Summer Programs 2006
What?
The SDSBVI Extended School Year Summer Program will bring together blind and visually impaired students from across South Dakota for learning and fun.
Where and When?
The program will be held June 12-30 and July 10-28 on the campus at the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Aberdeen , SD.
Who may attend and the cost?
Blind or visually impaired students, ages 6-21, who reside in South Dakota , may attend free of charge. Students residing outside of the state may attend on a tuition basis.
Educational Opportunities
The South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired located in Aberdeen , SD offers a variety of programs and services designed to serve the educational needs of students from birth to twenty-one years of age who are blind, visually impaired and/or multihandicapped.
Within the on-campus program special emphasis is given to adapting teaching materials and methodologies to meet the needs of each student. The curriculum blends academic coursework and practical skills to enable each student to attain their maximum independence.
Training is also provided in:
• Orientation and Mobility
• Braille
• Assistive Technology
• Independent Living Skills
• Career Education
• Community Based Instruction
• Recreation and Leisure Skills
Expanded Core Curriculum Training
The curriculum is designed for students who are blind or visually impaired, with emphasis being placed on training in the “Expanded Core Curriculum” areas. In addition to the traditional academic subjects, students who are blind or visually impaired need to learn specific skills which address individual learning modes to help better prepare them for independence. During our Summer Program we will include many of the following experiences.
Orientation and Mobility (cane use, community travel, mobility aids, and public transportation)
Independent Living Skills (personal hygiene, food preparation, clothing care, shopping, accessing community services, self-advocacy, money management, time management, and organizational skills)
Assistive Technology (electronic magnification, screen magnification, screen reading, scanning and reading, and refreshable Braille)
Compensatory Academic Skills (communication concept development, spatial awareness, organizational skills, reading and writing)
Social Interaction Skills (getting along with others)
Recreation and Leisure Skills (fitness, sports, games, boating, bowling, movies, board games, and swimming)
Career Education (career exploration, job seeking skills, job shadowing and work experiences)
Visual Efficiency Skills (optical devices in both the classroom and community)
Each student's summer program needs to be coordinated with his/her IEP or 504 Plan. If your child's team determines that he/she would benefit from the “Skills of Blindness”, the Summer Program offered at the SDSBVI can be used to provide those educational services are provided.
A student may attend one week or any combination of 1 to 6 weeks.
If your child is accepted in our Summer Program, we will need:
Specialty Week—July 24-28
Transition : Students age 14-21 yrs old will focus on career opportunities and the “world of work”. Activities will include touring businesses and interviewing employers, identifying strengths and abilities, and matching students to possible jobs. Special emphasis will be on learning self-advocacy skills. In addition, several guest speakers will share their knowledge and expertise on blindness and disability issues. Students will also be given a tour of Northern State University and meet with staff in the Admissions and Disability Services departments.
How do I get more information?
For more details or if you have questions, please feel free to contact Dawn LaMee at (605) 626-2580 or 1-888-275-3814.
Note: Registrations should be completed by April 1, 2006
To sign your child up for the SUMMER PROGRAM complete the Registration Form and return to:
Dawn LaMee, Liaison for Services
SDSBVI
423 17th Avenue SE
Aberdeen SD 57401