On March 25, 2022, volunteers from the John D. Burlie Pioneer Club escorted the elementary students from the Ohio State School for the Blind in Columbus on a field trip to the Aladdin Shrine Circus. The students were paired with adult volunteers who acted as their mentors for the day. Students who attend this school are blind or significantly visually impaired, so many of the children cannot actually see the performances.
However, the students and their chaperones were provided with headphones and a radio receiver so they could listen to an announcer describe the various circus acts and activities. This audio-described activity provides a unique educational opportunity by allowing the children to hear what they cannot see.
During intermission, additional Pioneer volunteers distributed free lunches to the students, staff and chaperones. The students look forward to this exciting and fun-filled educational opportunity, which first began by the Burlie Club 46 years ago.
Dear Volunteers of the John D. Burlie Pioneer Club,
Thank you so much for taking the students of the Ohio State School for the Blind to the circus. They always look forward to sitting together on the bus and visiting throughout the circus. The students appreciate having the audio-description through their headsets and getting to spend time with all of you. Thank you for taking the time to help them enjoy the circus!
Sincerely,
Cecelia Peirano
Elementary Coordinator, OSSB
Submitted Cheryl Malone