They Need Help Living In The Black - Blind Children's Learning Center

This morning we were told about what has to be the most vulnerable members of our society, blind children.  Kim Neuhauser, Executive director of the Blind Children’s Learning Center, was our guest speaker.  A Ph.D. who’d spend more of her adult life in academia, Dr. Kim believes she’s found the best of all second careers.  “Here at BCLC we are committed to providing the highest quality education, support, and services to students with visual impairments and their families. We believe that early intervention is critical to create opportunities for these children so they might reach their full potential.” 

Great goal, but are they hitting it.  Let’s take a look at Sarah.  “Sarah’s blind," Dr. Kim tells us, "and schooling began for her when her mom, Jennifer, enrolled her in the Blind Children’s Learning Center, where she learned to crawl. Many years later, during her Senior year at Costa Mesa High School, Sarah studied Braille music notation with BCLC’s Braille transcriber, Tammy Murphy. Sarah loves to sing and sang with the school choir. Braille notation allowed her to read music. Sarah continues to follow her love of music, and now sings with the choir as a freshman at Orange Coast College.”  If you want to learn more about Sarah’s journey, as well as the journey’s of others of their 59 students, take a look at the Blind Children’s Learning Center newsletter, Insight, at:  http://www.blindkids.org/images/stories/insights_sp2011.pdf. 

Kim goes on to say, “Unfortunately, the California budget deficit and resulting cutbacks in  programs to support people with disabilities are beginning to impact this most vulnerable of populations.  However, with the help of friends and supporters like you, BCLC will meet the challenges and continue to support children with visual impairments and their families. I take inspiration from the students and from you. Thank you for your support.”

One way you can support this very worthy enterprise, is to take part in their 7^th Annual Destination Independence 5K Walk on Saturday, May 14, 2011.  Here’s how to get in touch with them:  18542-B Vanderlip Ave., Santa Ana, CA  92705; 714-573-8888; www.blindkids.org; and if you’d like to get involved in the 5K Walk: jaimiehaver@cox.net or sharon.mitchael@blindkids.org.