When people hear about a youth socialization event for the blind or visually impaired, they often wonder what that actually looks like. For Ronda Girardi, a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist at AVRE and the passionate organizer of these gatherings, the answer is simple: It looks like joy, growth, and discovery. Ronda believes every child deserves the chance to experience the world - sighted or not.
It’s natural for parents and loved ones to want to protect children from harm. But sometimes, that protection can unintentionally limit their opportunity to explore and grow. That’s where our youth socialization events come in - creating safe, empowering spaces for kids to try new things, build confidence, and connect with others.
Our activities have included everything from bowling and planting seeds to joining parades, decorating cookies, making s’mores, and carving pumpkins. But one of the most beloved experiences takes place at Homeview Farms, owned by Tina Turner, a professional horse trainer and rider with over 50 years of experience. Tina has a special passion for working with children in foster care and those with special needs, introducing them to the world of horses and farming.
Her son Dylan, a recent Mansfield University graduate with a degree in special education, has been training alongside her for over 15 years. Together, they teach youth and families about nature, animals, and the environment in a hands-on, inclusive way. Assisting them is Nancy O'Dell-Taft, a soon-to-be-retired reading teacher and lifelong horse enthusiast who coordinates farm activities and recently earned her certification in equine therapy alongside Tina.
At a recent event on the farm, youth had the opportunity to independently ride a horse named LuLu, a “bomb-proof” horse known for her calm demeanor and responsiveness only to clear commands. This allowed the children to explore the horse through touch and trust. They learned important horse-handling techniques - like calming their heart rate before approaching and never coming from behind - all with a focus on safety. The farm is also home to several other horses, including mini-horses, offering even more interaction and learning.
During the same visit, the youth also built bird boxes to hang in their home areas, giving birds a safe place to nest. This hands-on project introduced them to a variety of tools - each one adapted for accessibility. Dylan guided them through the building process, adjusting his teaching methods to each child’s vision level. For example, one youth unfamiliar with how a drill and bit worked was taught through safe, hand-over-hand instruction.
This program is about more than riding and building - it’s about empowerment. It helps each youth realize they are capable of more than they imagined. It builds confidence, encourages independence, and nurtures essential life skills like social interaction, appropriate behaviors, and self-advocacy. Parents get to witness their children thrive in an environment designed to inspire and include.
The program is generously funded by the New York State Commission for the Blind and AVRE, and we always welcome donations - whether of time, talent, or monetary support.
If you know a youth who is legally blind and would benefit from these incredible experiences, please contact Jackie Geary at (607) 724-2428. We’d love to welcome them to our community.
