The Impact of O&M Internship Programs on Children with Visual Impairments at Camp Abilities

Camp Abilities is transforming the lives of children with visual impairments and shaping the future of Orientation and Mobility Specialists through impactful internships, research, and hands-on training.

For children with visual impairments, opportunities for growth, independence, and confidence are crucial. That’s where Camp Abilities comes in. This extraordinary summer camp is changing lives while also shaping the future of Orientation and Mobility Specialists through impactful internships, hands-on training, and groundbreaking research.

The Vision Behind Camp Abilities

Camp Abilities was founded by Dr. Lauren Lieberman, whose passion for empowering children with visual impairments stems from her own experiences at the Perkins School for the Blind and her work as a Distinguished Service Professor at SUNY Brockport. Lauren’s vision for the camp was to provide children with visual impairments the chance to thrive through sports, activities, and meaningful mentorship.

Starting the camp wasn’t easy. Lauren faced challenges such as limited resources and the need for early credibility in the field. But her determination, supported by a grant and a doctorate’s worth of expertise, made Camp Abilities a reality. Since its inception, the camp has served children from across the globe, fostering independence and creating unforgettable experiences.

Hands-On Orientation and Mobility Training for Interns

Camp Abilities isn’t just a place for children—it’s also a hub for professional growth. The camp offers invaluable Orientation and Mobility Internship Programs for students and professionals seeking to become certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists. These internships provide:

• Certification Hours: Interns can gain meaningful experience that counts toward their certification requirements.

• Real-World Experience: Interns work directly with children, applying the skills they’ve learned in their academic training to real-life situations.

• Collaborative Learning: Interns collaborate with experts and other interns to share insights and best practices, enhancing their ability to serve children with visual impairments.

Ben Lytle, a certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and PhD candidate, shares his experience working at Camp Abilities, emphasizing the camp’s role in shaping his professional journey and inspiring his passion for assistive technology.

The Impact of O&M Internship Programs on Children with Visual Impairments

The Orientation and Mobility Internship Programs at Camp Abilities do more than train future specialists—they create a significant, positive impact on the children they serve. Through these programs, children with visual impairments receive:

• Personalized Support: Interns work closely with campers, providing individualized attention to foster independence and confidence.

• Skill Development: From navigating new environments to participating in sports, campers gain essential life skills that prepare them for greater independence.

• Role Models: Interns serve as mentors, showing campers what’s possible and inspiring them to reach their full potential.

By pairing interns with campers, Camp Abilities creates a symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit immensely. Children receive the support they need to thrive, and interns gain hands-on experience that enhances their professional development.

Expanding the Reach of Camp Abilities

Over the years, Camp Abilities has grown from a single summer camp to a global movement. Camps modeled after Lauren’s original vision now exist in various states and countries. The impact of Camp Abilities continues to grow, with plans to expand offerings, such as introducing blind tennis and other innovative activities.

This growth underscores the importance of early intervention, independence, and collaboration in teaching children with visual impairments. Through pre-teaching strategies, specialized educational materials, and a supportive environment, Camp Abilities fosters life-changing experiences for its participants.

Research and the Future of Orientation and Mobility Training

Camp Abilities is also at the forefront of research in Orientation and Mobility Training. Lauren Lieberman and Ben Lytle have conducted studies on the camp’s effectiveness for interns and the children it serves. These studies highlight:

• The benefits of immersive training for interns seeking certification as Orientation and Mobility Specialists.

• The importance of collaboration between service providers, educators, and families.

• The life-changing outcomes for children, from improved confidence to leadership skills.

By combining practical experience with research, Camp Abilities is setting a new standard for training programs and camps for children with visual impairments.

Lauren and Benjamin’s Advice

As professionals deeply invested in the success of children with visual impairments, Dr. Lauren Lieberman and Ben Lytle share valuable advice for educators, parents, and specialists striving to make a difference.

Have high expectations. Don't minimize what kids with visual impairment can do because it's just a visual impairment. It doesn't affect their body._{-Dr. Lauren Lieberman}

For those working in this field, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of the best approach. Lauren and Ben remind us of two key principles: the importance of high expectations and the power of collaboration

This is something that I firmly believe in, and I know it's something that you probably hear quite often, but just the power of collaboration. Put yourself out there, give yourself opportunities to talk with other people, and learn what they do._{-Benjamin Lytle}

Join the Movement

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or advocate, Camp Abilities offers something for everyone. For interns, it’s an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Orientation and Mobility Training. For children with visual impairments, it’s a chance to develop independence, confidence, and lifelong memories.

Ready to get involved? Check out the resources below:

• Register for the International Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium: https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com

• Explore Camp Abilities: https://www.campabilities.org

• Free Resources for Educators: https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads

By supporting programs like Camp Abilities, we can continue to dream big for our students and shape a brighter future for children with visual impairments.