Parent Café at the Museum!
The First Family Swap Meet for OSB Families

Monday, November 25, 2019, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Lunch to follow)

During our last meeting of Parent Café, we had a lively discussion of ideas and experiences. The next meeting topic comes directly from that conversation: a Family Swap Meet where parents can bring special needs items that are no longer useful to their child, to give to another family.  

Some examples of swap meet items are adaptive equipment like strollers, positioning chairs, bath chairs, feeding equipment (cups, plates, etc.), medical diapers, unopened and unexpired formulas, communication devices, adapted toys, and more. COME ON DOWN! Clean out your closets, share with other families, and see what you might come away with!

(Any unclaimed items must return home with the original owner. Thanks for your understanding!)

OSB’s “Parent Café at the Museum” is in the school’s museum, on the second floor of the Rotunda. Please check-in at the main entrance and take the stairway to the right of the auditorium.   

Three ways to RSVP: Contact Rhonda Davis @ 215-877-0313 x305 or rhonda.davis@obs.org, say YES to the event EVITE coming to your email inbox OR...return this half of the flyer to OSB in your child’s backpack.

Looking for a great place for a long, vibrant career? Overbrook School for the Blind is hiring for many positions. Check them out here. If you create an account, you can be notified when new positions are posted. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources. 

Every year Mr. Sap's General Music class has a project based on Music and Commerce.  The music classes created a commercial for a product of their choosing. Here are the two incredibly creative commercial spots our students created.  They wrote the script and picked out the music." Mr. Sap was the producer and the results are awesome. So well done! Have a listen:

Vision Of Style and SmarkPak 

Want to join an amazing team of experts? Looking for the right career fit? Want to work with dedicated, talented staff that makes it fun to come to work? Overbrook is hiring. You can find career opportunities here. Sign up for updates on jobs and they will notify you when more openings are posted. 

Today is White Cane Safety Day! School to Work student, Shamira, demonstrated the proper white cane technique at the busy intersection of 15th and Market Streets with Amanda Bear, her orientation and mobility instructor. Shamira was cheered on by the Phillies Phanatic who helped draw attention to the importance of the White Cane, a mobility tool that is also the symbol of independence for people who are visually impaired. It is intended to encourage people, especially motorists, to take extra care when they see someone with a white cane. 

The student wellness committee is an integral part of food planning, the Farm to Table and Horticulture Program, and inspiring students to be adventurous with food while being healthy! The student wellness committee helps to plan out monthly taste tests in the cafeteria. This month our staff and students tried cauliflower crust pizza with fresh vegetables, cheese, and avocado drizzle. The "rainbow pizzas" were decorated with fresh tomatoes, peppers, and herbs from our very own gardens. 

Kiauna and Angela hosted the tasting table with Ms. Shannon, Ms. Maria, and Ms. Cathy to get people interested in trying the pizza and then documenting their reaction. 

Here is the data they gathered from the taste test: 

104 People were interviewed about how they felt about the cauliflower crust pizza.

101 found the pizza very good and would like to eat again
3 people did not like the pizza

We are looking forward to our next new food next month!

10 Nutrition Tips Education Series from the Department of Agriculture. October Printable for students everywhere. 

MyPlate, MyWins for Families is a wonderful resource for parents of all families. There are even fun activities to do with your kids. Painting with fruit and vegetables is a favorite of our students at art time. 

• Food Art
  Show kids that healthy foods can be beautiful and appetizing. Check out these food art examples to inspire your creativity.
   
• MyPlate Printable Activities and Coloring Sheets
  Print these activity sheets for kids to learn more about healthy eating, including a coloring page, word scramble, crossword puzzle and more. 
   

Go to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for more information.

We are so pleased to share the news that Larry Campbell, President Emeritus ICEVI and Todd Reeves, CEO, Overbrook School for the Blind, Philadelphia jointly inaugurated the ICEVI MATH MADE EASY YouTube Channel at the OSB on 4th September 2019. You can access the channel here and view 30 instructional videos on mathematics education for visually impaired children.

Please subscribe to the channel and also share this news with teachers of visually impaired children, parents, teacher educators and all those who are interested in the education of children with visual impairment. We will be uploading another 20 videos in September and more videos will be uploaded on a regular basis. We hope teachers will find these instructional videos useful to make mathematics easy for visually impaired children. Please feel free to email your comments and suggestions for improving the video instructional materials.

With kind regards,
Mani, M N G
CEO, ICEVI

October 6, 2019

Join us on Sunday, October 6 in Fairmount Park to support Overbrook School for the Blind’s inaugural Run, Walk and Roll 5K! You don't want to miss this amazing event featuring a live DJ, pre-race warm-up & stretch, a professional announcer, and an amazing time with friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and other charitable individuals like yourself. Come out and get some exercise while supporting the students and programs at Overbrook School for the Blind!

You'll be able to support the Run, Walk 'n' Roll by:

• Running and raising funds for OSB; 
• Sponsoring a runner or team; 
• Buying a shirt for you and your friends (details and design to follow); 
• Donating via our website; and/or, 
• Volunteering (and cheering for our runners) on the day of the race. 

Click here to visit the Run, Walk 'n' Roll website to learn more, register for the 5K or donate!

Questions? Contact Betty Tsarouchis at btsarouchis@obs.org.

Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Christine Wozniak, shares some great tips on how to better understand vision exams and visual acuity that you can read here. 

Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Christine Wozniak, shares some great tips on how to better understand vision exams and visual acuity that you can read here. 

Preschool to School-Age Transition: Considerations for Children Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired
 

As your child transitions from Early Intervention/Preschool services to school-age services, your school district will complete an evaluation of your child to determine your child’s educational needs. As your child and you go through this process, it is important for you to discuss your child’s needs with the educational team. This document provides a list of questions and considerations related to the unique needs of children who are blind/visually impaired, deafblind or blind/visually impaired with additional disabilities. This tool is designed to guide your discussions to ensure that the school district considers all of your child’s educational needs including the Expanded Core Curriculum of skills that are essential for all students with visual impairments.

While this tool was developed to assist both families and school districts to develop educational programs for children transitioning from Early Intervention to School Age services, the questions and considerations are relevant for students of any age.

If you have any questions related to your child transitioning to a school-age program, please contact Lynne Williams at Lynne@obs.org

Join us on October 6 in Fairmount Park to support Overbrook School for the Blind’s first Run, Walk and Roll fundraising event!

You don't want to miss this amazing event featuring a live DJ, pre-race warm-up & stretch, a professional announcer, and an amazing time with friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and other charitable individuals like yourself.

Come out and get some exercise while supporting the students and programs at Overbrook School for the Blind!

Ways to support OSB!
Run
Sponsor runner
Buy a shirt for you and your friends
Donate button
Come cheer us on!

Stay tuned for more information on how to register or support the event! Questions? Contact Betty Tsarouchis at btsarouchis@obs.org.

When The CW Network and CBS Studios reached out to us about casting a new role of a young man with a visual impairment in an upcoming series,  our staff responded at lightning speed. Reaching out to alumni, sending emails, texting. We were thrilled to find out that Doug Trinidad was sent a script to practice for an audition! Here he is with Mr. Sap going over his lines - which he had already memorized! One thing is certain, we love our alumni and it was so much fun having him back on campus for the day. He shines his light everywhere he goes.

We wish Doug the best of luck! We are grateful to The CW Network and CBS Studios for reaching out, creating a character who has a visual impairment, and for this exciting opportunity for so many in our community. 

Congratulations on another great school year! 

Summer provides a well-deserved break for your child, but it’s also an important time for students with visual impairments to practice what they’ve learned, prepare for next year, and experience life outside the classroom.

Follow these fun and easy steps to ensure your child is making progress both at home and in the community.

1.  Plan a Party
Whether it’s 4th of July, Labor Day, or just a good old fashioned BBQ, summer is full of get-togethers with family and friends. As you plan and prepare your summer gatherings, remember to involve your child!  These are great opportunities to teach the functional living skills that they’ll use for a lifetime. Your child can help create the guest list, select food and drinks, count how many cups and plates are needed, and shop for items at the store. And when the big day arrives, they can help pick music and keep your guests entertained.

2.  Help Around the House
You already know that summer break means more cooking, cleaning, and laundry. But did you also know that all those chores are teachable moments for your child? No matter what age they are, it is never too early for your child to take on some responsibility in your home.

Even if your child is not quite ready to do their own laundry, start small! They can fold the family towels each week or collect the items that need to be washed from around the house and put them in a laundry basket.

Feeling nervous about getting your child more involved with cooking? There are plenty of smaller jobs in the kitchen that are helpful and important to learn! Think: loading plates into the dishwasher, mixing ingredients, wiping countertops, or setting the table. You’ll appreciate an extra set of hands and they’ll love playing an important role.

3.  Manage Money
Handling money and making purchases are critical independent living skills that kids of all ages are motivated to learn.

There are plenty of ways for your child to practice using money in the community. Maybe she’s old enough to tag along to the grocery store and compare prices, follow a list, and learn the layout of where items can be found. If she’s not there yet, don’t worry; there are plenty of other ways to practice using money! She can talk to a cashier during a sale, handle cash when your family buys a treat from the ice cream truck, or even learn about paying your monthly bills.

4.  Read, Read, Read!
A good book teaches life lessons, builds comprehension skills, and gives children something new and exciting to talk about with others.

How you incorporate more reading into your family’s summer schedule is up to you. A family trip to the library offers your child the chance to speak to a librarian, seek out a favorite subject, and spend some time outside of the house.

If your child reads independently, make sure plenty of books are on hand for them to explore over the course of the summer. You can also consider stocking up on audiobooks or select books that the whole family can read together and enjoy.

5.  Explore
Children are naturally curious, but children with visual impairments require hands-on experiences to learn and understand the world around them. When your child expresses interest in a new topic, marvels at how something works, or has dozens of questions about a new experience, take advantage!

There are many free and inexpensive ways to turn curiosity into hands-on learning. If he wants to know more about where the water in a household faucet comes from, take a trip to the hardware store and explore the parts of a sink. If he loves all things nature related, visit a local park or garden center to learn about plants, where they grow, and how to care for them. Let curiosity lead the way!

Have your own summer plans for encouraging your visually impaired child to grow? That’s great! There’s no limit to how much you and child can do to build important life skills. Inspiration is all around you… just remember to have fun (it is summer, after all)!

Why is creating electronic canes for the blind so hard?

Steph Yin, WHYY, The Pulse stopped by our school to talk with the students and staff to learn more about White Canes and Orientation and Mobility. Thank you for coming out Steph.

MetroKids came to our school to learn more about our Horticulture Therapy Program, read the article here.

Learning from Plants at Overbrook School for the Blind
Visually impaired students learn about the natural world through touch, smell and taste at a new horticultural center.

BY EMMA KULICZKOWSKI

Printable version of the 2019-2020 School Year Calendar. 

The Summer 2019 Red & White News is out and you don't want to miss this edition. A big year-end shout out to the staff and students who work so hard to produce such a great publication. Read this edition and previous editions.

Overbrook School for the Blind is having an orchard and garden workday on Tuesday, June 11th from 3-4:30 PM . Join us for some fresh air, fun and meaningful work!

The Farm to Table Crew

The OSB community welcomes Sheena Lawrence, Overbrook School for the Blind's new Business Manager and Chief Financial Officer. 

Did you know there are a wide variety of accessible bikes that give everyone the opportunity to get outside and play! Recumbent bicycles, tandem bicycles, large tricycles are just some of the options that our students enjoy taking out for a spin. In the photo below, George and Daou ride tandem on the Field House track for some fresh air and exercise! Our therapists and PE Instructors begin using bicycles in Early Childhood for coordination, muscle building and of course for fun! Riding a bike never goes out of style, and being able to participate is always the goal. 

Our staff is incredible. We can't say enough about how hard they work, how dedicated they are to our students, and how much they give of themselves each day.

Their creativity is non-stop and the students are the benefactors of their genius. Understanding eye conditions and theoretical practice are the foundation of our TVIs education, but that leaves out their "teacher magic". Physical Education teacher, Amanda Hoade set up mini-golf course for the students! How cool is that? You can guess tha the students had a blast playing indoor mini-golf! 

Please note the following changes:

May 27 and 28

School will be closed for students and instructional staff on Monday, May 27 and Tuesday, May 28. Classes will resume on Wednesday, May 29.

June 3
Fun Day has been postponed from June 3 until next fall

June 13
Last day of school for students and staff: June 13. It is a full day

We wouldn't be as great as we are, without the unique and individual contributions each employee makes. Today we celebrated those who are retiring, those who have dedicated 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years, and the staff as a whole. We're all in this together, and we are grateful to have such an amazing staff. 

Many thanks to WHYY, Reporter Catalina Jaramillo, and Photographer Bastiaan Slabber for visiting our new M. Christine Murphy Horticulture Education Center and creating this thoughtful web story and for featuring us on the morning commute today! 

New horticultural center at Overbrook School for the Blind seeds a connection to nature

By Catalina Jaramillo May 9, 2019

Our students always have an eye on giving back or assisting those less fortunate, and April was no different. The students collected socks and personal hygiene items for those struggling with homelessness. Seven boxes were dropped off at Our Lady of Lourdes across the street from Overbook. Being kind, volunteering, the importance of giving back and helping others, are some of the life lessons that we strive to teach our students.  

The mentorship committee would like to thank all students, parents and staff members for donating items to the needy. 

Last Wednesday, athletes from the Maryland School for the Blind and the West Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind joined the track and field athletes from Overbrook. All athletes had an opportunity to compete in their specific events in preparation for the Track Tournament this upcoming weekend in New York. Some events included 50 and 75-yard dash, 220, 440, 880 and mile runs, football, softball, shot put, the standing broad, running long, and hop skip jumps. Outside of competing, the students had the opportunity to meet new people and socialize with students from other schools. Socialization, Recreation and Leisure, Community Interaction, Adapted Physical Education, Life Skills, Health and Wellness, Orientation and Mobility are just some of the things that students are immersed in when they participate in a sport. We encourage every student, aged 13 or older to participate in all sports. Inclusion means being included, and we are in full support of an inclusive athletics program. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GRAND OPENING OF ACCESSIBLE HORTICULTURE AND EDUCATION CENTER AT OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

Center made possible by contribution in memory of late OSB Trustee M. Christine Murphy and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club grant.

Philadelphia – May 10, 2019 – Local officials will join Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) students, staff, and Board of Trustees, for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the M. Christine Murphy Horticulture and Education Center - a LEED Silver certified and planned Net Zero Energy greenhouse - on Friday, May 10 at 10 a.m.

The 1,780 square-foot adaptive and accessible building houses OSB’s award-winning Farm to Table program and horticulture therapy activities. The Center is named in memory of the late M. Christine Murphy, who was a former OSB Trustee, neighbor, and longtime friend of Overbrook School for the Blind. Construction, which cost more than $1 million to complete, was made possible in part by a generous memorial contribution from Murphy’s husband, and current OSB Board member, Sid Rosenblatt, as well as a grant of more than $200,000 from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club.

“The creation of the M. Christine Murphy Horticulture Education Center represents a tremendous opportunity for our students,” said Todd Reeves, Overbrook School for the Blind Executive Director/CEO. “Beyond the gardening, nutrition and health and wellness benefits, this project will no doubt amplify many long-term goals we seek to foster in our students, including vocational experiences, greater independence and the values of lifelong learning.”

“Sid and his family are extraordinarily generous supporters of OSB’s highest priority - our students,” said Warwick S. Wheeler, Overbrook School for the Blind Board President. “We are deeply grateful for Sid’s longtime partnership and his exceptional support of this project.”

“Overbrook was a place in Christine’s heart,” said Sid Rosenblatt, Overbrook School for the Blind Board Member and husband of late M. Christine Murphy. “She was forever telling people to go to campus to see the work that they do at the school. I know that this Center will improve the lives of OSB students in ways - gardening, horticulture therapy, employment training - that would make Christine proud. My family - David, Anna, Ruth and many of Chris’ family and friends - are honored to be able to support this project.”

A grant totaling $201,480 from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club provided the Center with a high-efficiency misting and irrigation system; manual solar shades that will balance the temperature in the greenhouse, and reduce the electric, heating and cooling costs; and a 50-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system which has been installed on the roof of OSB’s Nevil Field House.

“Green Mountain Energy Sun Club is honored to be a part of this project and to support the life-changing work of Overbrook School for the Blind,” said Mark Parsons, Green Mountain Energy vice-president and general manager. “We seek partners that share our goal of a more sustainable world, both for the environment and the community. Overbrook School for the Blind is one of those special organizations that enhances and educates the lives of the people it serves and makes Philadelphia a better place.”

During the PV system’s first year of production, it is expected to harness and distribute more than 85,000-kilowatt hours and, in the process, take a step towards the school’s goal of earning a Net Zero Energy Building certification for the Center.

“We are beyond fortunate to call the Sun Club a partner in this project,” said Reeves. “Many projects strive to include sustainable solutions, but often struggle. Thanks to the Sun Club’s generosity, our students will now benefit from hands-on learning experiences that have been infused with energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship. While we are striving for a Net Zero Energy Building designation, it is difficult to classify these student impacts as anything other than a net gain.”

Additional key supporters who made the project possible include: the Connelly Foundation, the McLean Contributionship, the Arcadia Foundation, the Jessie G. Roman Charitable Trust, the Philadelphia Foundation and the Howling Beagles Foundation.

About Overbrook School for the Blind

Since 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has developed and delivered education that enhances the options available for students with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Any child with blindness or visual impairment (20/70 or less, as corrected), is under 21 years of age, and is referred by his or her local school district, may be considered for admission to Overbook School for the Blind. In addition to a full academic program, OSB students receive special training and participate in different activities that are important to the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, music, art, and a full sports program. Overbrook School for the Blind also serves children with deafblindness in all of its outreach and educational programs. For more information, visit www.obs.org.

About Green Mountain Energy Sun Club The Green Mountain Energy Sun Club is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing sustainable communities. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Sun Club® invests in nonprofits and focuses on projects related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental stewardship. Since the program’s founding in 2002, the Sun Club has donated nearly $7 million to more than 110 nonprofit organizations across Texas and the Northeast. To learn more about the Sun Club or to apply for a Sun Club grant, visit gmesunclub.org.

### Press Contacts: Gloria Yoshioka, Overbrook School for the Blind, Gloria@obs.org, 215-290-6405

Hunter Dodson, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club
hunter.dodson@greenmountain.com, 512-448-4950

Read our current and past annual reports.

2017-2018 was a year to celebrate the people who make a difference every day right here on Overbrook's campus and in the community. Read all about our "Changemakers". 

The Women's Track and Field Team had a group huddle before the event, to show each other solidarity and to encourage and inspire everyone. One of the team members was overheard saying, "And remember, we cheer for all teams, not only ours!". That right there is Husky Pride. Go girls!!

Horticulture Therapist, Mr. Rich Matteo, helps Julius learn how to water the strawberries and asparagus. Our students are actively involved in our exciting new program happening in the M. Christine Murphy Horticulture Education Center. Spring is better than ever this year on campus. 

Overbrook will celebrate Earth Day Activities on Thursday, May 2nd. Each year the Farm to Table Program sponsors an Earth Day celebration where we learn more about our planet, do our share, and enjoy the wonders of nature and friendship. We can't wait to share a great day with our students! It is always a good idea to apply sunscreen before school, even if you won't be in the sun too long. 

Please join us at the Kappen Aquatic Center, Thursday, May 2nd any time from 8 am until 11 am as Mr. Todd Reeves begins the first 3 miles of his 10-mile swim to Celebrate the 10-Year Anniversary of the Kappen Aquatic Center! We hope to see you all there! Please bring signs, poster boards, OSB clothing and any other form of encouragement!

Read the latest and past issues of our Parent Newsletter, News You Can Use.

Stephanie A. was asked by her internship employer, Overbrook Presbyterian Preschool,  to participate in one of their professional development sessions and she received a certificate of attendance in Fire Safety Practices from the Lower Merion Fire Department. We are so grateful to this wonderful employer for helping Stephanie to grow as an employee and also build a great resume! 

It is with deepest gratitude and heart-pounding excitement that we share this news! The incredible Philadelphia Flyers, Rookie goalie, Carter Hart took home the Toyota Cup award for accruing the most star of the game points. A check for $5,000 was presented in his name to Overbrook School for the Blind! We cannot even begin to thank him personally and the Philadelphia Flyers Organization for its generosity of spirit, its big, big Philly heart! We are beyond grateful and filled with pride! So many thanks! We can't wait to invite you here to see what becomes of your generous donation!

Temple Theaters has put together a unique accessibility program
with help from Art-Reach, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, Overbrook School for the Blind, Temple Alum Victoria Romano & audio descriptor Nicole Sardella

Temple University TFMA Alumni Group & Temple Giving

THE GOAL?:
To make Temple Theaters a leader in arts accessibility initiatives for people who are blind or visually impaired.

THE ACTION?:

• Training Temple students in the art of audio description
• Touch tours & audio description for Temple productions
• Coordinating services with Overbrook School for the Blind
• Creating opportunities for Overbrook students to work as consultants (building their professional resume)
• To establish a relationship with Overbrook, Art-Reach, IoD and Temple Theaters that will emphasize the importance of accessibility in the arts #Theaterforall

THE ASK: http://bit.ly/2TjBxVV
The initiative is part of an OwlCrowd campaign created by Temple University Giving for Temple Theaters: http://bit.ly/2TjBxVV
Thanks so much for any help you can offer!

WHAT IS TEMPLE TOAST?
April 25 is a special opportunity to make your donations resonate. Temple Toast, is an annual 24-hour fundraising initiative, where
the Temple community gathers together to toast to the future of the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts and the university as a whole.

During this time, the department that has the highest number of participating individuals (at ANY amount, even $1) receives $5000 of additional funding!

Consider donating ON that date to maximize your impact!
Remember, it’s not about how much you give, it’s that you give.

More on Nicole Sardella: https://www.nicolesardella.com/
More on Overbrook School for the Blind: https://www.obs.org/
More on Artreach: https://www.art-reach.org/
More on the Institute on Disabilities: https://www.temple.edu/instituteondisabilities/

The latest edition of the Red & White is out and it is fabulous. The students create this publication several times a year, using the skills they gain through their technology and academic classes. We invite you to take a few minutes to see what's happening in the High School and School to Work Programs, as witnessed through the students' lens. 

Spring 2019 Adobe Spark Edition (not recommended for screen readers)

Spring 2019 Edition, PDF

Spring 2019, Word Format

School to Work Student, Sean M., has been working on his travel skills since he was in our Early Childhood Program. Our Orientation and Mobility specialists never stop assisting students in breaking barriers and meeting new personal goals. As part of O&M, students learn to take public transportation, SEPTA, and how to set up transportation services for pick up and drop off with CCT.

Ms. McGovern took this happy photo of Sean taking his first independent, CCT Connect trip! Let the exploring begin! 

#orientationandmobility #O&M #safetravel

We welcome suggestions from students and parents on tips and tools, websites, and shops that make life easier for people with visual impairment. We love shout outs to companies that employ students, companies that develop new tools for people with disabilities, apps that make communication easier and classroom time less stressful. Here's a list of resources to check out.

Do you have a resource you would love to share? Send it to us, and we can post it for other teachers, other parents, and or students. 

We would like to honor Overbrook Presbyterian Preschool and Mrs. Kate Nelson as our Employer of the Month. Read more about how Ms. Nelson has helped many students at Overbrook gain valuable work experience. We are incredibly grateful to all of our employers and you can see by Stephanie's smile how much she loves her job. Would you be interested in employing an OSB student, at no cost to you or your business? Contact The Transition Departmetn for more information. 

Spirit Week Continues

Spirit Week is a great time to share lots of laughs and creativity! This winter has been especially long and we are ready for the springtime! Spirit week is such a great pick me up. Who can help but smile when you see the staff and students sharing their OSB SPIRIT!

Last week the Early Intervention Program visited the newly opened Lulu’s Casita in West Chester. Lulu’s Casita is a play area where kids can explore on their own and interact with others.  Fun was had by all!  

The Early Intervention Outreach Program sets up community trips for our family’s in Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Chester counties in hopes that our families will make connections with each other. The Overbrook Teachers of Students with Visual Impairment host to introduce families and assist with visual efficiency and ways that parents can support their child's visual needs when out and about in the community. We know that it really does take a village and that sharing with someone who understands is vital to the health of the entire family.

The latest version of News You Can Use Parent Newsletter is available from Parent Liaison, Rhonda Davis, and it is chock full of resources and events for parents and caregivers to attend. Check it out. 

Employment and Vocation at the KAC

The Kappen Aquatic Center sends a big shout out to student-employee, Julius! Julius shows up to the KAC, ready for work and he works hard. Julius is benefiting from hands-on work experience and his on-the-job skills have grown tremendously. He's learned routine, responsibility and improved his focus on Activities of Daily Living (ADL): sorting, gathering, washing, drying folding towels and restocking the Kappen Aquatic Center. We are so proud of your hard work Julius!

The Kappen Aquatic Center employs 34 student workers who benefit from real-life job training and experience in partnership with HS, STW, and Transition Services. Many students are able to apply what they have learned on-campus to off-campus employment as they become more confident and capable workers. We believe strongly career awareness, advocacy, and vocational training should begin as early as possible and continue through graduation. Our students enjoy work, and employers love working with our students.

Are you a local business interested in employing a student or students? We would love to talk to you!
Learn more about Transition and Vocational Education at Overbrook: https://www.obs.org/what-we-do/transition-services.cfm

Thanks to the US BLIND HOCKEY ASSOCIATION: and the PHILADELPHIA FLYERS our students are driving off to an incredibly exciting day!

"The Philadelphia Flyers will host students from the Overbrook School for the Blind, as every student will be paired with a player who will help them skate and give hockey pointers. The event will begin as soon as Flyers practice ends on February 6 and will last approx. 20-25 minutes. Blind skaters will then have the opportunity to continue to skate and try hockey for another 30 minutes after the Flyers leave the ice.

Some students attending will be wearing hockey gear as they learn to play blind hockey. The game is the same as regular hockey except the players are legally blind and must be classified as eligible due to a verified visual impairment.

The most significant modification is that the sport features an adapted steel puck that makes noise, and is both bigger and slower than a traditional puck. Players’ levels of vision range from legally blind---approx. 10% vision or less---to totally blind, with the lowest vision athletes playing defense or goal."  A huge thank you to the US BLIND HOCKEY ASSOCIATION for arranging this fantastic event!

We are so proud of our Cheerleading Squad! A big round of applause to the students, the coaches, and all those who made a weekend in North Carolina, at Governor Morehead School an amazing event. 

Makaela T. and her family are going to Disney World next week thanks to the generosity of Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley!

Yesterday, Overbrook School for the Blind student, Makaela, had her Make-A-Wish wish celebration at school! The Make-A-Wish team visited Makaela, her mother, and some of her classmates to get them excited for her trip to Disney World! To find out more about this amazing day for one of our amazing families, check out this wonderful story on 6abc!

MR. FRANK AND MS. MELISSA COLLABORATE TO CREATE A CVI ADAPTED SHAPE SORTER!

Our staff never ceases to amaze us with their creativity and expertise. Everyone at our school shows up to give our students the best opportunity in life -- everyone.

With the help of Mr. Frank L., one of our incredible maintenance staff here at Overbrook School for the Blind,  Melissa Brown, OTR/L was able to bring an adaptation she was dreaming up to life. Find out how to make your own here!

The High School Program would like you to read their latest version of The Red & White News. It is chock full of facts, fun, updates, and creativity. You can read the latest issue in Adobe Spark Online Format, PDF Format, or Word Format. 

We hope you enjoy the latest issue! 

Ms. Whartnaby has been teaching braille for many years in her classroom, but she also teaches students to write their signature independently and as legibly as possible. Writing your signature is a large part of your adult life -- from logging into work, or signing checks and legal documents -- students will always have a need to use their written signature -- and with Ms. Whartnaby's help -- and lots of practice, the students get it. 

Literacy Matters!

No matter your age, reading truly is fundamental. Literacy skills are life-long skills and the students in High School love setting a good example for their younger classmates. Each month classes from High School and Elementary come together for shared activities, based on the curriculum. Reading to the younger students is a practice in public speaking, reading skills, technology skills, patience, and leadership. The students in Main 210 prepare their own accessible materials and model how there are a number of ways to access print materials - standard print, large print, braille, even a Braille note-taking device to students who are 3-5 years old. Our students learn at a young age that these are the tools they will need and begin using to find information, to read for recreation -- these are the materials that they deserve to have at their disposal. In the photograph shown, a student is showing a young student the braille that she produced. There are so many wonderful lessons that come from these activities, but most of all the students love spending time together and sharing stories. 

An incredible group of 19 volunteers from Vanguard & Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) showed up today in the chill to clean up our garden beds and create a new, 40 foot long, more accessible berry patch! That was a LOT of heavy lifting and hard work. Thank you for all of time and dedication. We are so grateful to every volunteer who showed up for us today -- and for those who continue to show up for us.