2007 National Honor Awards for Excellence

June 21, 2007 (from www.bgca.net)

The Wallingford Branch has created the B.L.A.S.T. (Being Leaders and Sharing Talents) program that encompasses a wide variety of activities that the Club offers for its members with special needs. With B.L.A.S.T.’s inclusive programming, all Club youth (including the 15 percent of members that have special needs) can meaningfully participate in activities. All Club youth are invited to shoot hoops in the gym, paint in the art room, do schoolwork during Power Hour, get training in the computer lab and participate in Torch, Keystone and other Club programs.

The Wallingford Branch also has specialized programs run specifically for youth with special needs. Camp B.L.A.S.T. is the premiere B.L.A.S.T. program, and this summer camp is run for youth with special needs. It includes programs that all camp members can enjoy, and the Club organizes specialized field trips for youth with special needs that aim to provide therapeutic benefits. Among some of the other activities designed for the special needs youth are:

• Working with the computer instructor to learn about job resources for teens with special needs.
• Putting together puzzles designed specifically to promote shape and color recognition.
• Practicing communication through specialized speaking devices.
• Art projects that can be accomplished with limited fine motor skills.

Inclusion to the fullest degree possible is an effective way for youth with special needs to reach their full potential academically and socially, as well as attain basic life skills. Many of the Club’s special needs youth are in segregated classrooms all day, so B.L.A.S.T. programming gives all members a sense of belonging.