HOME PAGE Julie and Brandon, Our Blind Friends
Activity Book About Blind Children
Sighted Children Learn About Blindness

Most blind children are being educated in public schools, and there is very little material on blindness written for sighted children. All children need to learn about Braille, white canes, talking computers, etc., in order to understand how blind persons function. When this information is presented appropriately to children, they find it fascinating.

The National Federation of the Blind of Idaho has written and produced an educational activities book about blind children, Julie and Brandon, Our Blind Friends. It includes samples of Braille, puzzles using Braille, word games, a short story about a blind child, pictures to color, questions to answer, a great deal of information about blind children, and more. It can be used in academic classrooms and in other groups, both at school and elsewhere.

The National Federation of the Blind is the largest organization of blind persons in the country. Its members in Idaho identified the need for a children's activities book and developed one. This book is unique in educational literature for children because it is both informative and involves the child in a variety of activities. It is wonderful as a stocking stuffer or small gift to children from parents, grandparents or friends.

To order, write to: National Federation of the Blind of Idaho
1301 S. Capitol Blvd., Suite C
Boise, ID 83706-2926

One book $4.00 + $1.50 shipping for 1 to 3 books; 25 or more copies, $3.00 each + $5.00 shipping for each group of 25 books. Thank you.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY . . .

Reactions have been gratifying.

MELISSA WILLIAMSON, elementary school teacher: It is a terrific opportunity to give sighted children perspective on blindness. Blind people are a minority seldom addressed effectively in children's literature. This book not only offers information, but also involvement.

CARLA MCQUILLAN, Montessori teacher: We are using it as a unit in school for 5 and 6 year olds. Since these children are learning to read and write, they are fascinated with Braille, the way blind children read and write. My daughter, who is in junior high school, also found this book interesting and enjoyable.

DORIS WILLOUGHBY, teacher of blind children: It's a great way for sighted children to learn, through fun, that blind children are regular classmates!

TINA CAMUSO, mother of blind child: I want every child in my son's class to have a copy!

R. DAVID BERRY, social worker: The first of its kind! The children, Julie and Brandon, offer a provocative and accurate perspective on blindness. The concept of personal insights and activities make this educational activity book a must. I personally recommend this book for young and old alike.

LORRAINE ROVIG, Director Job Opportunities for the Blind: This book answers questions about blind children. Puzzles, pictures, and personalities provide dimensions that add much beyond facts. Although directed to ages seven to ten, its appeal is broader. Information may be read to the very young and high school students find the puzzles challenging.

PENNI JENSEN, certified nursing assistant (CNA): This book is a good tool to use to help children and adults come to realize that blind people have the same capabilities as sighted people inside or outside of the classroom. There is enough information about Braille to be helpful to CNA's and others.

SANDI THOMPSON, random comment from mail: Your whole presentation is excellent, both for sighted children and parents of blind children!