The Authentic Voices of America Camp
"Unlocking the Voice Within"
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Authentic Voices - July 6-11, 2008
Campers with severe expressive speech disabilities will learn to effectively augment their speech. Those who attend will:
- learn to communicate more effectively with their devices
- experience communicating with other AAC users and with non-users in the Whitewater community
- meet and develop friendships with other AAC users
- engage in a number of social and adapted recreational activities
- perhaps most importantly, learn about their own potential for pursuing successful professional and personal lives
Participants will also have the opportunity to spend a week on a totally accessible campus, experience university life and gain the experience of being away from home.
Mission Statement
The Authentic Voices of America camp provides young people with severe speech impairments the opportunity to enhance their community participation by developing communication skills using augmentative devices. This week-long residential camp, held at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, offers participants the chance to gain a greater awareness of their abilities and to build their independence and self-confidence, while having fun. Camp activities are designed to "unlock" the unique voice within each participant.
Who Should Attend?
The camp is designed for young people, ages 12-21, who use augmentative communication devices and have the potential for post-secondary education and/or job training.
Why Your Child Should Attend
- to improve communication with your augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device
- to experience "speaking" and learning from others who use AAC
- to have a week-long communitybased treatment experience
- to develop friendships and social skills
- to increase your independence
- to improve your self esteem
- to become aware of your own potential
- to develop post-secondary job and career goals
- to enjoy the recreational experiences of a week away from home
Facilities
The camp is conducted on the UW-Whitewater campus, which has a select mission to serve students with disabilities. New Mobility magazine ranks UW-Whitewater one of the top 10 disability friendly public universities in the U.S.
Housing & Dining
Camp participants will live in a completely accessible, fully supervised residence hall located close to all campus activities. Rooms are double occupancy. Restrooms and shower facilities are accessible and linens will be provided. The dining halls are located in close proximity to the residence halls and serve three well-balanced meals daily.
Camp Staff
The camp director is Jon Feucht. Jon is assisted by a talented and unique staff of professionals, some of whom are AAC users. Campers will be counseled and mentored by persons with disabilities who are living active, productive lives. All campers are under the careful supervision of professional and highly trained staff.
All campers are under the careful supervision of professional and highly trained staff.
Cost
The actual operational cost of the Authentic Voices of America (AVA) Camp is $1,400 per camper. We realize this fee may be prohibitive for some eligible campers. Campers are encouraged to solicit funding from local service clubs or other agencies. However, thanks to generous sponsors and fundraising efforts, AVA and UW-Whitewater are able to provide funding to those who need financial assistance. If you are unable to pay the full amount of camp tuition, please contact Jon Feucht at jon@ava-inc.org or call him at 262-473-3563 for information on possible funding.
Camp Fee Includes:
- room & board
- instructional costs
- insurance
- camp t-shirt
- administrative costs
- transportation and admission to activities off-campus
- room & board for one attendant
Application must include a non-refundable deposit of $100. The balance of payment is due prior to the start of camp.
What To Bring?
About two to three weeks before the start of camp, participants will receive detailed instructions about what to bring and where to report.
Insurance
Each camper will be covered by a limited accident insurance policy. The insurance includes primary coverage up to $1,000, secondary coverage up to $5,000 and $300 maximum dental insurance. Insurance does not cover pre-existing injuries and is for accidents only. Every precaution will be taken to prevent accidents. Our camp will have a camp health supervisor available.
Personal Care
If your child is not totally independent for personal hygiene and all activities of daily living, he/she will need to bring an attendant to camp. The fee for one attendant is included in the camp fee; if extra attendants are required, the cost is $120 per attendant.
Special Notice
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs, activities and employment policies, for all persons regardless of race, color, gender, creed, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, Vietnam-era veteran status, parental status and pregnancy.
If you have any disabling condition that requires special accommodations or attention, please advise us well in advance. We will make every effort to accommodate your special needs.
Download Brochure
Download Brochure: AVA Camp Brochure (Acrobat File .pdf)
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Contact Information
Jon Feucht
jsfeucht@hotmail.com
or
Office of Continuing Education Services
2005 Roseman, UW-Whitewater
Whitewater, Wisconsin
(262) 472-3165
Email: cesevents@uww.edu
