youth programs

Blind and visually impaired children and adolescents may face many challenges in their young lives due to their vision problems. Getting all the special training they need in learning to become independent is not always available at home or through the schools they attend. Fortunately Blind Service Association (BSA) places enormous importance on providing training and also financial assistance to children and young people who need it. The sooner they acquire the necessary skills to help them become self-sufficient, the greater opportunity they'll have to succeed in school and later life.

BSA offers programs in mentoring; computer training, scholarships for college, universities or technical schools; financial aid to help pay for low vision eye glasses. BSA also sponsors the Pathways Summer Youth Program which provides recreational, cultural, and educational activities for children aged 11 to 18, an Annual Spelling BEE and publishes a bi-monthly newsletter called "The Youth Connection".

A blind or visually impaired young person can benefit from an association with a blind or visually impaired adult who has gone on to lead a successful fulfilling life. Youth aged 10 to 18 are paired with mentors who have agreed to help their mentee reach specific goals such as cane travel, cooking or improvement in social skills. All mentors commit to one year's service. An extensive interview process is required for mentors and parents or guardians of mentees. All participants must live in the immediate Chicago area.

Every year Blind Service Association awards 20 to 30 scholarships, ranging in amounts from $750 to $3,000, to young people planning to attend a professional school, college, or university. Applications are judged according to academic merit and evidence of community service. Interested individuals must reside in Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, McHenry or Kane counties in the state of Illinois. For an application please click here.

Blind Service Association provides financial assistance to students with low vision in need of glasses. All students in need of assistance in purchasing eye glasses must ask their school nurse to contact BSA's office for further instructions. Students must live in the Chicago area.

Knowing how to use a computer is an essential skill for visually impaired people today. Computer technology makes it possible for people with visual disabilities to perform many of the tasks that sighted people take for granted. In terms of career opportunities and advancement, computer literacy has become a necessity for many jobs. Blind Service Association (BSA) provides computer training to blind and visually impaired students after school or on Saturday. Classes are held at BSA's downtown office. To see if you qualify for training please contact us.

In June and July, Blind Service Association sponsors a six-week program open to blind and visually impaired students aged 11 to 18. Pathways includes training in daily living skills, such as cooking, house cleaning, shopping, cane travel and money management. Kids also enjoy sports and recreation and field trips to various cultural sites. They'll play baseball, go swimming, take tandem bike rides, learn yoga, and go on a boat ride. Headed by a rehabilitation teacher, the program runs from 9:00 in the morning until 1:30 in the afternoon, five days a week. For more information contact the office at 312-236-0808.

Blind Service Association's Annual Spelling Bee will take place Saturday, March 10th, 2012. Students will compete in two age categories - Grades 5-8 and Grades 9-12. The winner from each category will win an individual and class prize. To register, please contact Darnell Williams by (email) or call 312-236-0808. Or fill out this registration form and return to BSA. Click here for a copy of the BSA Spelling Bee Flyer