Youth Programs
BSC’s Youth Program reaches out to blind and low vision youth with a variety of offerings throughout the year, including a reading competition, adaptive winter skiing, and a sports recreation league. Each summer, kids ages 12-17 have an opportunity to participate in Pathways. A robust month-long endeavor, this flagship program provides daily living skills, a host of recreational activities, art and music, and cultural events. Applications are accepted until May 31 for any given year.
Pathways
For more than 30 years, Blind Service Chicago has sponsored a summer program for youth called Pathways. While participating in this robust endeavor, blind and low vision kids ages 12-17 focus on activities that will help them achieve greater independence, gain new skills, and take them out of their comfort zone. Along with acquiring daily living skills such as grocery shopping and cooking, these kids have the opportunity to participate in a host of indoor and outdoor recreational activities such as adaptive sailing, kayaking, archery, indoor sky diving, and chess. Art, music, and cultural events round out the experience.
By visiting a variety of sites in and around Chicago, they are exposed to cane travel and learn to better navigate their surroundings. They also benefit from social interaction and build confidence and self-esteem along the way. The program is staffed and supervised by certified professionals in the field of blindness, including Orientation and Mobility. The cost per student for the four-week program is $100. Multiple kids in a single family may be able to get a discount. Lunch and snacks are provided. Space is limited so early application is encouraged. For more information, contact Dustin Cather at [email protected].
Programs and Services
In addition to Reading and Recording services, Blind Service Chicago hosts an array of support programs. Special workshops for Seniors, to monthly social and networking opportunities, and weekly activities held on our conference line, we offer many ways to be engaged and connected.
Volunteer Opportunities
The services that are available at Blind Service Chicago could not happen without the dedication of volunteers who faithfully give of their time to read one-to-one to clients, to record books for audio playback, to mentor, to do office work, or to help in fund raising activities.
Contact Us
If you want to talk with us about our Programs and Services, please reach out!