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The following comes from Charlene Guggisberg, Coordinator of Youth and
Special Programs at BLIND, Inc.:<br>
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Warm Greetings from BLIND, Incorporated<br>
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It is once again time to start planning for our 2014 Buddy program.
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This three-week summer fun and learning program is for children ages 9 to
13. <br>
The dates are July 12 through August 2, 2014. <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. Students may learn to pour liquids,
carry a food tray, do laundry, follow a recipe, and much more while
building self- confidence and problem solving skills. <br>
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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 helps
them develop a positive attitude about blindness and their abilities.
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In addition, students participate in many exciting activities in the Twin
Cities area, such as visits to nature parks, Wild Mountain Water Park,
and rock climbing. 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
<br>
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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