The purpose of this Institute is to provide public school personnel who are, or will be, working with a blind or visually impaired (BVI) child in their local school, with foundational knowledge, skills and experiences that will allow the participant to understand the impact of vision loss on learning. At the end of this unique, fun and fascinating Institute, participants realize that, under the direction of a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, they have the ability and confidence to provide appropriate instruction, assessment, strategies and interventions that will allow the VI/Blind student to thrive, blossom, achieve and succeed.
When: July 25th – July 30th, 2010
Where: WA State School for the Blind, Vancouver WA
Contact Information: Call Dee Amundsen at 360-696-6321 X124 or email dee.amundsen@wssb.wa.gov
Cost: $350. In addition to 5 days of instruction, this fee also includes lodging, a great daily breakfast, snacks and a barbeque.
Scholarships: Fifteen (15) $150 scholarships will be awarded, thanks to a generous grant from The Gibney Family Foundation. To apply, please fill out requested information on the Summer Institute registration form.
Lodging: Lodging is included in the registration fee. Participants stay in the modern, air- conditioned cottages on campus that WSSB students reside in during the school year. Each cottage has a full kitchen, private bedrooms, community bathroom and living room. Men and women will have separate residences.
Who should attend: Any person who works with visually impaired or blind children in public school and has had limited experience or education in the field of blindness. Typically participants include: teachers (classroom and special education), paraprofessionals, OT, PT and speech and language specialists, administrators, school psychologists and other related service personnel.
Institute Format: This institute is limited to 50 participants. We have seven core staff and several guest presenters. All instructors are highly experienced and educated in the field of visual impairment and blindness. We start each day as a large group with breakfast and some group instruction. Instruction includes some lecture but we believe that learning is best supported for participants by having as many hands-on, experiential learning opportunities as possible. Throughout the week we will also break into smaller groups so that your learning can be personalized to meet the needs of your particular student(s).
Credits/clock hours: This Institute is available for 3 credits or 33 clock hours from Seattle Pacific University. Cost for clock hours ($45) and credits ($129) are additional.
Travel Skills – Orientation and Mobility
The Eye & Vision Disorders
Vision Loss & Learning
Adapting Environments & Materials
Assistive Technology
Physical Education
Social Skills & Vision Loss
Daily Living and Self-help Skills
Your Role in the Classroom
Assessment
Braille and other Literacy Media
Low Vision Aids
On Wednesday, July 28th, classes are over at noon to allow participants an afternoon and evening to explore this beautiful area of Washington on their own. Shopping and dining in Portland, a trip to the Oregon coast or a trip to the Mt. St. Helens Visitor’s Center have all been popular activities.
Experience a night out for dinner at a local restaurant while under the sleep shade!
Meet and listen to panels of VI/blind students and adults talk about their experiences in both public and residential schools.