James Howard Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)

James Howard VRC James first realized his calling to support people with disabilities while working as a nursing aide in a summer employment opportunity, while studying Business Law BA Hons at the University of Stirling in Scotland. “Working in a nursing home I was honestly shocked at the lack of empathy and compassion from some staff. The quality of care was not what I was expecting.  At that moment, I realized that individuals disadvantaged and marginalized needed strong advocacy and support.” Originally from the UK, James migrated to Maine in 2001.  After moving to Maine James worked for a profit and non-profit organization.  The dream job as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) came along in 2006 with the State of Maine – and has worked as a VRC ever since.  “I love my job because I meet such fantastic people that have gone, or going through significant adversity with loss of vision.  I‘m afforded the opportunity to support individuals gain greater levels of independence, particularly achieving successful employment outcomes.” James started working with individuals who are blind and visually impaired (BVI) in June 2015.  James takes a holistic approach to rehabilitation counseling.  “I look at the whole picture of the individual. I look at the social situation, financial, housing issues, transportation barriers, and level of blind rehab skill needs”. “Some individuals with vison loss may not have had positive employment opportunities.  I help coordinate blind rehab skill service delivery to support the individual with employment and independent living needs”  “The benefits of employment whether its 2 hours a week, or 40 hours a week is significant for an individual and improves their self-worth, self-esteem, and empowers greater levels of independence.”

David Peralta Blind Soccer Player

Interview with Argentina's soccer player David Peralta, a forward, who lost his vision at age 5.

Day Two, More Highlights!!

Athletes Tyler and Ayden observe as Davaugh climbs rope in gymnastics with staff.

 

Ayden flips onto mat! 

 

Athletes Donovan and Carter demonstrate the use of adaptations in swimming races followed by instructor Kim Stumph. 

MOBALE Sports Camp Day Two Highlights

Today has been a fun filled day with track and field events, goalball, swimming, gymnastics, rock climbing, wrestling and bowling!

We’ve been lucky enough to have great weather for all events!

Summer Sports Camp Day One!

After the motion class, where athletes learn the basic dynamic of movement, we took off for archery! Athletes followed instructions of Camp Tracy Staff and had the opportunity to try adaptations. 

A big first this year, soccer! All athletes enjoyed learning new skills lead by James Howard, from DBVI.

Spring MOBALE Newsletter!

PLANS UNDERWAY FOR 2018 SUMMER SPORTS EDUCATION CAMP
June 20-23!

Newsletter:  Vol. 2, No. 1 – April, 2018

 Download a copy of the Spring MOBALE Newsletter

Despite a sneak preview of summer in February, winter reappeared with a vengeance in March! But, the MOBALE board is in the mood for summer and the 2018 Camp. This year’s SEC will once again be held in Waterville, Maine at Camp Tracy and the Alfond Center, June 20-23. We hope to be adding soccer to an exciting array of sports which include beep baseball, archery, wrestling, swimming, gymnastics, martial arts, rock climbing, bowling, track and field and goal ball. For many visually impaired youth, the MOBALE sports camp is the only time they get to fully participate in an organized group sport that is adapted for their unique needs. They also learn about individual sports that can become a life-long opportunity for fun ways to achieve health and fitness. Visually impaired youth in grades 3-12 may register at www.mobale.org.

 WHAT MAKES US RUN? and jump and climb and…

DONATIONS, SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS!

Although the actual cost is over $600 per athlete, MOBALE is proud to offer the Sports Education Camp to visually impaired and blind youth of New England at no personal cost. Sponsors and donors provide financial resources for equipment, lodging and meals for the athletes.

 LITTLE THINGS REALLY CAN ADD UP - WHAT YOUR DONATION CAN MEAN

$15: A Camp tee shirt for one athlete                        

$15: A night of bowling for one athlete

$25: Goalball goggles for one athlete                       

$20: A soccer ball with bells inside

$13: Elbow pads for one athlete                           

$15: Knee pads for one athlete

It’s easy to donate with PAYPAL!    https://www.paypal.me/MobaleT

                 

OR  Choose any amount-let us choose the equipment: send a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card  Send to:   MOBALE SPORTS   - 225 Chase St  -  Readfield, MAINE  - 04355

ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE: MOBALE partners with Hannaford CLYNK, bottle return.  Contact Michelle at 207-208-6354 for labels.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A VOLUNTEER?

2016 Volunteer of the Year, Cheryl Gannon, can answer that question. “The first time I was asked to volunteer, I said, “I’m too old for that! But, I relented, and by the end of the 4 days, I found out I was NOT too old .In fact, I had such a great time, I signed up for next year on the spot!” Cheryl will be back for a 4^th year in 2018. “I can’t think of many more things in life better than seeing a smile on a kid’s face.” As a teacher of students who are blind, Cheryl is in the trenches every day, witnessing the hard work that her students do to keep up with their sighted peers. Many of them struggle in gym class and are not very physically fit since they don’t have the same opportunities to learn by watching or to participate in team sports. SEC provides not only the chance to try out team and individual sports, but it teaches important life skills: teamwork, healthy competition, following directions and perseverance in learning new skills, social interaction, friendship and camaraderie. “I was most impressed with the high expectations conveyed by SEC volunteers and the fact that the kids were referred to as ‘athletes’. The growth, not only in their athletic skill, but also their independence and self-confidence, was amazing.”
 

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED AND WELCOME!  For the safety of the athletes, volunteers must get an online background check and view an online course in safety in youth sports. Find out more information and/or sign up to volunteer on our website.

GET IN TOUCH WITH MOBALE….                                                                 

 WEBSITE: www.mobale.org              

LIKE US on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MOBALEMaine/  

 EMAIL: MobaleSports@gmail.com

2018 MOBALE Winter Sports Education Camp

2018 MOBALE Winter Sports Education Camp

Canceled

MOBALE is pleased to announce our collaboration with the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center and Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation NEVIfest program to facilitate 2018 MOBALE Winter Sports Education Camp.


There are limited spots, so please fill out BOTH application packets (for MOBALE AND MASR) and get that information back to MOBALE ASAP. Deadline for MOBALE to receive your application packets is February 2, 2018.

 MOBALE Application Package

Maine Adaptive Sports and Rec Application Package

Please send your completed packets to:

scan and email:

Mobalesports@gmail.com

or snail mail:

189 Park Ave

Portland, ME 04102

or fax:

207-774-0679

Below is the tentative schedule.

Sunday, February 11

4:00 – 5:30 PM    arrival and check in with MOBALE atAdaptive Outdoor Education
Center (AOEC)

4:30 – 5:45 PM     check in with MASR NEVIfest at theRack

6:00 – 7:00 PM     NEVIfest welcome and Pizza Party at  the Rack

7:15 – 8:15 PM    MOBALE balance class/ pretest

8:30 – 9:00 PM    MOBALE athletes meeting at AOEC

9:00 – 9:30 PM    shower/prepare for bed

9:30 – 10:00 PM    staff meeting

10:00 PM        lights out

Monday, February 12

8:00 – 9:30 AM     continental breakfast at the Lodge

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM   NEVIfest ski instruction

12:00 – 1:00 PM  lunch provided by MOBALE

1:00 – 3:00 PM     NEVIfest ski instruction

4:00 – 5:30 PM     Bowling at the Sugar Bowl in
Carrabassett Valley

6:00 – 7:00 PM    supper at AOEC

7:15 – 8:45 PM    nutrition seminar

9:00 – 9:30 PM    MOBALE athletes meeting

9:30 – 10:00 PM    shower/prepare for bed

9:30 – 10:00 PM    MOBALE staff meeting

10:00             lights out   

Tuesday, February 13

8:00 – 9:30 AM     continental breakfast at the Lodge

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM   NEVIfest ski instruction

12:00 – 1:00 PM lunch provided by MOBALE at AOEC

1:00 – 3:00 PM     Nordic ski instruction/Snowshoeing

4:00 – 5:30 PM     ice skating instruction

6:00 – 7:00 PM    supper at AOEC

7:15 – 8:45 PM    activity and post test

9:00 – 9:30 PM    MOBALE athletes meeting

9:30 – 10:00 PM    shower/prepare for bed

9:30 – 10:00 PM    staff meeting

10:00 PM        lights out

Wednesday, February 14

8:00 – 9:30 AM     Continental Breakfast available in theLodge

9:15 AM         NEVIfest Group Photo

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM  Crothers Challenge and Ski Clinics

12:00 – 1:00 PM     MOBALE awards party and farewell