School for the Blind's 'See Beyond Festival' opens minds

Jan 05, 2024

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To properly play soccer, being able to keep track of the ball is key, whether you can see it or not.

"The soccer ball has some metal ball bearings in it, so every time it moves, it makes a rattle noise," Maryland School for the Blind athletics coach Timothy Taylor said.

At the Maryland School for the Blind, students are exposed to all kinds of sports in a way that they can experience it with their other senses. Players wear blindfolds to put everyone on an even playing field, whether they are blind or have low vision.

"I try to expose the kids to as many sports as possible," Taylor said. "Anything that a sighted person can do or their peers."

This Saturday, the public is invited to take part in all kinds of sensory experiences at the second annual "See Beyond Festival." It's a chance to learn what they do at the school and why a lack of vision doesn't mean a lack of ability.

"Just because we lose vision, and all of us lose vision overtime, doesn't mean that you have to stop doing things. With the right strategies, everyone can participate and have a very exciting and robust life," Rob Hair, the superintendent of Maryland School for the Blind, said.

The school offers services to residents across the state from birth to age 21. A 5-year-old Connor is learning all about gardening from seed to plant. At the festival this weekend you’ll be able to buy birdhouses created by some of the students.

"Last year, they participated in the See Beyond festival, and they sold their plants. And with the proceeds from that, we started a bird club this year, and they are selling birdhouses that they painted and created," Jennifer Keenan from the Maryland School for the Blind, said.

Members of the Guide Dog Foundation will be at the festival, with everything kicking off tomorrow at 10 a.m.