Montana Summer Orientation Program for the Blind and Partially Sighted Sponsored and Directed by the Montana Association for the Blind, Inc.
This adjustment and training program is designed to help people with failing eyesight acquire the skills and attitudes that will enable them to remain independent and self-reliant.Participants learn different and safer techniques in mobility, in coping with personal daily living activities, in cooking and performing household tasks, and in getting more enjoyment out of living. Individual counseling and group discussion almost invariably result in more constructive attitudes towards one's situation. In fact, this group interaction may be the most important aspect of such a program.
Montana State University in Bozeman has been the site of the annual Summer Program since 1948. The time and place of the next session is usually known by January of each year. The program covers a four-week period and generally will not begin earlier than June 20, nor run past August 15.
Visually impaired residents of Montana who feel that they can benefit by attending
the Summer Program are urged to apply for enrollment. There are no age
limitations, but applicants should be in reasonably good health. Participants
in past years
have ranged in age from 16
to 93, and their backgrounds were as varied as their ages. In recent years
senior citizens have been in the majority. If determined eligible, participants'
board, room and tuition will be paid through Montana's Blind & Low Vision Services or by the
Montana Association for the Blind. Transportation will also be covered in
hardship cases. Application forms may be obtained from the Montana Association
for the Blind, Box 456, Helena, MT 59604
Applicants should be able to engage in normal activities. At this time facilities are not barrier free and persons in wheelchairs cannot be accomodated. A part-time nurse will be available to assist with medical needs. Every attempt will be made to meet dietary requirements.Summer Program participants enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, bowling, dancing, picnicking, lectures, plays and concerts. Most Bozeman churches provide transportation for those who wish to attend Sunday services. The entire staff is concerned with the well being of each participant. They make every effort to see that individual needs are met, and that all have an opportunity to participate in social and recreational activities.
ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY - learning to travel safely and independently with the use of a white cane; or perhaps with the aid of special
low vision devices.
INDEPENDENT DAILY LIVING SKILLS - solving everyday problems through group discussion, personal counseling and individualized instruction.
TYPEWRITING - learning the fundamentals of the keyboard and/or improving typing skills.
HANDWRITING - using guides and special techniques in letter and signature writing.
BRAILLE - reading and writing.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES - using talking books, tape recorders, talking clocks, scales, calculators, etc.
COOKING - using safe procedures, some special gadgets and adapting regular equipment.
SEWING - hand and machine, using special aids.
WOODWORKING - learning to use hand and power shop tools to make projects such as cribbage boards, bowls, etc.
CRAFTS - learning hobby skills that may include macrame, small loom weaving, leathercraft, ceramics, knitting, crocheting, all kinds of
yarn projects, etc.
LOW VISION AIDS - learning to use magnifiers, special lenses, and closed circuit TV effectively.
COMPUTERS - introduction to computers supplemented by the use of voice synthesizers and large print screens.
a. Membership dues;
b. Sale of memo calendars;
c. White Cane drives and direct letter solicitation;
d. United Way support in Cascade and Gallatin Counties;
e. Unsolicited contributions, which are always welcome;
f. Earnings from bequests which have been invested.
