Deaf and blind students in dire need during recession

The average cost to educate a child, in Arizona, is about $5,500.00. Even more if the child has special needs, so schools that rely on donations are in big trouble with this economy. Take for example, local kids who are deaf or blind.

If you look at statistics, 70 percent of all deaf and blind kids will either be unemployed or underemployed. It's why the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind are incorporating art. Circling the child, to find his strengths and preferences.

Jaron Dalton is a Hopi Native who wants to be an artist when he graduates.

He tells Kristi's Kids, "my condition is albinism, so no pigmentation with my skin, hair and eyes. I'm very sensitive to light."

Jaron likes acrylic painting and working with clay. He's one of 50 kids, in the 'Art Shed' program, learning a potential trade.

"Art Shed" teacher, Dawn Smiddy, says "these students come in, and in a year, they learn the names of the tools, the techniques, how it's done. So, if anything, they'll go to college or parks and rec and teach the other fellow artists a thing or two."

According to Rita Weatherhold, the Executive Director of the Arizona Blind & Deaf Childrens Foundation, "They've gotten leadership skills, critical thinking skills, the ability to plan events. They planned an event last year. This year they'll be doing actual marketable art."

Without money, though, "Art Shed" would shut down. Without donations, the 250 to 300 blind and deaf students in Tucson could lose specialized teachers or equipment.

Samuel Ace, the Principal at the School for the Blind, says he offers "brail, orientation and mobility skills, assistive technology and a full school program."

Last year, the Arizona Blind and Deaf Children's Foundation lost 22 percent of its sponsorship. This year, an additional 20 percent cut is expected.

If you'd like to help, you can attend the schools' big fundraiser November 7th @ 6:00 pm at Skyline Country Club.

For more information, click: http://azblinddeafchildren.org/lariats.htm