“A Life-Changing Activity – You Make a Difference!”

Those are the words of the mom of “Henry,” a local preschooler. Henry was born with a visual impairment. He can see large size letters but his eyes quickly fatigue. Though Henry has always loved books, his visual impairment forces his eyes to work harder to see words.

Moving through various military assignments in different states in Henry’s very early years, his parents struggled to find the right programs to support his low-vision. They were advised that he would benefit from learning both enlarged print and Braille. When they were transferred to the Washington DC area, they found an opportunity to do that.

This summer, Henry attended the National Federation of the Blind’s Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) Academy in Arlington, VA.  The BELL Academy prepares blind and low-vision children, ages 4 through 12, to grow into confident and independent people who will live the lives they want. It challenges children with intense Braille instruction through fun, hands-on learning activities, targeting blind and low-vision children who do not receive enough Braille instruction in school, or who could benefit from Braille enrichment over the summer.

The Fairfax Lions Club provides financial support to the local BELL Academy. This year, the Fairfax Lions presented 99 Braille books for this summer’s BELL camp which Henry attended. His mom spoke to the Fairfax Lions on October 17, thanking them for their support. She explained how Henry loves to read, and how the children’s Braille books will enable his growing knowledge of Braille – a skill that will assure Henry a lifetime of reading.

HENRY’S FAVORITE BRAILLE BOOK, PROVIDED BY FAIRFAX LIONS CLUB

Henry’s parents are very pleased with the progress he made at the BELL Academy. His mom’s words to the Fairfax Lions:  “It was a Life-Changing Activity – You Make a Difference!”

The Fairfax Lions invite ALL persons to engage in community service programs. Attend a Lions Club meeting and learn more about Fairfax Lions charity programs, or make a tax deductible donation. Visit the web page at:  https://fairfaxlions.org/donate/