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<TITLE> Independence 2011 is fast approaching</TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>The birds are singing, the sun is out, it is time to start making plans for the summer and Independence 2011 is the place to be! Please be sure to help spread the word about this fantastic summer program for blind/low vision youth entering into the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.<BR>
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What is Independence 2011?<BR>
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Independence 2011 is a seven-week residential training program that provides blind and low vision teens with the nonvisual skills and confidence to help transition from high school to college and/or employment.<BR>
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* Learn to travel independently using a long white cane<BR>
* Experience real-world career opportunities<BR>
* Two-week paid work experience<BR>
* Learn to read and write using Braille<BR>
* Develop computer skills through assistive technology<BR>
* Reside in campus apartments with blind instructor/mentors<BR>
* Expand cooking, cleaning, and shopping skills<BR>
* Attend the NFB Youth Slam, a STEP Leadership Academy<BR>
* Develop a positive attitude about blindness<BR>
* Attend the 2011 NFB national convention in Orlando, FL<BR>
* Tour Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Disney World<BR>
* Participate in recreational and athletic activities<BR>
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Who Can Apply? Legally blind high school students who are entering into the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades in the fall of 2011. Applicants should have an open case with their state's vocational rehabilitation or have an alternative funding source.<BR>
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Where? Again we will return to Towson University where the students will live in apartments on campus<BR>
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Sponsored by? Blind Industries and Services of Maryland<BR>
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When? June 19 - August 5<BR>
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For more information or to apply, please contact Amy Phelps at<BR>
410-737-2642 or aphelps@bism.org or if you have a student in the application process, please let me know as soon as possible.<BR>
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Warm regards,<BR>
<BR>
Amy C. Phelps, CRC, NOMC<BR>
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Help sponsor our youth program activities Donate <https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=100<BR>
3647> <BR>
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Check out information about our summer youth program: Independence 2011 <<A HREF="http://bism.org/r_youth_TEMP_2.cfm">http://bism.org/r_youth_TEMP_2.cfm</A>> <BR>
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Take the NCLB at BISM in Baltimore on March 26. For information:<BR>
National Certification in Literary Braille <<A HREF="http://www.nbpcb.org/pages/NCLBcertification.php">http://www.nbpcb.org/pages/NCLBcertification.php</A>><BR>
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Blind Industries and Services of Maryland<BR>
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3345 Washington Blvd<BR>
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Baltimore, MD 21227<BR>
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Phone: 410-737-2642<BR>
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Mobile: 410-274-1647<BR>
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Fax: 410-737-2689<BR>
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Toll Free: 888-322-4567<BR>
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E-mail: aphelps@bism.org <mailto:aphelps@bism.org><BR>
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"...given proper training and opportunity, the average blind person can do the average job in the average place of business and do it as well as his or her sighted neighbor..." Freedom for the Blind, James H. Omvig<BR>
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