[Nfbnet-members-list] Buddy Program Announcement from BLIND Inc.

David Andrews dandrews at visi.com
Thu Mar 14 00:42:46 UTC 2013


Warm Greetings from BLIND, Incorporated
It is once again time to start planning for our 2013 Buddy program.
This three-week summer fun and learning program is for children ages 9 to 13.
The dates are July 12 through August 4, 2013.
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.
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.
Picture of 3 Buddy students in Industrial Arts Class making their 
wood projects. Two are sanding and the other is hammering a nail.
Picture of female Buddy student pouring chocolate chips into a bowl 
of cookie batter that she has mixed up, while the instructor stands 
by her side observing.
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.
In addition, students participate in many exciting activities in the 
Twin Cities
area, such as visits to nature parks, 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.
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.
Picture of 2 Buddy students cresting the top of a rocky peak 
overlooking a river.
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.
Picture of a Buddy student being instructed in using a outdoor grill. 
In the process of lighting the flames with a long butane lighter.
If you have questions please call 612-872-0100 (ext. 251), toll-free 800-
597-9558, or email cguggisberg at blindinc.org. You may complete an
application by visiting our website at www.blindinc.org
Sincerely,
Charlene Guggisberg
Coordinator for Youth and Special programs 





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