by Dan Oates

Teachers are constantly looking for that one experience that will make a difference in the lives of their students - programs that will push them beyond the safety of the classroom and their everyday lives. SCI-VIS is just the experience that you are looking for!

Activities using the theme of space science and aviation involving teamwork and critical thinking highlight the week. That coupled with the use of Braille, independent living skills, and orientation and mobility skills make for an exciting week of discovering your student's limits.

This year's program is scheduled for Sept. 22-27, 2001. The program is located at the U. S. Space and Rocket Center located in Huntsville, Alabama.

This year the American Foundation for the Blind's Careers and Technology Information Bank, a free service providing information about job experience and technology, will be highlighted to assist blind and visually impaired children in their quest for employment after college and high school.

Additionally, blind and visually impaired scientist from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville will visit with the students to discuss their life and profession. Almost every year astronauts magically appear at Space Camp and talk with students about their adventures. Last year Story Musgrave, one of NASA's most traveled astronauts, appeared on Friday evening and the early arrival students had a very informative dinner as he related his missions of the shuttle and aboard the Russian space station, Mir.

Adaptations for students include Braille, large print, CCTV's, speech software of mission control, and numerous vision teachers and O & M instructors to provide technical assistance when needed. There is also a full-time nursing staff available 24/7 to care for children who attend with special health care needs.

The program was started in 1990 with 20 students from the West Virginia School for the Blind. Since that time the program has grown to include almost all U.S. states and many foreign countries.

This year, 2001, is the twelfth year for SCI-VIS. About 200 students and 60 vision professionals are expected from 35 U.S. states, Australia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Ireland. New teams from the Czech Republic, England, and Scotland are expected this year. Canada has been a steady participant for the last three years with the province of British Columbia being the leader. Lynn Schwartz, vision teacher/orientation and mobility instructor from Kelowna, has been the leader and "sparkplug" for BC kids.

Information for all programs can be obtained from the website located at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The address is: http://www.tsbvi.edu/space. Applications and other information are available to download from this site.

The coordinator for the program is Dan Oates. He can be reached at the following numbers: Work (304) 822-4883, Home (304) 822-4410, Mobile (540) 539-8768. All interested participants are encouraged to e-mail Dan first at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Visit the website often to get updates on contact information as Dan works at Space Camp all summer in Alabama and new numbers can be found there.

Scholarships are available for U.S. as well as Canadian students. Deadline for scholarships is June 1 but other arrangements can be made for interested participants.

Ready for a new adventure? Come join us for a week in space!