April Bulletin

Greetings Fellow Federationists:

BELL is coming to California.
For the first time, the NFB of California will sponsor the Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) program for children. On July 15through July 26, 2013, blind and visually impaired children in the Los Angeles area will have the opportunity to develop an appreciation for Braille while they work and play. The program is intended to support the classroom instruction that students are receiving in their home district. Braille reading, writing, Orientation and Mobility, Daily Living Skills and lots of games will enrich the summer of 2013 for these students.

To learn more or apply, please contact our southern California BELL Co-coordinator, Kia Vaca. Her phone number is (818) 253-4955. Children living in the greater Los Angeles area are eligible to attend. Parents will be responsible for transportation. The following is the flyer for the BELL Program.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF CALIFORNIA
INVITES YOU TO APPLY FOR THE 2013 CALIFORNIA NFB BELL PROGRAM

The NFB Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) program provides children ages 4 through 12 with concentrated Braille instruction through fun, hands-on learning. Students will learn nonvisual techniques, in addition to daily time devoted to Braille and other projects, games, and engaging activities related to the content being covered in the program.

Who is the program for?
ALL BLIND CHILDREN
• low-vision children who aren’t receiving as much Braille instruction during the school year as needed
• children who have recently lost their vision
• children who have been blind since birth
• children who need to practice, maintain, and increase their Braille skills over the summer
• children who need to meet other blind children and blind role models

Why the NFB BELL Program?
The most unique and meaningful aspect of the NFB BELL program is that blind role models facilitate the majority of the lessons. Your child will learn that blind people can lead successful lives by meeting blind people who lead such lives every day. The NFB BELL program uses time-tested lessons and proven techniques to build self-confidence, positive attitudes, and skills in blind children.

Program Dates: Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 26th

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Please go to www.nfb.org/bell-program to apply! Application deadline is June 1st!
For further information, contact:
Kia Vaca at (818) 253-4955 or chuyandkia@gmail.com

Chemistry Camp is Coming Soon!
The 2013 weekend for nerds is coming in May. If you think that you might know a Junior High School age or High School age student who will be taking Chemistry at some point in their academic career, please tell them about Chemistry Camp.

This three day hands-on Science Camp will focus on the basics of concepts and equipment used in a Chemistry lab. The purpose is to introduce students to the idea that they too can participate fully in a lab class at school. No longer will they have to sit on the sidelines and be told what is happening. Now they can mix chemicals safely and titrate with their peers.

If you want more information, call Mr. Henry Wedler at (707) 338-3692.

Mary Willows, President
3934 Kern Court
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 462-8575
mwillows@sbcglobal.net