VIDBE-Q 2025 Volume 70 Issue 1
Nominated by Katie Ericson
Dr. Lauren Lieberman is the founder of Camp Abilities. Through her work
with Camp Abilities, Dr. Lieberman encourages children and young adults with
visual impairments and deafblindness to fully participate in adapted sport and
recreation. Through these experiences, these children and young adults also learn
about the Expanded Core Curriculum and develop strong leadership skills, which
they often apply in every aspect of their lives. From its start in Brockport, Camp
Abilities has grown to serve athletes and coaches in almost 20 states and
internationally. Students who participate in Camp Abilities often return as leaders,
and coaches often become leaders in the adapted physical education and vision
fields.
Dr. Lieberman also helps prepare future adapted PE teachers and advocates
for individuals with visual impairments in her role as a Distinguished Service
Professor in Adapted Physical Education at SUNY Brockport. Her role of
professor extends beyond the classroom though. She ensures that her students have
experience working and partnering with individuals with visual impairments. She
Distinguished Service Award:
Lauren Lieberman
