The National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts (NFBMA) is sponsoring its 2024 BELL (Braille Enrichment for Literacy & Learning) Academy.

The NFB BELL Academy—which stands for National Federation of the Blind Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning®—helps blind and low-vision children, ages four through twelve, develop the literacy skills that will empower them to achieve their academic goals and live the lives they want. Receive Braille instruction and other nonvisual blindness skills through fun, hands-on learning. Take advantage of this opportunity for your child to connect with blind role models, students, and more!

Location

Saint Mary Parish – Education Center
30 Pond Street
Waltham, MA 02451

Join the NFB of Massachusetts for our NFB BELL Academy, August 5-16, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weekdays, for children ages four through twelve. All children must be potty trained. We are excited to open our doors for this amazing program! In addition to Braille crafts such as tactile tie-dye T-shirts, games, and other engaging projects, children will learn vital independent living skills, interact with blind adult mentors, and enjoy field trips to sites related to the NFB BELL Academy curriculum. This year we will explore a firetruck and a police car! Come join us on this journey to discover how fun Braille can be!

No registration fee required; however, we kindly ask that you make a donation, if possible, to the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts to help fund our future NFB BELL Academies. We suggest a donation of five, twenty-five or fifty dollars which can be made online at nfbma.org or by check on our first day of the Academy. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Transportation is not provided except for field trips. Parents/guardians will be responsible for transportation. For more information or additional questions please contact Stephanie Valdes.

NFB Code of Conduct

The National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct will apply to our gatherings during the BELL Academy.

Additional Information

To learn more about the NFB of Massachusetts BELL Academy programand to register, visit the BELL Academy website or please contact Stephanie Barrera Valdes, our state BELL coordinator, at stephanie.p.valdes@gmail.com or by phone at 781-839-0628.