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 Three Summer Sports Camp...Karate!!

Check out Mason’s new moves!!!

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.

Sports Camp 2018 Schedule

 

 Please note: Sports Camp schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions and availability of facilities. Download Summer Sports Schedule 2018.

Wednesday  June 20

1030 Volunteers arrive @ Camp Tracy lodge– check in and gather for meeting;  302 McGrath Pond, Oakland, ME

12-1 volunteer meeting @ Camp Tracy lodge, bring your own lunch

1-2 athlete check in and orientation @ Camp Tracy lodge

2-230 pre-camp interview @ Camp Tracy cabins

3-4 Pre-camp physical test @ Camp Tracy soccer field

4-5 Motion class with athletes @ Camp Tracy lodge (all volunteers and athletes)

5-5:45 dinner @ Camp Tracy lodge

6-7– archery @ Camp Tracy

7:15-8:45– Soccer @ Camp Tracy

915-9:45 athletes meeting @ Camp Tracy cabins

9:45-1015 shower and bed

1015-10:45 staff meeting @ Camp Tracy

Thursday  June 21

6:45-7:15 wake-up

730-8 breakfast @ Camp Tracy

830-10 track and field – track @ Waterville High School (30 min); 1 Brooklyn Ave, Waterville

Running – group 1

Discuss/shot put – group 2

Long/running jump – group 3

(Set up Goalball)

1030-12 Goalball @Alfond Center – all athletes (Goalball pre-test)

12-1245 lunch @ Alfond Center, 126 North St, Waterville, ME

1-3 Alfond Center

gymnastic – group 1

Swimming – group 2

3-4

Rock climbing – all athletes

415-545 Wrestling @ Alfond Center – all athletes

545-630 dinner @ Alfond Center

7-8:30 bowling @ Augusta Spare Time Bowling

215 Whitten Rd, Hallowell, ME 04347 623-6000; Donna Bowden

915-9:45 athlete meeting @ Camp Tracy

9:45-10:15 shower and bed time

10:15 staff meeting

Friday June 22

6:45-7:15 Wake-up

730-8 breakfast @ Camp Tracy

830-10 track and field – track @ Waterville High School (30 min)

Running – group 1

Discuss/shot put – group 2

Long/running jump – group 3

1030-12 Goalball @ Alfond Center – all athletes

12-1245 lunch @ Alfond Center

1-4 Alfond Center (60 min)

1-2 Martial Arts – everyone together (1 hr)

2-3 Zumba - everyone together (1 hr)

3-4 Martial Arts – everyone together (1 hr)

4-530 Wrestling @Alfond Center – all athletes

5:30-6 dinner @ Alfond Center

615-815 Wrestling competition @ Alfond Youth Center

(Post camp interview)

845-9:45 athletes meeting @ Camp Tracy

9:45-10:15 showers and bed

10:15 staff meeting

Saturday  June 24

6:45-7:15 Wake-up

730-8 breakfast @ Camp Tracy

830-10 Track and Field Competition @ Waterville High School (post camp eval.)

1030-1130 karate competition @ Alfound Center

1130-1230 Goalball Competition @ Alfond Center (post camp eval)

12:30-2 Award Ceremony/lunch @ Alfond Center