For Parents - Helping Families Help their Blind Kids

NFB of Maryland's Parents of Blind Children Division 

What is the Mission? POBC of Maryland's mission is to ensure the best future for our blind youth by promoting quality education, fostering self-esteem, and connecting our youth to wonderful blind role models in the community.  Our collaborations build solid foundations for productive lives, which maximize independence.

How Does POBC-MD help families and blind children? We create learning opportunities for our children so they can become self-sufficient, and productive adults.
Youth Empowerment Stipend Information
Youth Empowerment Stipend Application

Seminars and Workshops for parents and youth in conjunction with the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland's yearly convention
 
Educational Training Programs throughout the year to introduce parents to the skills  blind children will need to become successful, independent adults

IEP Help POBC–MD can offer advice and advocate for families developing  Individualized Education Plan (IEPs) 

Powerful Networking POBC-MD families are part of an excellent network of knowledgeable people. They  share ideas through our active list-serve. Blind youth also share their experiences and find solutions to challenging situations.  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mdpobc/

What about Braille? POBC-MD encourages students to develop all the skills of blindness including Braille literacy and independent travel.  Through partnerships, POBC/MD helps create many special training opportunities for blind children in Maryland.  See Youth Empowerment Grants link. 

The Division also promotes Braille literacy through Braille Story Hours and helping students enter the National Braille Readers are Leaders Contest. To learn more about the contest please visit http://www.nfb.org/nopbc/braillereaders/contest.htm 

How can I join POBC-MD? Contact Susan Polansky at stpecp2@aol.com.