Utah Parents of Blind and Visually Impaired Children: Science Without Sight is Exciting Camp & Transition to Independence Parent Seminar

What is the UPBC?

The purpose of the organization is to create a climate of opportunity for blind children in home, school and society; to provide information and support to parents of blind children; to facilitate the sharing of experiences and concerns among parents of blind children; to develop and expand resources available to parents and their blind children; to help parents of blind children gain understanding and perspective through partnership and contact with blind adults; and to function as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind and the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children in their ongoing efforts to eliminate discrimination and prejudice against the blind and to achieve for the blind security, equality and opportunity.

The membership is open to parents of blind children, educators of blind children and others interested in promoting the purposes of this organization.

We are a division of the National Federation of the Blind which is the largest organization of the blind in the country. Refer to: http://www.nfb.org/

Utah Parents of Blind Children is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Science Without Sight is Exciting Camp & Transition to Independence Parent Seminar

It's that time again! The "Science Without Sight Is Exciting" Camp & "Transition to Independence" Parent/Professional Seminar will be here before you know it! Registrations are officially being accepted now! Please visit www.nfbutah.org to register online.

When? Saturday, May 16, 2009. (8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.)

Where? University of Utah Campus. Salt Lake City, Utah

Who’s Invited? Blind and visually impaired students in 4th-12th grade, parents, and professionals.

For Students: “Science without Sight is Exciting” will be a fun and educational experience for Utah's blind and visually impaired students. Each student will be able to explore and experiment in many areas of science, natural history, and engineering.

For Parents & Professionals: Transition To Independence Seminar is an opportunity for parents and professionals to learn about the skills and tools essential for the independence of blind and visually impaired youth.

Keynote speakers include Donna McNear, renowned Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Kristen Cox, Director of Utah Department of Workforce Services and blind mentor.

Lunch: Lunch will be provided for everyone! Please register early!!

Cost: Absolutely Free. There is a $25 deposit per family and professional that will be reimbursed when you check in for the event. The $25 deposit will not be refunded to “no shows.” Please call Marla Palmer at 801-797-9760 if you need help with the $25 fee.

Registration: Early registration deadline is Mar. 31, 2009. Final registration deadline is Apr. 30, 2009. Early Registration: Families or Professionals who register by March 31st will be entered into a drawing for a $100 cash prize. Must be present to win. Registration is limited to 30 students, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

Travel Stipend: The first 10 Utah families to register who are required to travel more than 60 miles (one way) to the U of U and who wish to stay in a hotel Friday evening may be reimbursed for up to $75. To claim the hotel reimbursement, you must present the hotel receipt at the event. It is your own responsibility to make hotel arrangements if you choose this option. If professionals are interested in this stipend, please confirm on the registration form.

Transition to Independence Seminar Keynote Speakers:

Donna

McNear is an itinerant teacher of the blind and certified O&M instructor from Minnesota with 30 years experience in the field. Mrs. McNear is a sought-after National and International speaker. She is a frequent consultant to the US Department of Education and to Humanware Corporation, helping them develop assistive technology activities to support Braille literacy. Mrs. McNear was honored in 2007 as the recipient of the Distinguished Educator award for Lifetime of Service from the Council of Exceptional Children- Division of Visual Impairments.

Kristen Cox is the Executive Director for the Utah Department of Workforce Services, a

ppointed by Governor Huntsman. Mrs. Cox served previously as the Maryland Secretary of Disabilities and was the running mate of Maryland governor Robert Ehrlich in the Maryland 2006 gubernatorial election. Mrs. Cox also served as Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Service in the US Department of Education, where she helped develop national initiatives to promote employment and independence for individuals with disabilities. Blind from a progressive visual impairment at age 11, Mrs. Cox sets a personal example of success and is an inspiration to many blind youth.

Utah Parents of Blind Children thanks the Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Advisory Council and the National Federation of the Blind of Utah for their generous financial support. We are also grateful to the Department of Biology at the University of Utah for providing space for this event.

If you have any questions, please email Marla Palmer at palmermommy@q.com