The 22nd International Camp on Communication and Computers (ICC) took place in Dresden, Germany for 10 days this summer. This is a key date in the VICTA diary, and we are thrilled to be the UK representative and give seven young people the chance to attend this great event.
Many of you may be thinking, ‘But what is ICC?’ As the name suggests, a key part of the camp is computers and communication, specifically technology that enables people who are blind or partially sighted people to access everything that is available to their sighted peers. However, ICC is about far more than just computers. It is a chance for visually impaired youth from countries all over Europe (and Japan) to come together, make friends and grow in knowledge and confidence. It’s a chance to share and enjoy cultural differences and similarities, as well as finding out what life is like for others in different countries with a similar condition.
In addition to the computing workshops, there were helpful workshops on CV writing and interview skills, presentation skills and first aid. There were also personal interest workshops, including one about fossils, travelling as a visually impaired person, intimacy and self-defence.
One key part of ICC, once the ‘educational’ aspect is over, is the social time and leisure activities – a big hit with all our participants. Particularly popular activities included tandem riding, horse riding, blind football and speed dating!
Everyone who was part of the VICTA ICC Delegation had a brilliant time, learning many new things, making new friends and generally having fun! I’ll leave some of our participants to have the final word:
“This has given me the confidence to excel just as much as my sighted colleagues. Overall, the camp was enjoyable but also enriching and I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to take part in such a special project.”
“ICC was incredible! I attended many workshops where I learnt new things which I can use in the future. I have made some amazing life-long friends from around-the-world via ICC.”
“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say this has been one of the best trips of my life. I feel that I have learnt and experienced so much over the past few days and I am sure I have come away a more confident and happier person as a result.”
“10 days with you (at ICC) has reversed almost all the damage done by three years at University. I feel more centred than I have in years.”
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