BELL Academy
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) Academy of Iowa will be held in Des Moines and the Iowa Department for the Blind from August 1st Through August 12th. Children ages four through thirteen are eligible to apply. The NFB BELL Academy of Iowa will be available to any blind or visually impaired child in Iowa. NFBI will help with lodging and transportation costs as needed, to make rural attendance possible, however this is a day program. The NFBI is asking for a $100 registration fee to help defray the cost of staff and materials. If you would like to enroll your child in the summer program or if you would like to volunteer, please contact Janae Burgmeier. The registration form for the 2016 summer will be available shortly.
Program Overview
Approximately 10 students, aged four to thirteen years, will participate in hands-on activities designed to introduce and reinforce Braille. They will learn innumerable ways in which Braille can be experienced and enjoyed through crafts, games, and lessons. Children will enjoy field trips to sites related to the NFB BELL Academy curriculum. Students will increase their knowledge of Braille, their reading and writing proficiency, and their confidence and independence in using blindness skills.
The BELL Academy will provide blind children with a Braille literacy-rich environment in which they can learn with others learning to read and write Braille. The Program will provide Braille and instruction regarding non-visual skills based on the curriculum designed by the National Federation of the Blind. In addition to Braille crafts, games, and other engaging projects, children will learn vital independent living skills, benefit from peer learning and mentoring from blind adults. The Program will serve students with varied skill levels and provide instruction individualized to each student's needs. Curriculum features small group instruction that provides students the opportunity to learn in conjunction with peers and retain the benefits of more individual attention. Each lesson contains modifications for students with differing skill levels
Non visual activities provide opportunity to practice activities of daily living, including craft-making and cooking. Braille literacy is integrated through labels, directions, and recipes. Writing lessons create Innovative opportunities to use and build writing skills are included. Students also create a journal, logged daily.
Learning shades (also called blindfolds or sleep shades) are an integral part of BELL Academy instruction. It is difficult to perfect a nonvisual technique like Braille when using residual vision. Before NFB BELL Academy of Iowa begins, staff members share with parents the importance of learning shades. Learning shades will be presented to the children in a very positive, non-threatening way. Students are invited to decorate their shades to help with the ownership of these tools.