Washington State School for the Blind is proud to offer our short-course program for the 2019-2020 school year in specific areas of need for blind and visually impaired students.
- Short courses are offered at no charge for Washington State students and focus on the important Expanded Core Curriculum designed for students blind/visually impaired.
- Short course students arrive late Sunday and depart at noon on Friday. Students will stay on campus with WSSB students in our supervised cottages with meals supplied on/off campus depending on events.
- Roundtrip transportation by WSSB via charter bus along I-5 corridor or airline flight to Portland International Airport with transport to/from our campus.
- Courses will include mandatory recreation, emphasis on self-determination and self-advocacy, self-management, as well as a focus on transition after high school.
- In addition, short-courses will include a dedicated portion of the day for students to work on their classwork they miss while attending the program.
Who is eligible:
Middle and high school students who are at or near grade level. Students will receive instruction from a Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. Students can participate in 2 courses per school year.
For more information, please contact Jeff Bowler at 360-947-3367, or e-mail jeff.bowler@wssb.wa.gov.
2019 -2020 WSSB Short Courses Offered
-September 16 -20 Low Vision Access
Apply by August 23rd
Where assistive technology and compensatory access meet -providing modern tools, tips, and techniques toward increased access to the world of the low vision student.
-October 14 -18 Cane Camp
Apply by September 20th
Students learn a variety of different orientation and mobility skills in this week-long motivational course teaching safe, efficient, and effective movement through various environments. Camping gear not required!
-November 4 -8 Cooking
Apply by October 11th
Learn about new strategies and tools for visually impaired cooks to create joy from the kitchen -just in time to help with holiday cooking.
-December 9 -13 Assistive Technology
Apply by November 15th
Whether working with Google or JAWS, we’ve got you covered with that extra boost you may need to make your technology start working for you.
–January 13 -17 Social Skills (Middle School)
Apply by December 23rd
One of our most popular classes, and a great class for middle school youth to learn how to act appropriately in different situations, make new friends, and use effective social communication skills.
-February 3 -7 Independent Living Skills
Apply by January 13th
A course that teaches you about independent living skills that are off the typical path of what you would typically learn about in an ILS class. We cover everything from locating and using a water shut-off valve to stop a flooding toilet -to steps you should take for protection in case of a home fire.
-March 9 -13 Career Education (High School)
Apply by February 17th
Students will have the opportunity to participate in the annual NW Youth Career Expo in Portland, OR where they can learn about interviewing, resumes, soft skills, tricks to begin your career search, visit many booths of NW employers and colleges, etc. This week will be a whirlwind of information and activities for students to move closer toward what they may want to venture toward in life.
–April 6 -10 Middle School Transition (5th/6th graders)
Apply by March 16th
Transitioning from elementary to middle school can be a real challenge with different environments, schedule structures, and expectations. This course to include compensatory access, assistive technologies, orientation and mobility, self-determination, and other useful tips learned through shadowing WSSB middle school students, presentations, activities, and discussions.
-May 18 -22 Social Skills (High School)
Apply by April 27th
Learn about effective social communication, happiness and self-esteem, cooperative skills, dating etiquette, employment soft skills, and more tailored to high school youth. Held during the Lions Track Meet.
*Registration beyond deadlines to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis