WASHINGTON STATE SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATORS

 

The purpose of this Institute is to provide public school personnel who are, or will be, working with a visually impaired or blind (VI/Blind) 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 27th –August 1st, 2008

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 if you have questions.

 

Cost:  $350.  This fee also includes lodging, a great daily breakfast, snacks and a barbeque. 

 

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 about 45 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 strands so that your learning can be personalized to meet the needs of your particular student(s).   The strands include Birth – 5, Elementary, Middle and High School, and Multiple disabilities.  Approximately 25% of your Institute time will be spent in individualized strands.

 

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.

 

These are some of the topics that will be addressed: 

­     Adapting Environments & Materials

­     Assessment

­     Assistive Technology

­     Braille and other Literacy Media

­     Daily Living and Self-help Skills

­     Low Vision Aids

­     Physical Education

­     Social Skills & Vision Loss

­     The Eye & Vision Disorders

­     Travel Skills – Orientation and Mobility

­     Vision Loss & Learning

­     Your Role in the Classroom

 

Special Notes 

·         On Wednesday, July 30th, 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! 

·         A panel of VI/blind adults and students will talk about their experiences in both public and residential schools.

 

 

REGISTER EARLY!  ONCE WE RECEIVE YOUR REGISTRATION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE MAILED TO YOU!

 

Registration form HERE (Word Doc)

 

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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