Category: Series: Forward Focus February, 2023

Categories
Bridges Blog Extracurricular Resources Recreation Resources Series: Forward Focus February, 2023

More Opportunities!

Forward Focus February

February may be the shortest month of the year, but that just means that we need to pack it FULL! This month we share resources to help us maintain a Forward Focus in February.

February may be the shortest month of the year, but that just means that we need to pack it FULL! This month we share resources to help us maintain a Forward Focus in February.

In this fourth installment of our “Forward Focus February” series, we explore other opportunities for gaining skills in technology and other areas, making lifelong connections, and pursuing personal growth.

Camps

Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children

The Helen Diller Vacation home offers blind and low vision students an opportunity to stay on the beach (in New Jersey) and engage in fun activities – both at the home and on the road, including recreational adventures to places like Morey’s Pier, boat rides and the Cape May County Zoo and Park. The staff to child ratio is one-to-five.

The camp is free to children ages 7 -15 with a visual impairment, and campers must be able to feed, clothe, and bathe themselves with limited assistance and be able to walk up and down stairs. Two weeks are dedicated as “sighted sibling weeks,” so that blind/low vision campers can bring a sighted sibling to enjoy the camp with them.  Additionally, there is a “reunion week” for students ages 16-20.

There is no charge for the camp or the activities, however, parents are responsible for transportation to and from the camp. Also, students may want to have some extra money with them for souvenirs.

2023 Helen L. Diller Vacation Home Camp Dates (Sunday to Saturday):

 Go to the Helen Diller Camp Registration webpage to register.

Camp Merrick and Other Blindness-related Summer Camps

For years, the Maryland School for the Blind has offered summer camps for blind/low vision students. Some of these are sports-oriented (Camp Abilities) and others are focused on building skills and relationships. Details on this summer’s offerings are not yet available, but the Free Bridges Helpdesk will let you know as soon as they are. If you would like for us to contact you directly with camp information updates, please contact the Free Bridges Helpdesk, and we will notify you as soon as information is available!

Other Summer Camps

There are many summer camps available. Some focus on interest areas, like sports, band, etc. Some are connected to religious groups, and others are simply offering a fun time.

Please remember that the Free Bridges Helpdesk is available to support you in non-academic settings like a summer camp. Please reach out to us to let us help you tear down any obstacles in your way.

For High School Juniors Only: Boys State and Girls State

Boys State and Girls State are opportunities that allow rising high school juniors to engage in a nonpartisan curriculum where students assume the roles of government leaders, campaigning in mock parties (often called “Federalists” and “Nationalists”) to become mayors and county and state officials of their Boys or Girls State. In Maryland, the program is a weeklong immersive learning experience, held on a college campus where students live in “cities” within a dormitory-like setting. The learning, experience, memories, and friendships last a lifetime.

Both programs request information about one’s disability so that they may meet your needs, and the Bridges Helpdesk is available to help them do so. Please contact the Free Bridges Helpdesk for anything, and please share our information with the Boys’ State or Girls State organizers. We are here to help; it’s what we do!

Editor’s note: I participated in Girls State between my junior and senior years of high school on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I was apprehensive at first, but this experience is one that I still treasure. Living on a college campus for a week was fun, but the program provided so much more. We focused on ideas and ideals, not politics. I heartily recommend this experience to all!

Maryland Girls State

Eligibility: Female high school junior in 2022-2023 and have at least one more semester of your senior year to go.

Dates and time: June 18-23, 2023 at Salisbury University (Salisbury, Maryland)

Cost: Typically, tuition is free because your local American Legion Auxiliary Post will support you.

Deadline: April 14, 2023

Girls State Orientation Dates for 2023

  • April 1st  10am -Region 4 – Brooklyn-Curtis Bay Unit 187- 1527 Cherry Street, Baltimore, Md. 21227
  • April 1st 2pm – Zoom
  • April 8th – 10am – Region 5 – Laurel, Maryland Unit 60 – 2 Main Street, Laurel, Md. 20707
  • April 8th – Noon- Region 3 – Dundalk Unit 38 -3300 Dundalk Ave, Dundalk, Md. 21222
  • April 22nd – 10am – Region 1 – Susquehanna Unit 135 – 300 Cherry Street, Perryville, Md. 21903
  • April 22nd – TBD
  • April 23rd – Region 6 – Harry White Wilmer Unit 82 – 6330 Crain Hwy, La Plata, Md. 20646
  • April 29th – 11am Region 8 – Steadman-Keenan Unit 96 – 18 S. Maple Ave, Brunswick, Md. 21716. ( Make up).

If you are interested, please review, complete, and return the Girls State application form (PDF) as soon as possible – April 14 is the deadline! As always, please feel free to reach out to the Free Bridges Helpdesk for anything!

Maryland Boys State

Eligibility: Male high school junior in 2022-2023 and have at least one more semester of your senior year to go.

Dates and time: June 18-24, 2023 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD (Subject to change)    

Cost: Tuition is free because your local American Legion Post will support you.

Deadline: May 1, 2023.

If you are interested, please review, complete, and return the Boys State application as soon as possible – April 14 is the deadline! As always, please feel free to reach out to the Free Bridges Helpdesk for anything!

Contact us

Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s Free Helpdesk for Maryland Blind/Low Vision Transition Students, Families, and Educators anytime using:

This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.

Categories
Bridges Blog Extracurricular Resources Financial Resources Series: Forward Focus February, 2023

Contests!

Forward Focus February

February may be the shortest month of the year, but that just means that we need to pack it FULL! This month we share resources to help us maintain a Forward Focus in February.

  • February 7: Scholarships!
  • February 14: Contests!
  • February 21: Internships!
  • February 28: More Opportunities!

In this second installment of our “Forward Focus February” series, we check out contests – some exclusively available for individuals who are blind or who have low vision and others. Pay attention to the deadlines; you don’t want to miss out!

Blindness/Low Vision Contests

Braille Challenge 2023

On February 4, the Maryland School for the Blind hosted a regional Braille Challenge contest. It was a fabulous day, and we loved reconnecting with our friends and making new friends that day! Dozens of students, families, educators, and other allies joined together at the Maryland School for the Blind on Saturday, February 4. Unfortunately, not everyone who wanted to participate could attend. Illness, transportation issues, and other obstacles can keep great students from engaging in the Braille Challenge contest.

Good news! You can still enter the 2023 Braille Challenge contest even if you missed attending the Maryland Braille Challenge. The Braille Institute (the agency that coordinates the Braille Challenge nationwide) offers INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATIONS. Your teacher of blind/low vision students (TVI) can complete the Braille Challenge Preliminary Contest Request Form for Teachers, and the Braille Institute will send the tests to your school for your teacher to administer to you.

Please note: you may NOT participate in both the regional challenge and as an individual. However, if you missed the Maryland Regional Braille Challenge, this is a great opportunity to still participate!

If you want to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact your TVI as soon as possible (and share the Braille Challenge Teacher Information page). The Braille Challenge Individual Registration deadline is March 1, 2023!

Deadline:

  • March 1, 2023

Contest Age Groups

  • Apprentice (1st and 2nd grades)
  • Freshman (3rd and 4th grades)
  • Sophomore (5th and 6th grades)
  • Junior Varsity (7th, 8th and 9th grades)
  • Varsity (10th, 11th and 12th grades)

To prepare for the contest, you might want to download some of the sample contest files: 2020 sample Braille Challenge contest files and archive (2019 and earlier) sample Braille Challenge contest files.

Also, please check out the 2022 Braille Challenge Teacher of the Year Excellence in Braille Instruction award winner: Melinda (Mindy) Demaris. She has served as a teacher of students with blindness/low vision/visual impairments (TVI) in Maryland (Salisbury, Wicomico County) for more than two decades. Congratulations on your years of dedication!

APH InSights Art Contest

“Since 1992, the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has hosted an art contest for artists who happen to be blind. Both amateur and professional artists from around the world enter their artwork in a juried art competition. Original works of 2-dimensional art, sculpture, or craft, are considered each year.”

Eligibility:

  1. Legally blind
  2. Function at the definition of blindness
  3. For more information, check out the “Eligibility for Entering Artwork” section of the APH InSights Art Instructions document.
  4. Only ONE entry per person per year
  5. “Original works of 2-dimensional art, sculpture, or craft, are considered each year.”
  6. Must be an original work of art—no kits

Deadline:

  • March 31, 2023

Prize:

  • “Winners receive prizes, experience their artwork displayed in our annual exhibit, and have a chance to travel to Louisville, Kentucky — the hometown of APH — to receive their award at our annual InSights Art awards celebration.”

Application:

Categories:

  • Preschool / Kindergarten students
  • Grades 1, 2, 3
  • Grades 4, 5, 6
  • Grades 7, 8, 9
  • Grades 10, 11, 12
  • Ungraded students (students not working at their grade level or students with multiple disabilities)
  • Adult Craft
  • Adult Sculpture
  • Adult 2-Dimensional Art

Criteria:

  • “Works will be selected on the basis of originality of concept, expressive use of media, and artistic excellence. The artwork must be created by the artist with minimal assistance from anyone else.”

Freedom Scientific K-12 Student of the Month Program

Eligibility:

  1. K-12 students in the U.S.
  2. Blind or have low vision
  3. Have shown a conscientious commitment to their educational objectives
  4. Use Freedom Scientific technology in pursuit of educational goals
  5. If chosen, must (a) complete permission forms and (2) make a short video about the student, the use of Freedom Scientific tools, and the student’s goals.

Deadline:

  • None; one student is chosen each month
  • “Any student nominations that are not selected will automatically be entered for the following month.”

Prizes:

  • $300 Amazon gift card
  • A five-year license of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion
  • Featured on Freedom Scientific’s blog and social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

Nomination form:

Other Contests For Maryland Students

Maryland History Day 2023

Purpose:

“For middle and high school students who participate, Maryland History Day sparks critical thinking, and helps develop skills in research and analysis, writing, and public speaking.

Working solo or in small groups, students create original documentaries, exhibits, performances, research papers or websites exploring a breadth of historical topics within an annual theme. Students progress through competitions at the school, district, state, and national levels. Students from public, private, parochial, home, and cyber schools are welcome to participate.  District contests are held throughout Maryland every February and March.”

Eligibility:

  • 6-12 students in Maryland
    • Junior Division—grades 6, 7, and 8
    • Senior Division—grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

Deadlines:

  • March 29, 2023 – Registration Deadline
  • April 12, 2023 – Project Upload Deadline

Theme:

State Contest:

  • May 6, 2023: Maryland History Day Contest, UMBC

National Contest:

  • To be determined

Find your local contest information according to your county: Maryland History Day Competitions by County

Check out these Maryland History Day Resources for students.

NOTE: “National History Day (NHD) programs are open to all students and teachers without regard to race, sex, religion, physical abilities, economic status, or sexual orientation. NHD does not discriminate against, or limit participation by, physically challenged students. NHD staff and affiliate coordinators strive to accommodate students with special needs.”

If you wish, the Free Bridges Helpdesk will help you determine any needed accommodations and make a request for those. This is great preparation for the future!!

American Legion, Department of Maryland ​Oratorical Scholarship Competition

Purpose:

  • “to develop knowledge and appreciation of the United States Constitution, the ability to think and speak clearly and critically, and the acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.”

​Contest:

  • ​“Prepared Oration
    • “Each contestant shall deliver a prepared oration, which must be an original effort. The oration must address some aspect of the Constitution of the United States, which emphasizes the attendant duties and obligations of a citizen to our government. Possible subjects include:
      • An American Citizen’s Rights and Responsibilities Under The Constitution
      • Our Constitution – Worth Having, Worth Defending
      • The Constitution in a Changing World
      • The Constitution in Our Everyday Life
      • The Bill of Rights – Reciprocal Rights and Duties
      • The Constitution – Guardian of the People’s Rights
  • “Assigned Topic Discourse”
    • “In addition to a Prepared Oration, contestants must be prepared to speak on a specific article or amendment to the Constitution. The National office chooses four each year and contestants will prepare a speech for all four. However, only one is chosen, at random, during a contest and all contestants will speak on the same article or amendment. Contestants are sequestered during the contest so they do [not] know which choice was drawn until it [is] their turn to speak.  See below for the list of selected assigned topics for the year.”

Awards for 2023

  • Maryland District and Post scholarship or cash awards vary.
  • State Finals:
    • 1st Place Gold Medal and $3,000 scholarship
    • 2nd Place Silver Medal and $2,000 scholarship
    • Others (3rd +) Bronze Medal and $750 scholarship
  • National Finals:
    • 1st place $25,000 scholarship
    • 2nd place $22,500 scholarship
    • 3rd place $20,000 scholarship
    • All state winners who participate in first-round National contests receive $2,000 scholarships.
    • All second-round contestants receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. ​

Registration:

​

Others

There are many, many contests offered for high school students each year. Contact your guidance office and your teachers to find out about more contest opportunities.

Contact us

Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s Free Helpdesk for Maryland Blind/Low Vision Transition Students, Families, and Educators anytime using:

This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.

Categories
Bridges Blog Financial Resources Series: Forward Focus February, 2023

Scholarships!

Forward Focus February

February may be the shortest month of the year, but that just means that we need to pack it FULL! This month we share resources to help us maintain a Forward Focus in February.

  • February 7: Scholarships!
  • February 14: Contests!
  • February 21: Internships!
  • February 28: More Opportunities!

In this first installment of our “Forward Focus February” series, we explore scholarships for individuals who are blind or who have low vision. Many deadlines are coming up soon. Don’t delay; apply today!

Importance for All Students

While most of these scholarships are available to high school seniors planning to attend college full-time in the fall, it’s still worthwhile for other students to check these out.

For high school juniors, sophomores, and freshmen, it can be very valuable to know what to expect in terms of scholarships. Senior year is busy and overwhelming, Wouldn’t it be nice to have months to plan writing essays and asking for reference letters? Well, here’s your chance!

For those already in college, some of these scholarships offer funds to current college students. In other cases, funders of some of the scholarships listed have additional scholarships for current undergraduate and graduate students. Scholarship money is money, and it’s never too late to apply for some!

Scholarships For Maryland Students

John T.  McCraw Scholarship Program (National Federation of the Blind of Maryland)

Award:

  • At least $2,000, and up to $3,500
  • Merit-based; based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership
  • Financial assistance to attend the annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in its entirety, July 1-6, 2023, in Houston, Texas
  • Financial assistance to attend the annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, November 10-12, 2023, in Hunt Valley, Maryland

Eligibility:

  1. Legally blind
  2. Resident of Maryland or attending college/postsecondary school in Maryland
  3. Full- or part-time student in Fall of 2023 and Spring of 2024 (priority to full-time students)
  4. Will be 18 years old before July 1, 2023
  5. Must attend the annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind July 1-6, 2023, in Houston, Texas
  6. Must attend the annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, November 10-12, 2023, in Hunt Valley, Maryland

Deadline:

  • April 15, 2023

Application:

National Scholarship Opportunities

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Annual Scholarship Program

Award:

  • $8,000
  • Merit-based; based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership
  • Financial assistance to attend the Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in its entirety, July 1-6, 2023, in Houston, Texas

Eligibility:

  1. Legally blind
  2. Residing in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico
  3. Will be 18 years old before July 1, 2023
  4. Pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the fall of the year of application (one scholarship may be given to a person employed full-time while attending school part-time)
  5. Must participate in the entire NFB National Convention and in all of its scheduled scholarship program activities (finalists will receive assistance to attend the national convention).
  6. Must attend the annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in its entirety, July 1-6, 2023, in Houston, Texas

Deadline:

  • March 31, 2023

Application:

Jim Halladay HumanWare/NFB Scholarship

Award:

  • $1,000
  • Brailliant BI40 braille display
    • Four scholarships are available
  • Financial assistance to attend the Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in its entirety, July 1-6, 2023, in Houston, Texas

Same eligibility requirements as the NFB Scholarship above; apply using the NFB Scholarship online application

  • To be considered for this additional award, on the application, select the checkbox to get access to the Humanware scholarship application questions as well. 
  • NOTE: Even though the same application is used, the selection process for these Humanware scholarships is entirely separate from the selection process for the 30 NFB scholarships. 
  • Those selected as Humanware/NFB scholarship winners will be notified separately by Humanware of their winner status.
  • If NFB scholarship applicants do not wish to fill out the application questions for the Humanware/NFB scholarships, simply do not check the box within the NFB scholarship application and bypass the associated questions.

Eligibility:

  1. Legally blind
  2. Residing in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico
  3. Will be 18 years old before July 1, 2023
  4. Pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the fall of the year of application (one scholarship may be given to a person employed full-time while attending school part-time)
  5. Must participate in the entire NFB National Convention and in all of its scheduled scholarship program activities (finalists will receive assistance to attend the national convention).
  6. Must attend the annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in its entirety, July 1-6, 2023, in Houston, Texas

Deadline:

  • March 31, 2023

Application:

American Council of the Blind’s (ACB) Scholarship Program (includes scholarships sponsored by the American Foundation for the Blind—AFB)

Award:

Eligibility:

  1. Legally blind
  2. Maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for most scholarships
  3. Be a full-time student at a post-secondary institution in the United States (as well as students who work 32 or more hours per week and attend a U.S. post-secondary institution part time)
  4. Be involved in your school/local community
  5. Scholarship winners will experience firsthand ACB’s National Conference and Convention (June 30-July 7, 2023 in Schaumburg, Illinois), where you will meet other students who share the same life experiences, create lasting friendships and network with individuals who understand what you are going through and can help you with your journey. There are also many sessions where you can learn about new technology and what is happening in our community.

Deadline:

  • February 14, 2023

Application:

Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program

The Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program awards four (4) students an individual prize of $3,000. This competitive scholarship is available to full-time college students with low vision, chosen from among those who meet the visual acuity and academic guidelines.

Award:

  • $3,000
  • Up to four (4) awards

Eligibility:

  1. Legally blind or low vision (acuity from 20/70 in the better eye with best possible correction, or a field no greater than 30 degrees)
  2. Full-time (12 units undergraduate/ 9 • units graduate) college/trade/vocational student for the academic year
  3. Minimum cumulative 3.2 Grade Point Average (GPA)
  4. Expected to attend the ACB National Conference and Convention (June 30-July 7, 2023 in Schaumburg, Illinois). Students’ expenses will be reimbursed based upon the Board approved Reimbursement Policy.

Deadline:

  • March 15, 2023

Application:

Anne Lowe Scholarship

Award:

  • Not listed, might be up to $2,000

Eligibility:

  1. Legally blind
  2. U.S. Citizenship
  3. Currently registered as a full-time student in undergraduate studies
  4. Minimum 3.0 grade point average
  5. Attending an accredited college or university in the U.S.
  6. Based on financial need    

Deadline:

  • April 15, 2023

Application:

Lighthouse Guild College Bound Scholarship

Award:

  • Up to 20 awards per year

Eligibility:

  1. Legally blind
  2. High school senior
  3. U.S. citizenship or legal residency
  4. College must be accredited by a body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
  5. All college admissions policies must be non-denominational and open to applicants of all religions, faiths, and beliefs
  6. Documentation of academic achievement (copies of school transcripts)

Deadline:

  • March 31, 2023

Application:

Lighthouse Guild Dr. Neil S. Patel Memorial Scholarship

Award:

  • Not stated

Eligibility:

  1. Visually impaired
  2. Aspirations of a higher education (College, Graduate school or higher)
  3. Proof of academic achievement
  4. Commitment to serve under-resourced communities
  5. Leadership abilities

Deadline:

  • Not stated

Application:

Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Program

Award:

  • Depends on demonstrated financial need
  • Additional support, including:
    • Virtual Scholars’ Meet and Greets to support informal networking.
    • Being mentored in Freshman year by a successful college graduate who is blind or visually impaired through Learning Ally’s College Success Program.
    • Job readiness services, career-related internships, and assistance with seeking post-college jobs. Services are provided by VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in New York City.

Eligibility:

  1. Legally blind
  2. A legal resident of the United States.
  3. Financially eligible, as defined by the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) determined by the FAFSA Financial Aid form.
  4. Be a full-time student (as well as students who work 32 or more hours per week and attend college part-time)
  5. Be involved in your school/local community
  6. Studying at one of 12 participating colleges and universities in the Tri-State New York area. These institutions are:
  7. Canisius College
  8. Dominican College
  9. Fairfield University
  10. Fordham University
  11. Le Moyne College
  12. Manhattanville College (note: candidates are eligible only after one successfully completed semester at Manhattanville College)
  13. Marist College
  14. Marymount Manhattan College
  15. Molloy College
  16. Seton Hall University
  17. St. John’s University – graduate programs only
  18. St. Thomas Aquinas College

Deadline:

  • None stated

Application:

  • “Students must be accepted into a Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship college or university, complete the federal FAFSA form in addition to their college’s own financial aid application form, and seek sponsorship from their state’s Vocational Rehabilitation agency. Applicants should then contact Kate Morris, Scholarship Program Coordinator and complete The Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Program’s mandatory Waiver/Release of Information Form authorizing the release of student education and employment data to the Lavelle Fund for the Blind.”
  • “Should you have questions about the Scholarship Program, please contact:” Kate Morris, Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Program Coordinator (212) 668-9801, ext. 101, (generally on Mondays and Wednesdays)

Contact us

Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s Free Helpdesk for Maryland Blind/Low Vision Transition Students, Families, and Educators anytime using:

This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.