ADVISORY- Virtual Campfire for blind and low vision students, families, and teachers

CONCORD- The New Hampshire Department of Education will host a Virtual Campfire for blind and low vision students, as well as their families and teachers. The online event will launch the Collaborative Engagement-NH program, a new initiative designed by Services for the Blind and Vision Impaired within the Department’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation to increase engagement, self-assuredness, and social competencies for blind and low vision students.

The Virtual Campfire will take place on Friday, September 25 at 7:00pm.

Collaborative Engagement-NH is a vocational rehabilitation program targeted to build early skills in blind and low vision students aged 14-21 that they can use in their careers and in life. Participants in the Virtual Campfire will be sent a s’mores kit and will be guided through making s’mores over a fire during a group session on Zoom. The goals are to improve physical skills, build confidence, and enhance group dynamics.

“Collaborative Engagement-NH will equip New Hampshire’s blind and vision impaired students with the skills to engage with their sighted peers on terms of equality, master critical blindness and low-vision techniques to boost their independence and self-confidence, and enhance their potential for success in their selected careers,” said Daniel Frye, Administrator of Services for the Blind and Vision Impaired. “Blind and vision impaired students, while getting a solid academic education, are challenged by the absence of training that will support their social competencies and self-assuredness. I believe Collaborative Engagement-NH can provide these foundational skills.”

David De Notaris of Sky’s The Limit Communication has posted a video inviting students, families, and teachers to the event on YouTube. 

To register, contact Scott Vittner at (603) 271-3774 or scott.vittner@doe.nh.gov. Preregistration is required so that DOE can distribute materials that will be used during the Virtual Campfire.