Maryland School for the Blind



The Maryland School for the Blind 2013 Annual Report

Message from the President

As I see the new LIFE Learning Activity Center and residential cottages take shape on campus, I am reminded of how The Maryland School for The Blind (MSB) has truly been shaped by that innately human desire to constantly improve and seek “higher ground.”

MSB opened in 1853. Today it serves 73% of the 1800 students throughout the state who are blind or visually impaired. However, it is the 160 years in between and the strong tradition of seeking continuous improvement that has sharpened our resolve and positions us well for future growth.

Our story has always been one of students, staff and the school itself being confronted with challenges and everyone rising to overcome them. It is one of constantly moving to even greater heights and accomplishments. Our challenges have served to spur us on further, becoming even more determined to succeed.

Several years ago the Board of Directors approved the “MSB School of the Future” campus master plan to replace and upgrade our aging campus buildings, many of which were unsuitable programmatically. With both satisfaction and gratitude we are proud that the first phase of this project is now well underway.

I am deeply grateful to our donors, the Governor, the General Assembly, the Maryland State Department of Education and the entire Maryland School for the Blind community for making this commitment to the future for generations of young people who every day seek their own unique highest ground.

In the pages that follow, you will meet our most recent graduates. These young women and men have exceeded expectations in their journey to realize their true potential. Their smiles and pride in their accomplishments put a face on our mission and remind us of how valuable our services are. Yet, like our students, we all must continuously seek to improve.

Sincerely

Michael J. Bina, Ed. D.

President

Message from the Chairman of the Board

The Maryland School for the Blind (MSB) is justly proud of its past. Now it can be equally confident in its future.

The first phase of our master construction and renovation plan is underway, which is especially gratifying. As I watch the new LIFE Learning Activity Center and residential cottages rise from the ground, I am filled with appreciation for all of those who have worked so hard to make this project a reality.

Four years ago, Dr. Bina, other members of the Board of Directors and I met to discuss the school’s immediate and long-term needs. We recognized that a major upgrade in facilities was long overdue. Our half-century and older buildings were continuing to age and, in the process, were creating problems for our students and staff.

The major challenge was funding. To that end, the Governor, our donors, parents, friends and legislators in Annapolis have visibly demonstrated their unwavering support. We are grateful to the State of Maryland and to everyone who invested in the school’s future and the future of thousands of Maryland young people who are blind or visually impaired. Thank you.

Sincerely

Edward J. Veilleux

Chairman of the Board

MSB is a place to grow!

For Jessica Woods, it’s hard to single out a favorite memory of her ten years at The Maryland School for the Blind (MSB). “I actually liked everything,” she affirms, and that covers an impressively long list of interests and activities.

In addition to participating in MSB’s popular drama productions, including The Jungle Book, Mary Poppins and Annie, she also loved singing in the choir, being on the cheerleading squad for nine years and taking part in the Johns Hopkins Art program where she worked on her own arts and crafts. And, as if her days weren’t full enough, she served as the Secretary for the Senior Class during her final year.

“Senior year was great,” she adds, “especially the Prom, and there was always something to do with friends living on campus during the week. We went on a ski trip too.”

Described by her teachers as “a wiz with technology,” Jessica has exceptional skills in using a Voice Notetaker and JAWS screen reading technology to access computers. She also knows how to access the internet through a mobile hotspot. With no vision other than minimum light perception, she also knows how to use the Kurzweil text-to-speech reader software, which she found very helpful in her classes.

“It took a long time for Jessica, but she really has become quite proficient at braille and with computers. The one-on-one teaching really made a difference at MSB,” notes her father, Thomas.

According to Yvette, Jessica’s mother, she loved the staff and teachers and worked hard to please them. “They always encouraged her and expected the best out of her. She strived to meet those expectations and exceed them. That’s how everything is at MSB. They expect kids to achieve and they do.”

With courage and determination, independence shines through!

Jessica currently lives at home with her parents and attends classes two days a week at the Providence Center in Millersville, Maryland. The non-profit organization’s mission is to provide individuals with the instruction and mentoring they need to find employment and become as independent as possible.

“I’m taking pottery and horticulture right now,” she notes. “I like them both.”

According to her father, Jessica loved the social life at MSB. She misses the friends and living on campus even now, but is also ready to fully integrate in her home community.

Asked about her plans for the future, she doesn’t hesitate with an answer. “I really want to find a job,” she states, “a job that pays.” With Jessica’s determination that shouldn’t take too long at all. Her years at MSB saw her constantly working to reach a higher ground and she did. There’s every reason to believe that the same thing will be true in the years to come.

Reaching the highest ground!

When Taylor Williams first learned that he was going to The Maryland School for the Blind (MSB), he resisted.

“Taylor was 12 years old at the time, and he still had some vision,” remembers his mother, Beverly. “He said that it was a school for the blind and he wasn’t blind. So we told him, if you attend MSB for two weeks and really don’t like it, we would put you back in public school. The first day he called me and said that MSB was ‘the bomb’. They had a track team and he had already joined it. Could we pick him up later in the afternoon the next day? He had practice.”

Taylor has an endless number of memories about his seven “great” years at MSB, and no wonder. The popular 2013 graduate sang in the choir, played drums with the percussion ensemble and had roles in The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, The Jungle Book, The Music Man, Mary Poppins and Annie. In his spare time, he was also elected President of the Senior Class and crowned Prom King.

“I really enjoyed school,” he declares. “I made so many friends, had great teachers who made it fun to learn and I was on the track team. I liked track a lot and loved competing with other schools when we went to West Virginia and Massachusetts.”

As Taylor readily admits, his passions are science and working with animals. He won first place in the school science fair and regularly volunteered at the Humane Society in Harford County as part of MSB’s career education program. “I remember one German Shepherd that had to be 180 pounds,” he adds.

Embraced

Educated

Empowered!

“He actually shook his pen whenever he stood up.”

“We really felt like we were part of the community there,” says his father, Thomas. “The school was a big help for Taylor, who has no vision now, and a big help for us too.” Beverly, Taylor’s mom, was elected as president of the PTSO (Parent, Teacher, Staff Organization).

Living with his parents in their Baltimore County home, Taylor has been working with several organizations to help find full-time employment, possibly in a community theater or with an organization helping animals. He is also looking into continuing his studies at Harford Community College and several other area schools. “I would really like to learn more in areas like biology, astronomy or engineering,” he states.

Taylor feels the skills he learned at MSB will help him in the future. These include traveling, long cane use, employment skills, solving everyday math problems, braille, shopping and cooking. He is also looking forward to seeing his friends at MSB’s annual alumni events.

“Taylor would not be where he is today if it weren’t for MSB,” affirms his mother. “The school made the students see and believe in the possibilities that were out there in the world for them. He loved everything about his experience at MSB, and he told me he wants to be an active alumni.”

2013 Graduates

Lois Cooksey

AGE: 19

HOMETOWN: Capital Heights, Maryland

YEARS AT MSB: 3 years

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT/TIME: Lois’ most memorable moments at MSB were participating in the school plays such as Mary Poppins and Annie. She played the lead in Mary Poppins and even got to “fly” with the help of a pulley system. Lois also enjoyed attending Prom with her friends.

SKILLS: Lois feels that independent living skills such as cooking, shopping, cleaning, money management and organizational skills have helped her the most and have given her the confidence to live on her own.

AFTER GRADUATION: Lois moved to an apartment prior to graduation where she lives independently. Lois plans on attending Essex Community College in the fall. Eventually, she would like to transfer to Towson University to study Special Education.

Raquel Lee Eisenstein

AGE: 21

HOMETOWN: Owings Mills, Maryland

YEARS AT MSB: 19 years

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT/TIME: Raquel loved participating in MEAC drama activities, the school plays, dressing up and being the center of attention. She enjoyed being with friends and listening and dancing to music, especially if it was upbeat and loud. Some of her most memorable roles in the musicals were the bird lady in Mary Poppins, and a lion in The Lion King. Her fondest memory was when her friend ­Devin gave her a rose and asked her to the Prom. She held the rose until she went to bed that night.

SKILLS: Raquel became very skilled at using her assistive technology to access music and mechanical devices. She has an infectious smile and her social skills are her biggest asset.

AFTER GRADUATION: Raquel attends the Heinzerling Developmental Center in Ohio, where she participates

in Diva’s group. She is enjoying her new staff and all of the activities.

Max Walter Gretschel

AGE: 21

HOMETOWN: Bethesda, Maryland

YEARS AT MSB: 5 years

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT/TIME: Max was involved in many activities including bell choir and percussion ensemble. He loved being on stage and performing in the plays and concerts. Going out into the community on field trips was also a favorite activity, especially to restaurants. Max loved cooking and helping to make his friends meals. His favorite saying was “I can do it myself”. It is no surprise he was known as “Mr. Independence” when campaigning for the Senior Class Vice President position.

SKILLS: Max mastered his daily routines, self-management and self-advocacy skills. He always had a positive attitude and plenty of charm. Max was so social that four young ladies claimed to be his Prom date.

AFTER GRADUATION: Max plans to move to an alternative living unit becoming housemates with former MSB graduates. He will be going out into the community to work at a job and be an active member of society.

Jihad Hassan

AGE: 21

HOMETOWN: Towson, Maryland

YEARS AT MSB: 18 years (since age 3 with infant and toddlers)

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT/TIME: Jihad was honored to receive the Commendation Award for the Class of 2013. He loved volunteering and working with the animals at the Humane Society with his classmates and career coaches.

SKILLS: Learning work skills through the career education program are what Jihad says have had the most impact on his life. He truly enjoys good, hard work. He loves assembly tasks and works well. He has been described as being like the Energizer Bunny not stopping until everything is complete.

AFTER GRADUATION: Jihad plans to live at home and enjoy The League for People with Disabilities activities.

Stephanie Mangum

AGE: 21

HOMETOWN: Reisterstown, Maryland

YEARS AT MSB: 6 years

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT/TIME: Stephanie’s most memorable moment was being named Prom Queen and telling her mom, who made her Prom dress on her first attempt in sewing, “I knew you could do it. I had faith in you.”

SKILLS: ­Stephanie’s favorite job was as an Avon sales representative which prepared her for her future goal. She wants to own and operate a cupcake business in Annapolis.

AFTER GRADUATION: Stephanie plans to move back to Annapolis to apartment-style living in a supervised residential setting.

Rogina Melvin

AGE: 21

HOMETOWN: Fairmont Heights, Maryland

YEARS AT MSB: 10 years

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT/TIME: Rogina was very active in drama and athletics. She had parts in Cinderella, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Annie. She was a cheerleader and was on the swimming, track and goalball teams. Rogina loved going on the athletic trips. She had a wonderful time on the Senior Class trips and at the Senior Prom.

SKILLS: Rogina says that there were many things she learned that will help her in the future including O&M skills, MTA Mobility, braille and using a Braille Notetaker and an iPad, money management, budgeting, food shopping and cooking.

AFTER GRADUATION: Rogina is planning to live in the community with supports from New Horizons. She is interested in a job working with children.

Ashley Stewart

AGE: 21

HOMETOWN: Glenarden, Maryland

YEARS AT MSB: 10 years

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT/TIME: Ashley’s most memorable times were with the music, drama and athletics departments. She loved the choir concerts and festivals. Although Ashley is a very sweet and gentle person, she was always cast as the villain in the school drama productions. She is very athletic and was on the cheerleading squad along with the goalball and track teams. She has fond memories of working on the Yearbook Committee and had fun at the Senior Prom.

SKILLS: Ashley acquired many employment skills while working on campus at the school store, the school resale shop and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Café. Other skills she identifies as invaluable include travel skills, learning braille and using the Braille Notetaker, self-advocacy skills, shopping and budgeting.

AFTER GRADUATION: After graduation, Ashley will live in the community with supports from The Arc of Prince Georges County and work with support from Melwood’s Employment program.

Toni Stokes

AGE: 21

HOMETOWN: White Marsh, Maryland

YEARS AT MSB: 19 years

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT/TIME: Toni was very active in the music and drama departments. She sang in the Blue Duffs and choir. She had solo parts in some of the school drama productions. Toni enjoyed being with friends, working in the cafe, making candy, learning to cook and knit and taking art classes. She was active in athletics as a cheerleader and was a member of the track and field team. She loved the Senior Class activities ­­­and the Prom.

SKILLS: Toni identified Career Education skills, travel skills, budgeting, shopping and cooking as the most helpful. She also learned how to advocate for herself very effectively. Toni is a wiz with technology and is very good with computers, iPads and especially her iPod.

AFTER GRADUATION: Toni is highly motivated to work and hopes to pursue jobs in the music or retail field. She will be living in an apartment with support from Mid-Atlantic Human Service Corporation.

Andrea Washington

AGE: 18

HOMETOWN: Capital Heights, Maryland

YEARS AT MSB: 7 years

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT/TIME: Andrea’s most memorable moments at MSB were being a member of the goalball team for four years. A big accomplishment was being accepted into the independent living home program and having the opportunity to live in the house on campus with three other classmates.

SKILLS: Andrea feels that independent living skills such as cooking, shopping, cleaning, money management and organizational skills were the most beneficial. She also learned valuable orientation and mobility skills and self-advocacy skills.

AFTER GRADUATION: Andrea plans on attending college and living on campus. She wants to study psychology and eventually become a social worker.

Taylor Williams

AGE: 20

HOMETOWN: Randallstown, Maryland

YEARS AT MSB: 7 years

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT/TIME: Taylor was active in the drama and music departments and had parts in The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, The Jungle Book, The Music Man, Mary Poppins and Annie. He sang in the choir and played with the percussion ensemble. Taylor is interested in athletics and was a member of the track team. His passion is Science and he won first place in the school science fair. Taylor was the President of the Senior Class and was crowned Prom King.

SKILLS: Taylor feels that the skills that helped him the most are travel and cane use skills, employment skills, learning to solve everyday math problems, braille, shopping and cooking.

AFTER GRADUATION: Taylor plans to live at home with his family and continue learning independent living skills. He wants to obtain employment in a job related to working with animals or in the acting field. He is also planning to take college classes.

Jessica Woods

AGE: 21

HOMETOWN: Edgewater, Maryland

YEARS AT MSB: 10 years

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT/TIME: Jessica has fond memories of participating in drama productions, including The Jungle Book, Mary Poppins and Annie. She loved singing in the choir and being on the cheerleading squad. She enjoyed the art program and making her own arts and crafts. She had a great time with the senior class activities and the Prom. Jessica also served as the Secretary for the Senior Class.

SKILLS: Jessica is a wiz with technology.

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