Contact: Aga Haupt
Twelve youth ages 9-19 will cruise their way to some new communication skills during a special June 1-6 Mississippi State program.
Camp Jabber Jaw is designed specifically for youngsters who must use computer-like devices to communicate. Coordinated by the university's T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability, this year's residential assembly will adopt a cruise ship theme.
"'Cruising to Camp' will be our sixth annual Jabber Jaw," said camp founder Janie Cirlot-New. Participants "will explore the cultures of Mexico, Italy, Australia, and China through meals and special activities," the Martin Center director added.
While primarily supported through 2004 with state funding, future camps will need private donations to continue, Cirlot-New said.
Jabber Jaw pairs kids who use communication devices to peers with typical speech abilities. Accompanying parents, caregivers and siblings also learn from the structured experiences.
"By being around others who use similar devices, the campers learn to communicate better," Cirlot-New explained. "Most are the only ones in their school districts or communities who use computer-based voice output devices, and this camp helps them interact with others and learn to actively participate in conversations in a timely manner."
In addition to art, dance, crafts, and games, the program involves participants in swimming and horseback riding, among other activities. The 2003 camp culminates with a public play at 10 a.m. on the 6th in the Mitchell Library Small Auditorium.
In addition to Martin Center staff, this year's Jabber Jaw staff includes speech pathology majors from the Mississippi University for Women and the universities of Mississippi and Southern Mississippi. Also assisting are an occupational therapist from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and current and former MSU students with disabilities.
For more information about Camp Jabber Jaw or the T.K. Martin Center, telephone Cirlot-New at (662) 325-1028.