Blind students explore different modes of transportation - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Blind students explore different modes of transportation

By Monica Hernandez - bio | email | twitter

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) -  Watching a chopper land is an incredible sight for most of us. But for those attending the Mississippi School for the Blind's Summer Enrichment Program, it's a completely different experience.

"It's an amazing learning experience, and you will find things you never knew before," said 14-year-old Kelly Sloan, a program participant and 9th grader at Ocean Springs High School.

Kelly Sloan is one of roughly 40 campers exploring dozens of vehicles in new ways during the program's "Transportation Day."

For Sloan and her peers, the chance to explore these vehicles isn't just about fun. It's a safety issue.

"If one of them drives up to me, like a police car for example, I know what it is. And I know I'm in trouble," said Sloan.

The program gives those without their full vision a hands-on experience. 

"I feel it's very important, because I feel it's good to be aware of your environment, to know what it's like," said Sloan.

While it's a new experience for him, six-year-old Demerius Paige said being inside a police car was exactly what he expected.

"It would be like, wonderful," said Paige, a student at the School for the Blind.

"It just tickles me to death. You can see the joy in their eyes as they're exploring it. It does your heart good, and I'm glad they're having this experience," said Terri Ford, orientation and mobility specialist for the School for the Blind.

The two week summer camp runs through Friday, and is aimed at students in grades two through 12.

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