» News

MIT Study

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:51:42 +0000

MIT is conducting a study of brain function in visually impaired children. Here is their announcement:

We are neuroscientists in the MIT Department of Brain and Cognitive
Sciences. We are interested in how early experiences affect how the
brain develops. Sighted children use some parts of their brain to see;
do these brain regions learn new functions in children who are blind?

We are looking for children aged 4-14 years, who are totally blind, who
would like to participate in our studies of brain development.

During the study the child will play fun games with researchers that
involve listening to stories and sounds. Some of the games will be
played while we take pictures of the child’s brain with MRI (magnetic
resonance imaging), which uses a large magnet to record brain activity.
MRI is safe for children. By imaging the brain while children listen to
stories or sounds, we hope to relate this information to brain structure
and activity.

Children who participate receive gift certificates, books, and other
small prizes. They will also get a chance to talk to scientists and
learn about their brain. We will reimburse travel expenses for the
children and their family.

To be eligible, children must be totally blind, speak English fluently,
and have no neurological or psychiatric conditions.

Visits can be scheduled at your convenience on weekends or weekdays at
our facilities on the MIT campus.

For more information please contact:

Marina Bedny
mbedny@bidmc.harvard.edu
(617) 286 2341

Beep Baseball Game

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 13:24:35 +0000

Our Space Our Place, Inc, invites families with blind and visually impaired youth ages 6-18 to spend the morning of Saturday, June 12 playing Beep Baseball!

Beep baseball is a form of baseball adapted for the visually impaired.
The game is played with standard softball bats, a ball which emits an audible beep tone, and two bases which emit an audible buzzing sound. All players are blindfolded to equalize each player’s degree of visual impairment.

Join us. Hit the ball off the T; Play Short Stop, First Base, Left Field

Run to the bases; Hit a home run

When: Saturday June 12, 2010

Where: Cleveland Circle at Chestnut Hill Park/Cassidy Playground – located at the corner of Beacon street and Chestnut Hill Drive in Brookline

Time: 10:00 am – Noon

Let us know whether you will be there.

RSVP by the week of June 7.
Phone: (617) 459-4084

Website: www.ourspaceourplace.org

Driving Directions: Take Rt 9 Eastbound to Chestnut Hill Drive. Take a left onto Chestnut Hill Drive, and follow to the end (where there’s a train
Station on right). At this major intersection (Beacon Street) take a left on Beacon. The field will be on your left

Public Transportation: Take the Green “C” Line to Cleveland Circle. The park is across the street.

Meg Robertson COMS
Director
Orientation & Mobility Department
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
48 Boylston St.
Boston MA 02116-4718
Meg.Robertson@state.ma.us
617-626-7581

Join MAPVI at the Vision 5K

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 19:51:45 +0000

MAPVI is forming a team to run and walk together on June 20th at the Vision 5K!

This is a really exciting race that is for blind and visually impaired elite runners from around the world, alongside weekend runners and walkers. This event raises money for four charities right here in Massachusetts who touch the lives of thousands of visually impaired men, women, and children and help them get much needed services to achieve literacy and independence.

You can help by either donating to our team or by joining us in the race on the 20th. Just visit our Event Page and click on the “Join Team” link.

As part of the MAPVI team you can help us by raising money or simply joining us at the race to run or walk. To learn more about the event, please check the Vision 5K page.

3rd Annual Expo of Summer Camps & Recreation Programs for Children with Special Needs

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:51:59 +0000

The Framingham Special Ed Parent Advisory Council (F-SEPAC) proudly presents the 3rd Annual Expo of Summer Camps & Recreation Programs for Children with Special Needs.

Want to make the best choice for summer camp or a recreational activity for your special child? Then come to F-SEPAC’s 3rd Annual Summer Camp and Recreation Expo for Children with Special Needs to learn about summer camps and recreational organizations in Massachusetts and the surrounding area. Speak directly with the camp/program representatives, pick up literature, and get fully informed about what is out there for your child.

The goal of the expo is to make it easier for parents/guardians to find that special camp for their special kid. More than 250 people attended our 2009 event. Come join the fun this year!

DATE: Sunday, February 28, 2010
TIME: noon to 3pm

PLACE: Framingham High School
115 A Street, Framingham, MA 01701

For more info visit www.f-sepac.org or contact campexpo@f-sepac.org.

In case of inclement weather, check www.f-sepac.org. The snow date is March 7.

MAPVI is Going Green

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:00:37 +0000

MAPVI is moving away from mailing out our event fliers via USPS to an all-email list.

As of February 1, 2010 we will no longer be mailing out event fliers.

If you would like to continue receiving our event flier via email please join our email list.

Also, all fliers and announcements will be available on this website.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please contact Michelle Contey or leave a comment at the bottom of this post.