[Pibe-division] Making it on the Playground" : A Resource for Parents and Teachers of Blind Students

[mary jo hartle]

                        Hi all,

I know that blogs are a dime a dozen, but I hope you will go and check mine
out.  I'd really love the feedback and would also like to see this serve as
a resource for parents and teachers out there.  Please check it out at
www.makingitontheplayground.com <http://www.makingitontheplayground.com/>  .


Thanks!

 Mary Jo Hartle, MEd, NOMC 

 

P.S. Below is the latest post-just in case you're curious. Happy "Meet the
Blind" Month  

Well, as some of you may already know, October is "Meet the Blind month.
The purpose of this month is to help educate the public and create greater
awareness of the capabilities of people who are blind.  Across the country,
groups of blind and low vision individuals and their friends and family
observe this month through various outreach activities such as participating
in public events, speaking in public venues like schools, civic clubs, and
so forth, passing out literature, hosting meet and greets, and volunteering
service in their communities .   Even though the month is half gone, it's
not too late for you to do something to help observe "Meet the Blind month"
in your own area.  So, here are a few easy ideas I came up with to help
spread the word about this exciting observance and great public awareness
opportunity.  

*	Create a bulletin board with a blindness theme to display in your
school.  You should also consider making this an accessible and
"blind-friendly " bulletin board,a.k.a. tactually appealing and dual media
with print and Braille.  
*	Pass out "Braille Party Mix" to your neighbors, friends, colleagues,
classmates, co-workers, etc.  Braille party mix consists of the following:

*	6 pieces of round candy like "Dots", M and M's, or Reeses'Pieces=the
six dots in a Braille cell. 
*	Pretzel sticks= the stylus 
*	Cheese nibs crackers or other similar looking crackers with holes
and ridges = the Braille cell 
*	Alphabet Cereal= print letters being translated into Braille 
*	 Fruit roll-ups= piece of paper 

*	Spotlight a blind student or adult in your school/community at a
public event such as a church or civic club meeting, school assembly, class,
etc.  This can also be a Q and A session with a blind person about how he or
she does various tasks with non-visual techniques.  
*	Pass out Braille alphabet cards along with your Halloween candy.
These can be obtained from blindness organizations like the American
Printing House, the National Federation of the Blind, or the National
Braille Press for free or a small nominal fee.  
*	If you are a teacher or parent of a blind child, help your child set
up a volunteer experience at a public service venue such as a food pantry,
nursing home, hospital, etc.  This will be a great way to teach your child
the importance of "giving back" and also provide a unique opportunity for
the public to see the capabilities of your child.  
*	Set up a table and time to Braille names on index cards in a public
place such as school lunchroom, outside a store, public library, flea
market, etc.  People are fascinated by Braille and will love getting a copy
of their name in Braille.  You can also hand out Braille alphabet cards at
the same time.  
*	Pass out literature about blindness in your neighborhood, school,
business, etc.  This could include things like Braille alphabet cards, or
general blindness facts.  
*	Host a tail gate party at a school football game.  You can pass out
Braille literature, Braille people's names, and have blind people serving
the food.  

 

I hope these ideas have inspired you to get out and help spread the word
about "Meet the Blind "month.  I'd love to hear other ideas from you and/or
the things you are doing to observe this month.  Happy "Meet the Blind
Month!"

 

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