[OAGDU] BELL

[Richard Payne]

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio 

BELL Academy

 

Dear Parents are Guardian 

 

                After a one year hiatus the  NFB BELL Academy is back   this
summer.  BELLS will be ringing in Columbus again. I am the Coordinator of
this program for the state of Ohio, and will be your primary contact
throughout   the program. This program is open to blind and low vision
students ages 4-12.  Our one  week residential program begins on Sunday,
June 15th 2025,  and ends on Friday,  June 20th 2025.  It will be held at
the Ohio State School for the Blind 5220 N. High Street in Columbus. We are
asking for a $125 participation fee per child. Anyone who cannot afford this
fee may contact me directly to apply for one of our many scholarships. .

 

Program Activities:

                Throughout the course of the program, your child will engage
in games and activities that involve Braille (reading and writing), cane
travel, cooking, arts and crafts, self advocacy, and philosophy discussions
about blindness.  All of the lessons and activities in the BELL Academy are
designed to enhance the students' skills in non-visual techniques, presented
in a non-judgmental, supportive environment.  Students will learn from
qualified teachers, competent adult blind role models, and from the other
blind students in the program.  

 

Learning Shades

                Most blind people have some residual vision.  In order to
effectively teach non-visual techniques, it is essential that we ask the
students to wear blindfolds during some of the lessons and activities.  We
refer to these as "Learning Shades", because they help children learn to use
senses other than their remaining vision.  We find that the use of learning
shades helps the students build confidence as blind people, when they
discover that they can function effectively without the use of their vision.
Instructors and other staff in the program will also be using their Learning
Shades during these activities.

 

Residential Program

                Because we are operating a residential program your child
will receive intensive instruction in the skills of blindness throughout his
or her stay with us. Our volunteer staff is committed to see that your child
is given opportunities to grow and learn that are not available during the
academic day. 

 

Field Trips

                We will be taking several field trips during the program.
Part of the experience will be the use of public transportation to get to
and from the destination. This is a great opportunity for our BELL Kids to
learn how to use the city buses and other available transit, which is a
skill they will put to use throughout their lives.

 

 

                Plan for your child to attend this skill and character
building program now. For your child's sake don't wait until he or she is
shut out because there is no more available space in the program.  All you
need to do to reserve  space for your child today is to contact me by Email.
Please put BELL Applicant in the subject line. Provide your child's name,
your name email address your street address and the best telephone number at
which to reach you. 

 

 

We are excited about working with your child. I look forward to hearing from
you very soon.

 

Sincerely 

Eric Duffy

 

 

Richard Payne, President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

 

937/829/3368

 <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com> Rchpay7 at gmail.com

 

 <http://www.nfbohio.org/> www.nfbohio.org

 

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.

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