The Camp Abilities Story - (Excelsior Editions) by Lauren J Lieberman (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The uplifting story of how one camp gave children with visual impairment new confidence in their own abilities.

In 1995, Lauren Lieberman was an assistant professor with a dream: to form an educational sports camp for children who are visually impaired. Beginning with a small grant, Lieberman built a local program that grew into a worldwide movement. The Camp Abilities model has now been replicated all over the United States and in ten other countries. The Camp Abilities Story relates Lieberman's journey-from her earliest experiences in sports, to her "aha moment" during college, to her Fulbright scholarship and starting Camp Abilities programs worldwide. With an inspirational yet honest view of how a dream to make a difference in the world was tempered by the reality of the hard work necessary to change lives, the lessons herein are applicable to anyone with a dream to make the world a better place.

Review Quotes

"Lauren Lieberman's The Camp Abilities Story serves as an essential reminder of the importance of physical activity as confidence builder for young people who are blind-confidence not only in moving through space in an orientation and mobility training sense, but perhaps even more so in everyday living. Reading Lauren's book reminded me personally of learning these lessons as a first-, second- and third-grader at the Oregon State School for the Blind, from backpacking through the Three Sisters Wilderness area to running on the beach. Lauren's story of how Camp Abilities made the leap from idea to reality is an inspirational journey of affecting positive change in the lives of thousands, and illustrating what we are all truly capable of." - Kirk Adams President and CEO, American Foundation for the Blind

"Once you read Lauren's story, your expectation of human potential will expand accordingly. The Camp Abilities Story is an endearing and honest memoir of Lauren's passion and calling for the world to see the potential in every child." - Marla Runyan, Olympian and Paralympic medal winner

"Dr. Lieberman's book not only offers incredible insight into the running and development of Camp Abilities, but also shows an even deeper, more personal look into her commitment to improving the lives of blind and visually impaired children around the world. Not only does the book discuss the growth of Camp Abilities, it also tackles the issue of improving expectations in both children and parents by showing both parties what the child is fully capable of. With personal testimony and a detailed account of the camp's development, The Camp Abilities Story is an inspirational and motivating read." - Martha Reuther, Paralympian and former Camp Abilities camper

"I began my career as an adapted physical education teacher and athletic coach fifty-two years ago. From that vantage point, I deeply appreciate Lauren's unique and transformative contributions. With her 'can do' clear vision, passion, and perseverance, she built a successful model that has grown internationally. What is impressive is how she-the teacher-learned from her students and, in response to them and their needs, designed a program that I call a 'smorgasbord of sports.' The participants can sample a wide and rich 'spread, ' ultimately finding one or two tasty and enjoyable entries that become lifelong favorites. The book would be of value to any one in any human service field or commercial enterprise. It spells out how a pioneer with vision, passion and perseverance-that is one who listens to the end-user or customer can build a successful franchise, scale it, and reach the 'tipping point' where there is no stopping it. The book is a great read, one from which the reader will learn and become motivated. Thanks for the insight on how your wonderful Camp Abilities came about. Thanks especially for providing a meaningful skill development opportunity and confidence boost to our youngster who, in turn, demonstrate to the general public first-hand that disability doesn't mean inability." - Dr. Michael Bina, Chairman Board of Directors United States Association of Blind Athletes

"Lauren Lieberman's memoir on changing what it means to be blind through empowering sports experiences for children who are visual impaired or deafblind, is honest, thought provoking, and bursts with courageous energy! As a leader in the field of Adapted Physical Activity, Lieberman invites us to look into the development of her passion for equal opportunity for children with visual impairments in the area of physical activity and sports, and learn who has inspired and helped her on this journey of creating world-wide sports programs called 'Camp Abilities'. If you are a parent, teacher, student, consumer, therapist, or just want to be inspired to help change the world for others, you must read Lauren Lieberman's book. You will understand how Lieberm

About the Author

Lauren J. Lieberman is Distinguished Service Professor at the State University of New York at Brockport. Her many books include Universal Design for Learning in Physical Education (coauthored with Michelle Grenier, Ali Brian, and Katrina Arndt) and Strategies for Inclusion: Physical Education for All (coauthored with Cathy Houston-Wilson).