Blind students graduate Summer Program at IBWF

Independence for the Blind of West Florida (IB West) ended its annual Summer Transition program with a ceremony for its 10 graduates Wednesday July 18 at the New World Landing.

Board member Clarence Bell provided entertainment by playing the piano. Guest speakers included Division of Blind Services, District One Administrator Denise Vaughan, and Nick Dotson from Kurzweil Education Systems.

Students who participated said they enjoyed Summer Transition because they made friends who also have vision problems, learned the importance of teamwork and time management, and because of all the activities planned for them. The following students graduated the Summer Transition Program this year: Alexander Arteaga, Panama City; Cassie Avery, Freeport; Rae Sheira Dial, Pensacola; Lauren Evans, Pensacola; Thomas Leonard, Pace; Stephon Lott, Crestview; Jessica Maggard, Bonifay; Justin Nichols, Fort Walton Beach; Emmett Sutler, Jay; and Alex Wallace, Milton.

Mary Colston, who is the program director, explained that Summer Transition is important for these teens because they are often not given an opportunity with companies because of their vision impairments. Participating in Summer Transition Program teaches them skills to help them get a job. The internship also builds their confidence and makes them realize they can be successful even though they are visuallyimpaired.

Beginning June 4, each day the students participated in different activities like ballroom dancing at Center Stage Dance Studio, learning self-defense techniques at Seikou Martial Arts Academy, and taking a Spinning class at OMNI Heath and Fitness.

Speakers from the University of West Florida, Pensacola Junior College, and Compass Bank came to the Independence for the Blind office and discussed important topics with the students that would help prepare them for entering college or finding a job. On 'Government Day' the students traveled to City Hall and met with city and county officials.

Independence for the Blind of West Florida remains the only nonprofit solely devoted to educating the blind and visually impaired in West Florida. Along with the Summer Transition Program, IB West offers programs for visually impaired individuals of all ages at no charge to help them achieve maximum independence.

For more information on IB West and how you can help, contact Lindsay Pieler at 477-2663, or visit their website at www.ibwest.org.