Summer Programs 2006

Come and join us in the adventure of the summer!

Summer Adventure: Grades 1-6
"Soaring High!"
June 4-7, 2006
Sunday 4:00 pm- Wednesday 12:00 noon

Are you ready for some "plane" old fun?

Come join us for our annual Summer Adventure Camp at ND Vision Services/School for the Blind. This year, campers will be "soaring high" as they discover the mystery of how things fly. Campers will reach "new heights" as they participate in intriguing projects and exciting field trips. There will be plenty of time for daily leisure activities to allow the campers to "unwind."

So earn your "wings" this year and attend Summer Adventure 2006!

Summer Adventure: Grades 7-12
"Take Part in Art"
June 7-10, 2006
Wednesday 6:00 pm-Saturday 6:00 pm

Students with visual impairments can participate in many artistic endeavors, but activities using the sense of touch are especially meaningful for many. Students will participate in art activities that are multi-faceted and involve all of the senses-most important of which is emotion! Whether the student is naturally artistic or not, our goal is for everyone to express their own creativity through guided instruction in sculpture.

With guidance from staff at the University of North Dakota Art Education Department, students will learn how to express themselves through art and produce items that will ultimately be exhibited. Students may also qualify to enter their works of art in the annual American Printing House Art Competition.

In addition to these core activities in art, there will be lots of opportunities for fun outings in Grand Forks. Summer Adventure is not complete without some picnics, swimming and games.

Come and Take Part!

Braille Literacy Camp: Grades 1-8
"Paws, Claws, Scales, and Tales"
June 12-16, 2006
Monday 6:00 p.m.-Friday 12:00 noon

Are you a braille reader who likes a little adventure? If so, why not sign up for Braille Camp at NDVS/SB? This is a great way to meet new friends, have fun, and become a better braille reader and writer through individual reading, group reading and writing activities.

Our theme this year is "Paws, Claws, Scales, and Tales" from the State Library summer reading program. We will be reading fascinating stories about a variety of animals, and we will have some special visitors stop by! Games, baking, crafts, and outdoor activities will be included in our time spent together! You can earn a T-Shirt from the State Library by completing a book while you attend camp!

Hope you can come! We can't BEAR to spend the week without you!

Summer Programming 2006

Fees: ND Students $35.00
Out of State students $175
(Includes: books, housing, meals, evening activity fees, craft supplies)

General Information

NDVS/SB is located at: 500 Stanford Road, Grand Forks, ND.

Directions to NDVS/SB: Exit off I-29 East to Hwy 2 (Gateway Drive) Turn South on Stanford Road, turn East on 6th Ave. N. The parking lot for our school is the first right off 6th.

What to bring: Comfortable clothing, modest swimwear including flip flops or water shoes, canteen money, medications and over-the-counter meds you may need, grooming items, sunscreen, bug spray, phone card (optional)

Phone numbers to call: 1-800-421-1181 or 701-795-2700 between 8:00-4:30 and 701-795-2728 after 4:30 for the Commons Area

For more information call: Deb Johnsen at 701-795-2721 or email djohnsen@nd.gov

How to register: Fill out the event registration form

Scholarships for ND Students are available upon request

Reaching Out Newsletter #63
April, 2006

Clippings from Carmen

By Carmen Grove Suminski, Superintendent

Warmest Greetings for the Commencement of Spring! Please review the information regarding Summer Adventure and Braille Camp for 2006 in this edition. An exciting, fun-filled time for all participants!

The Legislative Council Budget Committee on Health Care was at our site on Wednesday, January 4. The focus included the Status of the 2005-2007 Budget, Programs and Services, Number of Clients Served and Anticipated Budget and Capitol Improvement Needs for the 2007-2009 Biennium. We were pleased that Dr. Wayne Sanstead, Superintendent of Public Instruction, was able to attend. A tour of our center based facility was conducted with emphasis on the specialization of our services and adaptive equipment. Our most sincere appreciation to the Legislature for their ongoing support!

Please mark your calendar for upcoming dates for the summer and upcoming academic year:

2006

• June 4-7: Elementary Summer Adventure
• June 7-10: Secondary Summer Adventure
• June 12-16: Braille Camp
• Sept 6-9: Adult Programming
• Sept 10-15: Adult Programming
• Sept 24-29: Kidz Week
• Oct 8-13: Teen Week
• Nov 12-17: Career Week
• Dec 3-8: Adult Programming

2007

• January 7-12: Vocational Teen Week
• February 4-9: Teen Week
• April 15-20: Kidz Week
• May 13-18: Adult Programming

**Compensatory Skills weeks are scheduled based on the IEP's.

Our next Advisory Meeting will be at NDVS/SB, Grand Forks, on Tuesday, May 9. My appreciation to the Human Services Offices for enabling us to utilize their Polycom system for several of our meetings! Please let me know if you would like additional information on the Advisory Team.

I will be attending AERLift and the international conference of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired at Snowbird, Utah. It was been a great professional experience to attend the International AER Board meetings as the representative for the following divisions: Administration and Leadership, Psychosocial Services, Low Vision, Information and Technology, and Personnel Preparation. As a Board Member and the current President of the Administration and Leadership, I have learned to know many great professionals in the field and made aware of additional resources.

The year of 2008 marks the Centennial Year for NDVS/SB. The school opened in Bathgate in 1908. Several events will commemorate this milestone. If you are interested in serving on a planning committee, please let me know.

My thanks to the many related entities who work with the staff of NDVS/SB and me to perform our mission and provide quality services to all persons who are blind or visually impaired residing in North Dakota!

Please feel free to contact me at 701-795-2708 or email me at csuminsk@nd.gov

Cortical Vision Impairment Training

North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind
September 19 and 20, 2006

sponsored by the North Dakota Deaf-Blind Services Project.

Christine Roman, Ph.D., will present information about cortical vision impairment, assessment of children with CVI utilizing the CVI Range, IEP development, and intervention.

Further information and registration will be out soon. Please call Kristen Votava, Deaf-Blind Project Coordinator, at 1-877-630-6214 for more information.

CENTER BASED ADULT INSTRUCTION

There are three separate weeks throughout the school year where working age adults will attend to learn a variety of skills or enhance their existing skills. These skills include: adaptive technology, Braille, daily living skills, career exploration, low vision aids, orientation and mobility, personal adjustment to vision loss, and recreation and leisure activities. During the week, the adults take part in classes with instructors and also participate in group sessions with others attending during the week. Another important aspect of the adult weeks is the opportunity to visit with others in similar situations and learn that you are not alone.

Adults can be referred by vocational rehabilitation or self referred for adult weeks. Adults arrive late on Sunday afternoons at the school, and programming begins Monday morning continuing through early Friday afternoon. For more information about the Adult Program, please contact Ken Dockter at NDVS/SB.

Phoning it In: Counseling & Mental health Services, by Telephone…

by Dr. Joe Miller

While low vision or blindness can make it difficult to access counseling services, living in a rural state offers additional challenges. Often, the great distances and lack of transportation discourage participation in needed psychological services. Because of this, the UND Psychology department and the ND Vision Services/School for the Blind now offer teletherapy for persons with visual impairments who cannot travel easily to clinics. Peter Schmutzer, M.A. and Dr. Joe Miller have offered the service for several months, with many regular participants.

Adjustment to low vision often coincides with depression, anxiety, or other problems in psychological adjustment. In some cases, these problems are caused by vision loss, in other cases they are made worse by the stress of learning to do old things in new ways, without vision. In either case, these problems may interfere with adjustment to low vision. The mission of the teletherapy program is to reduce the impact of problems in thought, mood, or behavior on low-vision adaptation, helping clients on a path to a new and fulfilling life as soon as possible.

Response to the service has, so far, been very positive. Though not a crisis line (persons in crisis are referred directly to local emergency services), regular counseling may assist in "heading off" crises by enhancing coping skills. Persons interested in teletherapy services should contact the School for the Blind. To date, the service is free to persons with visual impairments.

Mark Your Calendars

2006

• June 4-7: Elementary Summer Adventure
• June 7-10: Secondary Summer Adventure
• June 12-16: Braille Camp
• Sept 6-9: Adult Programming
• Sept 10-15: Adult Programming
• Sept 24-29: Kidz Week
• Oct 8-13: Teen Week
• Nov 12-17: Career Week
• Dec 3-8: Adult Programming

2007

• January 7-12: Vocational Teen Week
• February 4-9: Teen Week
• April 15-20: Kidz Week
• May 13-18: Adult Programming

*Compensatory Skills weeks are scheduled based on the IEP's.*

Ski for Light 2006

If last years ski for light can be remembered for lack of snow, then 2006 will be remembered for skiing in your shirtsleeves with an abundance of snow and great tracks! The journey began early for 10 skiers from Grand Forks who were on the bus and ready to attend the 27th Regional Ski for Light being held in Deadwood, SD. The bus made stops in Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson and Bowman. The total of twenty-seven skiers and volunteers arrived at the Mineral Palace where registration was held and room assignments were made.

The North Dakota Association of the Blind (NDAB) participates in The Ski for Light program on a yearly basis. The mission is to promote the physical fitness of blind/visually impaired and mobility impaired individuals by sponsoring active, vigorous outdoor activities. Able-bodied individuals join, one on one, with the disabled individuals to pursue these activities. In a unique relaxed atmosphere, the partners share their common interest and experience in the outdoors and learn from each other.

Each day was spent on Deer Mountain cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing. Participants also were able to ride a shark down hill. The shark is a sled that is pulled up the mountain by a snowmobile, and then one or two riders ride it to the bottom with only a small handbrake to stop. The shark looks similar to a snowmobile only it has no motor.

The fun did not stop after a day on the mountain; evenings were spent connecting with old friends and making new friends from all over the United States. The Saloon #10 provided the dinner on Monday evening followed by a band that provided entertainment. Other activities offered were a picnic of pork and chili held on Tuesday at the chalet on Dear Mountain. The Trial of Jack McCall was the new entertainment at the pizza feed followed by karaoke on Tuesday evening. The Dakota Performers sang a chosen song again this year. Wednesday afternoon there was a wine and cheese party followed by a tour of Deadwood.

The races were held on Thursday with the awards banquet following in the evening. The North Dakota participants came home with numerous trophies and awards. Award winners and race results as follows:

Cross Country:

• Krista Doubek of Grand Forks won first place in her division.
• David McCloud of Grand Forks won first place in his division.
• Dave Sundeen of Buxton won first place in the 5-K division and first place in the rally race.
• Doug Stip of Minot won third place in the 1-K rally race.

Down Hill:

• Todd Folmer of Fargo first place in the triple tracker.
• Mike Hoeppner of Jamestown won second place in the downhill.

We would like to thank the North Dakota Association for the Blind (NDAB), North Dakota School for the Blind Foundation (NDSB), Gateway Lions of Fargo and a special Thank you to Judy Iten for her continued support on behalf of her business Judy's Leisure Tours for providing the bus!

Submitted by:

Marie Topp: mariejtopp@cs.com
Doug Stip: dmstip@ndak.net
David Sundeen

New Descriptive Videos:

• Cinderella Man
• The 40 Year Old Virgin
• Fever Pitch
• Fantastic Four
• Herbie Fully Loaded
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• Mr. and Mrs. Smith

New Large Print Titles in the VRC:

Adult

• Saving Fish From Drowning: Amy Tan
• The Myth of You and Me: Leah Stewart
• Ghost Walk (mystery): Heather Graham
• On Beauty: Zadie Smith
• Worth More Dead and Other True Crimes: Ann Rule
• All Night Long: Jayne Ann Krentz
• Wrong Place Wrong Time (mystery): Andrea Kane
• The Truth of the Matter: Robb Foreman Dew
• The Secret Supper: Javier Sierra

Young Adult(7th-12th)

• Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane: Suzanne Collins
• Rebel Angels: Libba Bray
• The Au Pairs: Melissa de la Cruz
• Maximum Ride-the Angel Experience: James Patterson

Juvenile:

• The Golden and Grey: Louise Arnold

New Game Introduced to Students and Clients at NDVS/SB
"Power Showdown"

By Paul Olson

In the Fall of 2005, staff at North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind (NDVS/SB) became aware of a new recreational activity that they wanted to bring to their students and clients. This activity was immediately appealing since it has similarities to games such as air hockey, ping pong, etc. These table top games are almost universally appealing, but people with severe vision loss are often at a significant disadvantage-especially with sighted opponents. "Power Showdown," on the other hand, is a game that has many of the same characteristics, but is designed specifically for people with visual impairment.

Like goalball and beep baseball, Power Showdown is played with a blindfold. The sense of hearing is obviously emphasized along with hand coordination to play the game. One major difference, however, is that the game is played one-on-one like the table top games that were previously mentioned. The ball is also especially designed so that it is auditory in nature. It contains BBs which are very easily heard as the ball rolls on the table surface. The ball is batted back and forth with a paddle in an attempt to score on your opponent while each player defends his/her net. The table is quite large (measuring 12 feet by 4 feet with a six inch wall around it). Thus, this is more likely to be a game played at a school setting or agency setting versus in a home. The table is actually made in two pieces and is designed with clips underneath which hold it together which makes transporting and moving it much easier.

The game has actually been available for over thirty years, but many in the U.S. have not been aware of it. Paralympic athletes have been aware of the game for years due to exposure in other countries. Ironically, the concept was originally developed by two Canadians who were visually impaired, but it has gone largely unknown in North America. The game has enjoyed its greatest popularity in Europe where it is simply know as "Showdown.". In fact, more information can be found at the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) website.

One of the challenges has been the availability of the game tables. This problem may come to the end due to the efforts of Dr. Jim Mastro of Bemidji, Minnesota. He is a professor at Bemidji State University who happens to be blind. He is also an accomplished paralympic athlete. Along with colleagues at Bemidji State University, Dr. Mastro hopes to generate more interest in the game in the U.S. " With so few sports developed for the visually impaired and blind, it does not make any sense to turn our backs on a sport that is playable by everyone from children to senior citizens, recreationally and competitively and across a wide spectrum of visual ability." (Dr. Jim Mastro, 2006)

NDVS/SB purchased a Power Showdown table for use at our facility through Dr. Mastro. We provide short-term programming for both school-age children and adults who need instruction in the expanded core curriculum areas. When individuals are visiting our facility for short-term programming, we emphasize life-time sports and recreational activities, but we immediately noted the benefits of this unique game. The cost of this game is considerable, but it is a very durable product that should last for decades of use. Dozens of children and adults have enjoyed playing the game already, and we anticipate having tournaments in the future. The bottom line is that individuals with visual impairment need a wide variety of recreational/sport opportunities just like their sighted peers.

We hope that other schools and agencies around the country investigate this game and make it available for their students and clients. It challenges and enhances one's senses as well as truly providing an opportunity for intense, fun competition.

Again, I would encourage you to visit the IBSA website for more information. There are pictures, a more detailed description of the game and the official rules. I would also note that Dr. Mastro can be reached via e-mail at jmastro@bemidjistate.edu if you would like to know more about how to acquire a game table.

VOLUNTEER HONORED FOR 100 HOURS OF SERVICE

By Crystal Roy

Just a few days before Christmas, volunteer Debbie Aaker was asked by her supervisor to "come down the hall to give me a hand with something." The "something" turned out to be a celebration in honor of Debbie's 100 hours of volunteer service to ND Vision Services/School for the Blind. Center-based staff were gathered to offer their thanks for her painstakingly careful work on a number of projects. It was a couple of minutes before Debbie realized that amidst the crowd of NDVS/SB staff were her husband Jason and her newborn daughter Isabella … their presence making the celebration all the more special.

Debbie's 100 volunteer hours were spent doing a variety of tasks, including making tactile/braille greeting cards, scanning and editing text to be brailled, filing teacher materials, brailling playing cards for Ski for Light participants, and producing braille gameboards; but her biggest job was producing braille nursery rhyme books with tactile illustrations. Because of her excellent eye for detail and the care with which she works, Debbie was the perfect volunteer for this task; most of the current supply of this book were produced by Debbie.

Debbie is a graduate of East Grand Forks High School and has college credits from both Moorhead State and St. Cloud State Universities. She plans to complete her degree when her husband Jason finishes his studies for a degree in criminal justice. She anticipates that she will probably pursue a degree in teaching, most likely in special education. Debbie has found that life seems to be leading her in the direction of working with children with special needs; she worked as a classroom paraprofessional at Holy Family School, where she was assigned to an autistic child. Later she applied to work for the St. Cloud school district and ended up working with the special ed class. Then when she returned to Grand Forks and worked for a home health care agency, she found herself working with a client who had an autistic child.

In any event, Debbie will have some time to make the decision about her field of study. While Jason finishes his degree, Debbie will continue with her home health care job and take pleasure in having time with her infant daughter.

Volunteer Coordinator Crystal Roy expressed the thoughts of many at NDVS/SB when she observed that as much as Debbie will be missed, everyone is pleased to think of her pursuing a career that will make full use of her many talents.

REACHING OUT is published by the ND Vision Services/School for the Blind, an agency funded by the state of North Dakota for the benefit of people with visual impairments. ND Vision Services/School for the Blind is a division of the ND Department of Public Instruction.

REACHING OUT is available in alternative formats upon request.

Please send comments to:

REACHING OUT
ND Vision Services/School for the Blind
500 Stanford Road
Grand Forks, ND 58203-2799

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Wayne G. Sanstead
Superintendent, ND Vision Services/School for the Blind: Carmen Grove Suminski csuminsk@nd.gov
Editor, REACHING OUT: Cheryl Misialek cmisiale@nd.gov

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