The Eye on Youth (EOY) program is co-sponsored by the Sight-Loss Support Group of Central Pennsylvania, Inc. and Blindness and Visual Services (BVS) of Altoona, PA. This program provides an opportunity for children (birth through high school) with sight loss to participate in cultural, recreational and educational activities with other visually impaired children, their siblings and friends.
ACTIVITIES & SERVICES
Since beginning our EOY program in October 1993, we have provided a wide variety of activities. These include physical activities such as therapeutic horseback riding, mini-golf, dance and creative movement, and ice-skating, as well as visits to the theatre, arts festivals, farms and nature centers. Activities are primarily on weekends with at least one event each season. Any ideas for interesting activities are more than welcome. If you are on our mailing list, you will receive information about our upcoming programs as they occur. Call us at the Sight-Loss Support Group at 238-0132 to join our EOY program.
Vision teachers, low-vision specialists and other support people are always welcome to attend and/or help with any of the activities. Specially trained volunteers also help the children participate in the activities, including our EOY volunteers, the Delta Gamma organization and Festival Eyes volunteers. We also encourage friends and siblings who want to help to join us as well.
The Sight-Loss Support Group has equipment specially geared towards children with sight loss, such as a light box and fine motor development materials available for loan. Contact the Sight Loss Center at 238-0132 for further information.
EYE ON YOUTH VOLUNTEERS
EOY volunteers must be in the fifth grade or above and attend a special 1 1/2 hour training provided by the Sight-Loss Support Group. They must also have written permission from their parents and be willing to attend at least one event each year.
In 1995 we began volunteer training for our Eye on Youth members with sight loss to provide them with the same volunteer opportunities as their sighted classmates. In this way, youths with sight loss can serve as role models for our younger members, thus gaining more self-esteem and taking a more active role in the community.
PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SIGHT-LOSS
Agency personnel, low vision specialists and vision teachers are invited to refer parents of children who have been newly diagnosed with sight loss to make an appointment at the Sight-Loss Center. The executive director, visually impaired since birth, can provide information on programs as well as names of other agencies to contact. She can put parents in touch with other parents of children with sight loss who have experienced similar situations. She can also refer the parents to early intervention programs and teachers who can support these children in the early stages of sight loss.
At each EOY event, a quiet place for the parents to meet is arranged. At this time parents are able to give and receive support, share experiences with the school system, the medical profession and support services, and to discuss special concerns.