Education Program
The SDSBVI provides a full academic program, kindergarten through high school, with special emphasis given to adapting teaching materials and teaching methods to meet the needs of visually impaired students.
The curriculum blends academic coursework and practical skills to enable our students to attain maximum independence. We offer coursework in independent travel, Braille, activities of daily living, low vision utilization, use of specialized equipment, and preparation for employment.
Each student has an IEP that addresses educational and social needs as well as disability-specific needs.
The Functional Skills Program is designed for students with one or more additional handicapping conditions, this curriculum presents materials in small, sequential steps.
Each individually designed program focuses on daily living and self-help skills, pre-vocational skills, functional academics, communication and social/leisure-time skills.
Special assistance: The following are among the specialized services and programs available to our students:
Community learning: In addition to on-campus educational opportunities, courses and activities within the city of Aberdeen expand our students' educational and personal experiences. Community- based instruction provides practical applications for learning. Students may take classes in the Aberdeen public and parochial schools, Hub Area Technical School and Northern State University. The SDSBVI uses community resources to supplement the services provided by its staff. Work experiences with job coaches (if needed) are emphasized.
Guidance and counseling: Our full-time school counselor ensures that every student benefits from the range of available services. In cooperation with parents, teachers, case managers, outside agencies and other school staff, the counselor works to help each student to become an independently functioning adult.
Speech therapy: An on-staff speech/language pathologist works with the educational team to plan an appropriate program for students in need of speech therapy. Students meet with the therapist individually or in small groups depending on their needs. The speech/language pathologist works closely with the teaching staff to encourage carry-over in the classroom and to ensure a coordinated program.
Residential program: The SDSBVI offers the option of residential services to students. This program is designed to complement the educational program, with those activities normally learned in the home included on the IEP. Personal care skills, caring for belongings, social, leisure and recreational skills are included. Dormitory case managers work with teachers to ensure carry-over consistency.