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Please note that changes have been recently made to this site; the e-mail links will now function correctly, as will all links here on the site. We are sorry for the inconvenience any of these problems have caused you.

Welcome!

Welcome to the home of Young Energetic Students Supporting Independence of the National Federation of the Blind Channel Islands Chapter ( YESSI NFBCIC).

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Pledge of The National Federation Of The Blind

"I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve security, equality, and opportunity for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation, and to abide by its constitution."

"Creative ideas reside in people's minds but are trapped by fear or rejection. Create a judgement-free environment and you'll unleash a torrent of creativity."
Alex Osborne

Our Mission Statement

YESSI is a student group dedicated to providing blind and visually impaired students a safe and comfortable environment in which students can talk freely about matters concerning growing up as a blind child or teen, such as school, family, or simply accepting blindness. As a student support group we strive to assist our members with any of their problems and offer our advice and support when it is needed. YESSI is also a learning experience for blind students, as they learn to take leadership roles in the group. This student support group is by kids and for kids, with the help of three adult advisors, YESSI members conduct business relevant to the welfare of the group independently and efficiently. While offering students a leadership role, YESSI is also a prime example of how capable and talented blind individuals are.

"Change doesn't happen in the middle. It only happens when we venture over to the edge and take one small step after another."
Karen Sheridan

Courtesy Rules Of Blindness

I'm an ordinary person, just blind. You don't need to raise your voice or address me as if I were a child. Don't ask my spouse what I want—"Cream in the coffee?"—ask me.

I may use a long white cane or a guide dog to walk independently; or I may ask to take your arm. Let me decide, and please don't grab my arm; let me take yours. I'll keep a half-step behind to anticipate curbs and steps.

I want to know who's in the room with me. Speak when you enter. Introduce me to the others. Include children, and tell me if there's a cat or dog.

The door to a room or cabinet or to a car left partially open is a hazard to me.

At dinner I will not have trouble with ordinary table skills.

Don't avoid words like "see." I use them, too. I'm always glad to see you.

I don't want pity. But don't talk about the "wonderful compensations" of blindness. My sense of smell, touch, or hearing did not improve when I became blind. I rely on them more and, therefore, may get more information through those senses than you do—that's all.

If I'm your houseguest, show me the bathroom, closet, dresser, window—the light switch, too. I like to know whether the lights are on.

I'll discuss blindness with you if you're curious, but it's an old story to me. I have as many other interests as you do.

Don't think of me as just a blind person. I'm just a person who happens to be blind.

Our Thanks

YESSI was established on April 24 2008, but would have not been if it were not for some key individuals we'd like to take the time to thank. First, YESSI students would like to thank their parents, for sticking with us even when you did not quite understand what we were going through. YESSI would also like to offer a warm thanks to its members; without you we wouldn't exist. Every student involved with YESSI has contributed greatly and that is appreciated. Thanks also goes to the Channel Islands Chapter of the NFB, without you, we may have not had the strength and motivation necessary to pull together this amazing student group. Through our slightly shaky start and our adventurous journey through developing into a functional branch of the Channel Islands Chapter, both our parents, and the CI Chapter have stood by our side one hundred percent, for which we are most grateful.

Where To Go

High school juniors, seniors, and anyone who is college bound, take a look at our college page, as wellas our scholarships page.
Click here for our contact page.
You might also wish to use our resources page, which contains links to commonly utilized sites and programs of the federation, and sites helpful to students, parents, educators, and others. We hope you find this site informative and helpful. Please don't hesitate to direct questions about YESSI and this site to yessi.nfbc.ci.studentgroup@gmail.com.

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