Children Tune In To TV Tune Out 

Winnetka, IL? More than 50 boisterous and curious voices filled the halls of The 
Hadley School for the Blind, Tuesday, March 7, for the 12th Annual TV Tune Out 
event sponsored by The Winnetka Alliance for Early Childhood. 

The event was held Tuesday, March 7th with more than 50 kids and adults exploring 
Hadley and wanting to learn more about blindness. 

“It really is a tremendous event and an excellent opportunity for Hadley to show the 
community what we do and what it is like to be visually impaired,” said Susan 
Dennison, Hadley’s Director of Communications.

When participants first arrived, they were offered the chance to put on blindfolds 
and be led through Hadley’s halls while listening for various office sounds. Children 
and their parents also visited activity stations featuring: games, braille, technology 
and sound effects. At the games station children could play a variety of games 
produced in braille including, play cards, Connect Four, Chess and Scrabble 
amongst many others. At the braille station, children could have their name or a 
message brailled to take home. The technology station demonstrated how blind 
people use a specially adapted computer that reads aloud what is being typed or 
shown on the screen. The sound effects station gave everyone a sample of everyday 
sounds that are important to listen for such as cars or animals.

Visitors also tried on goggles that simulated various visual impairments and learned 
how guide dogs and canes help blind people move around. A scavenger hunt quiz 
offered the opportunity to learn more about Hadley and blindness and when finished 
they went home with a free McDonald’s dessert coupon. 

“We are always happy to have people visit Hadley and learn more about the 
amazing services and programs Hadley offers,” Dennison said. 

TV Tune Out is a week-long event with over 30 schools in Winnetka, Northfield 
and North Shore communities participating. It involves families, schools and various 
organizations and businesses working together to provide activities that celebrate 
kids and the community in which they live.