Thursday, March 12, 2015

Open Your Eyes

In case you missed our big announcement on Open Your Eyes, catch the footage from Channel 5 Great Belize Productions to learn more about Human Echolocation and BCVI!


Rowan, Juan, Carol and Carla explain to viewers Human Echolocation and BCVI's Rehabilitation Programme.


Wednesday, March 11, 2015

A Human Bat

“How cool would it be to be a human bat?!”
– Rowan Garel, Student and BCVI Client
Did you know that it is possible for people to “see” like bats do? Using echolocation techniques, the brain can be trained to see using sonar waves, the way bats can see in the night. This means immense possibilities for people who are blind!
BCVI has the opportunity to help our clients who are blind by teaming up with non-profit organization, World Access for the Blind, led by Daniel Kisch. Daniel, who has been blind since childhood, has been studied by scientists across the globe after displaying the ability to echolocate. Test results show responses in the visual cortex in coordination with clicking sounds Daniel makes to move around. These sounds bounce off of the objects around him and, just like a bat, Daniel is able to see!
In August, an instructor will be coming to Belize to work with three of BCVI’s clients. Rowan Garel (high school student), Juan Reina (primary school student) and Donovan Reneau (radio DJ), all of whom are blind, have been selected to take part in this trial, which is being spearheaded by BCVI and Carol Farneti Foster.
As a non-profit organization and the only source of support for Belizeans who are blind, we need your help to keep the services alive! Your contribution will help provide year-round rehabilitation and educational services to all the people of Belize who are blind. Donations can be made via direct deposit to Belize Bank Account # 71096 or to BCVI at PO Box 525, Belize City.
The BCVI Foundation is now a registered 501(c)3 organization in the US and accepts donations at bcvi.org. You can also send contributions to:
BCVI Foundation c/o Thomas J. Angell
150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60601 Illinois 60603-6145 USA
If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to call us at 604.5438 or email at cmusa.bcvi@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!