2011年7月12日 星期二

Music English Camp for the visually impaired: Day 1

Day 1 (July 11, 2011)
We are excited to kick off Eden’s 2011 Music English Camp for the Visually Impaired! The volunteers met up at 8am for some last minute perpetration for the event. After the perpetration, some of our volunteer went back to the MRT station and awaited their student’s arrival. 
Vicky and Johen waiting for students at the MRT
Our student heading to Camp











This year we have 20 students, whom are visually impaired, participating in this event. This is the first time that most of our volunteers interacted with people whom are visually impaired. Nevertheless, our volunteers are well prepared. Prior to this day, Eden taught their volunteers about visual impairment culture through creative training sessions. When servicing the visually impaired, Eden educated their volunteers on the proper protocol; which includes functional and cultural role.   
Our students singing


Most importantly, Eden volunteers learned that disability does not equate to weakness and does not take away from one’s capability. Students participating in this camp are very capable.  Most of our students are earning their university degree and have backgrounds on foreign languages, history and social welfare etc…

 

Our volunteers playing 'broken telephone.'



Our student have different degrees of visual impairment and thus our students have varies methods of problem solving. The volunteers got a hint of their diverse problems solving skills. Some students know how to read brail. Other’s have technological devices that magnify words. However, the method that gets the most attention is ‘the guiding dog.’  






What is memorable about the guiding dog, besides how cute the dog is, is the how the guiding taught the volunteers about visual impairment culture. The owner of the guiding dog had to explain to our volunteers that petting and playing with the dog is unacceptable due to the concept of ‘working dogs.’ Our volunteer learned that playing with a working dog is dangerous for the owner who needs the working dog’s services. 
Practicing reader's theater

Our opening ceremony was unique. Linda and Nick sing songs and our students learning those songs very fast.  All in all, it was a great way to start 2011 Music English Camp for the Visually Impaired!

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