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<div align="center">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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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 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>
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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>
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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 <br>
Coordinator for Youth and Special programs<br>
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