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<div align="center">Warm Greetings from BLIND, Incorporated<br>
<br>
It is once again time to start planning for our 2011 Buddy program.
<br>
This three-week summer fun and learning program is for children ages 9 to
13. <br>
The dates for 2011 are July 15 through august 6 2011. <br>
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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>
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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 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>
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In addition, students participate in many exciting activities in the Twin
Cities area, such as visits to the Mall of America, rock climbing, 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>
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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>
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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>
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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, Coordinator for Youth and Special programs<br>
cguggisberg@blindinc.org<br>
<br>
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