For Parents - Helping Families Help Their Blind Kids

What is the Mission?

POBC of Maryland's mission is to ensure the best future for our blind youth by promoting quality education, fostering self-esteem, and connecting our youth to wonderful blind role models in the community.  Our collaborations build solid foundations for productive lives, which maximize independence.

How does POBC-MD help families and blind children?

  • We create learning opportunities for our children so they can become self-sufficient, and productive adults.
    Youth Empowerment Stipend Information
    Youth Empowerment Stipend Application
  • Seminars and Workshops for parents and youth in conjunction with the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland's yearly convention
  • Educational Training Programs throughout the year to introduce parents to the skills  blind children will need to become successful, independent adults.
  • IEP Help POBC–MD can offer advice and advocate for families developing  Individualized Education Plan (IEPs)
  • Powerful Networking POBC-MD families are part of an excellent network of knowledgeable people. They  share ideas through our active list-serve. Blind youth also share their experiences and find solutions to challenging situations. Use this link to join the email list.

What about Braille?

POBC-MD encourages students to develop all the skills of blindness including Braille literacy and independent travel.  Through partnerships, POBC/MD helps create many special training opportunities for blind children in Maryland.  See Youth Empowerment Grants link. 

The Division also promotes Braille literacy through Braille Story Hours and helping students enter the National Braille Readers are Leaders Contest. To learn more about the contest please visit their web site.

August 2 - August 13, 2010 The BELL summer program is a two-week day program (weekends not included) designed to offer pre-kindergarten and elementary age low vision beginning Braille readers an opportunity to be immersed in Braille and increase the use of tactile skills for reading Braille. Children will receive Braille instruction daily as well as learn alternative techniques through arts and crafts, games, field trips, and other fun activities. Find out more about the BELL program here.

How can I join POBC-MD?

Contact Susan Polansky.