Summer Camps at UW-Whitewater inspire kids with disabilities
Released: June 10, 2004
In keeping with its select mission to provide exceptional support for students with disabilities, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is once again offering several summer camps for kids with a variety of handicaps.
The Authentic Voices camp, held July 11-16, serves young people with severe speech disabilities. Now in its fifth year, this unique camp helps kids improve their skills on augmentative communication devices. Campers are inspired by successful professionals who use such devices themselves. They also work on setting educational and career goals. Of course, meeting new friends and having fun comprise much of the camp experience.
For many campers, most of whom have severe physical disabilities, this is their first time away from home. John Feucht, camp creator and director, understands their limitations and potential. Feucht, who has cerebral palsy, first came to Whitewater as a camper himself, attending a wheelchair sports camp in 1994. He has become adept at using the augmentative communication device called the Pathfinder. Now a graduate student at UW-Whitewater, he oversees the camp and works diligently to raise interest for its support.
“ This camp is one-of-a-kind in the world because it’s to people with a communication device from a person with a communication device,” Feucht noted. Fourteen campers will be attending this year.
This year the Authentic Voices group will take a trip to Madison to tour the State Capitol and take in Concerts on the Square. Campers will also swim, do wheelchair sports, go to the movie theater, participate in art activities and skits, and, like other kids at summer camps across the country, just hang out.
Another camp called “My Future, My Life” held June 27-July 2 is aimed at high school students with disabilities who want to explore their future career options. Camp director Sandy Hall said most will leave with a plan for the next step in their lives, even while still in high school.
“ Sometimes these kids may be the only person they know of with a disability in their school. This camp exposes them to role models and other peers in similar situations,” says Hall.
Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) runs from Aug. 1-6 and is intended for 30 high school juniors and seniors with disabilities who have demonstrated leadership potential. The camp provides training in career planning, assistive technology, self-advocacy and legislation by qualified state leaders. As part of Government Day, students will eat lunch with their local legislators in Madison. Also, each is paired with a mentor for one year.
“ The assistive technology I learned about will make my class work easier,” said YLF delegate Amy Burger. “Most importantly, the speakers were so inspirational. They gave me the courage to go to college and follow the path I want to.”
For more information on these and other summer camps, contact Sandy Hall at (262) 472-1630.
- Jane Provorse,provorsj@uww.edu
