Mission and Vision Continued...

    For visually impaired children, time devoted to physical activity is particularly well spent. Blindness imposes restrictions on a child’s movement, natural play, and curiosity about the extended environment.  As a result, many blind and visually impaired students become passive and uninterested in movement and play.  Sighted children are in control of their environment. They are able to see and avoid potential hazards. Blind children must overcome the fear of injury from physical obstacles and objects that they cannot anticipate or see. Sighted children also learn incidentally and automatically how to play from mimicking their friends.  Blind children do not.  To benefit from physical activity, therefore, visually impaired children need assistance, instruction prompts from adults, and safe and adapted equipment.  Research and experience have shown that blind children, given proper support, equipment, and instruction, can engage in meaningful physical activity and develop coordination and confidence.  Adequate playground facilities play a critical role in the growth process as visually impaired students strive for independence and self-sufficiency.

    In 2004, the Indiana Lions for the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Committee, with the assistance of Lions Clubs International Foundation and other organizations, purchased $150,000 worth of computers (100 in all), and the assistive technology to go with them.  It is just amazing to observe these young people using the technology of the 21st century just like their sighted counterpart young people do. It has made learning much easier for these students.

    Some of our future objectives may include working in the areas of replacing materials, furniture, and other needs in the dormitory areas, assisting the faculty and staff with additional and updated teaching materials for the blind students, and assistance with the Outreach Programs.  There also may be other areas which need the help that the Lions of Indiana may give.  Already, many Lions, spouses, and friends have worked at the School by painting walls and areas which very much needed to be painted.

    Each year, the School hosts “Brian’s Trike Race.” This is a race of tricycles which are ridden by adults, and high school-aged students as a fund raiser for the Project and the School.