c28@visi.com.0" alt="[]">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. <br>
<br>
<img width=120 height=120 id="_x0000_i1026"
src="cid:7.1.0.9.2.20120106031314.045e7c28@visi.com.1" alt="[]">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. <br>
<img width=120 height=166 id="_x0000_i1027"
src="cid:7.1.0.9.2.20120106031314.045e7c28@visi.com.2" alt="[]"><br>
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.<br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
<img width=144 height=108 id="_x0000_i1028"
src="cid:7.1.0.9.2.20120106031314.045e7c28@visi.com.3" alt="[]">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.<br>
<br>
If you have questions please call 612-872-0100 (ext. 251), toll-free
800-597-9558, or email <a href="mailto:cguggisberg@blindinc.org">cguggisberg@blindinc.org</a>
. You may complete an application by visiting our website at <a
href="http://www.blindinc.org/">www.blindinc.org</a><br>
<br>
Sincerely,<br>
<br>
Charlene Guggisberg <br>
Coordinator for Youth and Special programs<br>
<br>
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