Robert is a 12 year old sixth grader. His favorite subject is Science. He loves to play Soccer and Football. He has two rabbits and two cats. Robert is also visually impaired.
Three years ago, he joined the InSight Kids Club of NEPA, which hosts monthly programs, Camp Sight in the Summer, a Transition Assistance program for high school students, and a Family Support Group. The purpose of the InSight Kids Club – which is the only one of its kind in Northeastern Pennsylvania – is for blind and visually impaired children to come together to enjoy both recreational and instructional opportunities as a group. And yet, children who participate get so much more out of it than that.
Through this program, Robert has been able to enjoy field trips (including his first one to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for an accessible tour), crafts, horseback riding, kayaking, and more. These activities in different environments allow him to learn and use a variety of skills to help him truly gain confidence in being able to do anything despite his vision loss.
“All of this has given Robert a better perspective and helped him do more independently,” said his mother. “These programs have helped him communicate better and keep him active. As Robert continues with InSight, I’ve seen a greater self-esteem building inside him. But most importantly, he is developing more friendships, which he truly enjoys.”
We know how important it is for children who are blind and visually impaired to learn the social and daily living skills that they will need, but it has always been our main goal to ensure these wonderful kids are provided with a network of support from peers who are living with some of the same challenges.
“When I first started, I met a new friend on my first trip,” Robert said. “We just hit it right off and to this day he is my good friend. I always go over his house and we color and play.”
Of course, our InSight Kids Club participants always look forward to Camp Sight each Summer. “I go to this camp because this camp understands my visual impairment and helps me where I need it as opposed to other camps. They also give opportunity to show how to properly use devices such as a cane,” said Robert.
The programs offered through Northeast Sight Services always implement (in a fun way) opportunities to practice independent living skills and orientation and mobility. We also extend that help outside of our traditional programs. Staff have attended Robert’s IEP meetings in the past to give the best advice on which visual devices he needs to do best in school.
“Robert couldn’t be at a better place that gives him the love and support as Northeast Sight Services,” added his mom.
