The Fulbright Global Scholarship Program

Lauren and two others laying on their stomachs at the top of a large rock. There are green mountains and trees extending far into the distance behind them. They are all wearing rock climbing gears including helmets.

By Lauren Lieberman. One of the best aspects of Camp Abilities is the encouragement and validation we are able to give our campers. Each of the counselors believes – firmly believes – in the ability of each child.  We know that sometimes a child needs a dose of encouragement, a validation of our belief and … Read more

Issues and Education: Universal Design is an ATTITUDE

Raveena is posing in front of a puppet. She is wearing a tshirt that says "Lead Don't Follow".

By June Converse. Assume People Can “Be conscious of your bias and try to correct them before they become judgments.” ~ Raveena, age 14 Recently we posted an article about Universal Design. As we always like to do, this article takes Universal Design off the page and into the classroom. While interviewing Jessica, Stacy and … Read more

Issues and Education: Universal Design

An athlete is leaning against a metal bowling ramp looking down towards the bowling pins. His coach is standing behind him also looking straight ahead down the lane towards the bowling pins.

By June Converse. When I was in middle and high school, I did not enjoy volleyball. I used to find excuses to get out of playing. But I assure you, if someone had told me I wasn’t allowed to play, I would have been outraged. While I know there are obstacles to letting everyone participate, … Read more

Legacy Spotlight: Paul Ponchillia

Paul posing for a photo in a snowy wooded area. He is standing on a bridge wearing his snowshoes holding walking poles in both hands. There is lots of snow in the background covering the trees and bridge.

By June Converse. My Blindness is a Valuable Asset Camp Abilities is an amazing camp for amazing kids. But Lauren Lieberman did not create Camp Abilities in a vacuum. She was privileged to have important mentors walk beside her and before her. Two of these important people are Paul Ponchillia and his late wife, Susan. … Read more

Director Spotlight: Jennifer Stelmach

An athlete is balancing on a paddle board in the water. He is wearing a life jacket and bending his knees to help his balance. Jen is in the water holding onto the boys arm to help him balance on the board.

By June Converse.  “It’s my favorite week of the year. Hands down. My favorite week. Yes, it’s worth it. ~ Jennifer Stelmach, Director, Camp Abilities Florida Whether in NY, Alaska or Africa, Camp Abilities is a gathering of champions. The kids. The parents. The volunteers. The counselors. The directors. Today, I’d like to introduce you … Read more

Athlete Spotlight: Sean Meek

Sean and another athlete holding a guide wire as they run down the straight stretch of the outdoor track. Their coach is running behind them in the background.

By June Converse. If you know Camp Abilities, you know the founder and directors are committed to introducing physical fitness and sport to children who are visually impaired. It’s a camp of inclusion and acceptance, participation and accomplishment. But Camp Abilities is also dedicated to training and developing future educators and leaders in the field … Read more

Coach Spotlight: Justin and Matt

Matt and Justin posing in front of a sign that says "Welcome to Alaska". Blue sky and green mountains in the background.

By June Converse. Just Say Yes “When opportunity arises – without details, without logistics – just say yes.” ~ Matt Mescall A Journey to Alaska. A Journey to a Forever Impact. Camp Abilities is about asking children who are visually impaired to take a risk, to try something new. Camp Abilities asks kids to step … Read more

Mentor Spotlight: Where Is Eddie Now?

Eddie smiling for a photo with his service dog beside him.

By June Converse. In last week’s post, we introduced you to Eddie Martinez. Eddie’s desire and willingness to learn the unicycle was one of the first steps in Lauren’s journey to develop Camp Abilities. Eddie represented everything Camp Abilities would eventually encompass — ability not disability; challenging ourselves and our children; finding a way instead … Read more

Mentor Spotlight: Eddie Martinez

Eddie and Lauren standing next to each other. Eddie is holding Lauren's hand while she signs.

By Lauren Lieberman. Can a Student Who Is Deafblind Learn to Ride a Unicycle? When I started to tell my story, I began, as we all would, at the beginning. I was born in East Goshen, PA. I was the second oldest of four. A nice home in a nice community with a nice family. … Read more

Athlete Spotlight: Chris Smoker

Chris in the middle of a run. His opponent is behind him in the background. Chris is wearing his team's jersey that is blue and white with the initials HAC across the front.

By June Converse. Thirty Seconds to Re-Imagine:  A Self-Advocacy Case Study Our last post centered around the Self-Advocacy program being developed for the campers at Camp Abilities in Brockport. When I asked Ruth to name a camper who she felt exemplified Self-Advocacy, she immediately mentioned Chris Smoker.  Chris is a sixteen-year-old who has attended Camp … Read more