Forty-nine blind and visually impaired children from both Nassau and Suffolk counties gathered at the SUNY Farmingdale campus July 8 through Aug. 16 to participate in Camp Helen Keller. Founded in 1953 by Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB), it is the only camp on Long Island dedicated to visually impaired children ages 5 - 15.

Children participated in a variety of camp activities including arts and crafts, music, sports, performing arts, computer training, martial arts and rock climbing. Campers also went on field trips to the Sunrise Mall, Adventure Land and the Walt Whitman Museum.

In addition to off-site activities, Camp Helen Keller recently held its annual camp show featuring the children's Field Trip to NYC, a tribute to New York and its heroes. Campers took an imaginary trip through New York landmarks, singing patriotic tunes like Yankee Doodle, Proud to Be an American and The Star Spangled Banner. After the show, a short awards ceremony honored the campers' parents who have careers in law enforcement.

Camp Helen Keller is open to any legally blind child residing on Long Island and the registration fee is $125. The objective of the camp is to help visually impaired children gain confidence and skills that will benefit them in a sighted world.

Bill Dale, director of Camp Helen Keller, explained that visually impaired children attend mainstream schools, but are often isolated and have aides who accompany them throughout the day. "They are kept apart," he said. Dale added that the camp "gives them the opportunity to fine-tune their social skills which are necessary."

Well-staffed with one counselor per three children, camp counselors are able to provide individual attention to the children. Some counselors are also former members of the camp, knowing firsthand how to relate to the children and what they need to succeed in life. "They've been there and done it," said Dale.

Helen Keller campers also get the opportunity to meet other visually impaired adults who share with them their life experiences. Dale added that learning how other blind people made friends at school or how they met their husband or wife helps the children develop a sense of identity and self appreciation.

Part of the Camp Helen Keller philosophy, according to Dale, is that visually impaired children "are in the sighted world all the time ..." Established at the camp is a lasting support system for children who face such challenges as visual impairment.

This year's summer camp was a success for its 49 campers who have made invaluable friendships and participated in fun-filled camp activities.

In addition to Camp Helen Keller, Helen Keller Services for the Blind provides many programs to help visually impaired New Yorkers live independently. Founded in 1893, HKSB is the oldest, continuously operated non-profit rehabilitation agency in the US and has offices in Brooklyn, Hempstead and Huntington.

Its rehabilitation services involve working in small groups or one-on-one to help the blind adapt to vision loss and learn how to live their daily lives. Social workers also help families adjust to one's visual impairment and encourage independent living.

The Helen Keller Services for the Blind recently established their first residential home in North Bellmore which houses six developmentally disabled and visually impaired adults ages 40 - 60. Staff members are on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist the residents, who currently attend the Helen Keller Day Treatment Program in Hempstead.

HKSB's employment services help clients to keep their jobs or find new ones. Employment specialists provide on-site job coaching and placement assistance, and vocational evaluations help clients define their career goals and interests.

A 12-month pre-school program for legally blind and multi-handicapped children is another service available through HKSB. Special education teachers along with area specialists work with infants and children up to 5 years old to develop a foundation for future learning. Free annual vision screening for Long Island pre-schoolers is also available.

Technology centers at HKSB help the visually impaired access information using computers and its library service produces and distributes 6,000 Braille and large print volumes for blind and visually impaired students.

Another service offered by HKSB is the low vision and audiology clinics. Licensed doctors provide eye examinations and promote vision enhancement through hand-held magnifiers, telescopic lenses, electronic vision aids and tinted lenses. Licensed audiologists conduct audiological examinations and provide hearing aids.

The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths & Adults (HKNC) offers intensive rehabilitation training at its Sands Point headquarters. On-site programs provide evaluation and training in communication, assistive technology, mobility, independent living and vocational training.

HKSB provides trained volunteer visits to legally blind seniors to help with daily tasks including shopping, doctor visits, sending mail and reading. The senior centers have social activities for legally blind seniors over 55 years old. Guest speakers and day trips are also incorporated into the program.

Professional consultations can be provided to address employers, healthcare personnel, parents and consumers on topics dealing with vision loss, advocacy for people with disabilities and career opportunities.

For more information about Camp Helen Keller as well as other services offered by the Helen Keller Services for the Blind, log on to its website at www.helenkeller.org.

The HKSB recalls the words of Helen Keller: "A blind person has a mind which can be educated, a hand that can be trained and ambition which can be realized."