Summer Programs 2008

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 8-27 and July 6-25 on the campus at the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Aberdeen , SD.

Who may attend and the cost?

Students who are blind or visually impaired, 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
• Career Education
• Community Based Instruction
• Recreation and Leisure
• Social Interaction
• Self-Determination
• Sensory Efficiency

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 to better prepare them for independence. During our Summer Program we can include many of the following experiences.

• Assistive Technology (electronic magnification, screen magnification, screen reading, scanning and reading, and refreshable Braille)
• Career Education/Transition (career exploration, job seeking skills, job shadowing and work experiences)
• Compensatory Academic Skills , including communication (skills needed to access the academic curriculum including concept development, spatial awareness, listening skills, communication mode, and modes for reading and writing (Braille, large print, tactile symbols, recorded materials)
• Independent Living Skills (personal hygiene, food preparation, clothing care, shopping, accessing community services, self-advocacy, money management, time management, and organizational skills)
• Orientation and Mobility (cane use, community travel, mobility aids, and public transportation)
• Recreation and Leisure Skills (fitness, sports, games, boating, bowling, movies, board games, and swimming)
• Self-Determination Skills (self-advocacy skills that will help a student develop problem-solving skills to interact effectively with others to get things done)
• Sensory Efficiency Skills (learning to use all senses; visual, auditory and tactual)
• Social Interaction Skills (getting along with others)

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 needs the “Skills of Blindness” to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), the Summer Program offered at the SDSBVI can be considered for an Extended School Year (ESY) Program.

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:

• a copy of his/her IEP or 504 Plan
• copies of the most recent evaluations and/or progress reports in any of the following areas: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Orientation & Mobility, Adaptive Physical Education, Speech/Language, Braille/Tactile Skills, Career Exploration, Recreation & Leisure, Assistive Technology, Activities of Daily Living, and Social Interaction Skills.

Transition Week (July 27 - August 1)

The SD Rehabilitation Center for the Blind in Sioux Falls will be sponsoring a Transition Week July 27- August 1. There will be a variety of activities to promote vocational learning and independence with fun filled evening activities. This is a great way to introduce students to the skills of blindness and careers planning. Students stay at the University of Sioux Falls, Sullivan Faith Living Center and attend classes at SDRC. For more information or to enroll, contact your SBVI Counselor, Dawn Backer at the Rehabilitation Center (1-800-658-5441 or 605-367-5260) or Sue Birrenkott at SDSBVI (1-888-275-3814 or 605-626-2580) .

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, toll-free 1-888-275-3814, or by email at lameed@sdsbvi.northern.edu.

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 57401-7699

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