Short Courses

Welcome to the WSSB Short Course Program!

Our Short Course offerings provide an enriching experience for blind and low vision students to immerse themselves in a supportive and engaging environment at the WSSB. Through hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and collaborative projects, students will develop essential skills that will empower them not only during their time at WSSB but also as they transition back to their home schools.

With a focus on fostering independence, confidence, and social connections, our courses are designed to equip students with the tools they need to thrive in their journeys in school and life.

2024-25 School Year Short Courses

O&M Focus: Discover, Navigate, Advocate: A Week of Adventure and Growth October 13 - 18

Discover, Navigate, Advocate: A Week of Adventure and Growth

Join us for an exciting one-week Short Course at the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) campus in Vancouver, WA, designed specifically for middle and high school students who are blind or have low vision.

Course Details:
• Dates: October 13-18, 2023
• Location: WSSB Campus, Vancouver, WA
• Age Group: Middle and High School Students
• Registration Deadline: October 2, 2023

What to Expect:
Immerse yourself in a dynamic program focused on Orientation & Mobility, Advocacy, and Adventure. This course offers a unique blend of skill-building activities and exciting experiences, including:

Community Travel: Enhance your independence and confidence in navigating various environments. Recreation Activities: Explore accessible and fun recreational opportunities. White Cane Day Celebrations: Participate in school-wide activities promoting awareness and independence. Peer Engagement: Connect with other blind and low vision students from across the region.

 

Important Notes:
• All required paperwork must be submitted by the October 2nd deadline.
• This course runs adjacent to the Department of Services for the Blind's Goalball Leadership Summit on October 18th, offering an excellent opportunity for extended learning and networking.

Don't miss this chance to boost your skills, make new friends, and embark on an unforgettable adventure! Register today to secure your spot in this transformative Short Course.

For more information please contact office@wssb.wa.gov 

Highlights:
• Hands-on Orientation & Mobility training
• Self-advocacy workshops
• Adventure-based learning experiences
• Opportunities to build lasting friendships

What's Cooking? Independent Living Skills November 17 - 22 

Join us for an exciting one-week Short Course at the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) campus in Vancouver, WA, designed to empower blind and low vision middle and high school students to become culinary masters in their own kitchens.

Course Details:
• Dates: November 17-22, 2024
• Location: WSSB Campus, Vancouver, WA
• Target Age Group: Middle and High School Students
• Registration Deadline: October 31, 2024

What to Expect:
Immerse yourself in a dynamic program focused on Independent Living Skills with a culinary twist. This course offers a unique blend of skill-building activities and delicious experiences, including:

Fundamental Cooking Techniques: Learn essential skills tailored to your unique needs. Kitchen Safety: Develop crucial knife skills and safety expertise. Recipe Mastery: Discover easy-to-follow recipes designed for success in your home kitchen. Meal Planning and Shopping: Gain confidence in organizing your kitchen, planning meals, and grocery shopping.

Highlights:
• Hands-on guidance from skilled instructors
• Practical independent cooking skills
• Mastery of impressive recipes to share with friends and family
• Deeper appreciation for the joys of cooking

Important Notes:
• All required paperwork must be submitted by the October 31st deadline.
• Students will have the opportunity to showcase their newly acquired skills at the end of the course.

Don't miss this chance to boost your culinary skills, make new friends, and embark on a flavorful adventure! Register today to secure your spot in this transformative Short Course.

Living Large with Low Vision, December 8 - 13 (Registration is Closed)

Join us for an empowering one-week Short Course at the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) campus in Vancouver, WA, designed to help blind and low vision middle and high school students build essential life skills, explore new tools, and embrace their unique identities with confidence and pride.

Course Details:
• Dates: December 8-13, 2024
• Location: WSSB Campus, Vancouver, WA
• Target Age Group: Middle and High School Students
• Registration Deadline: November 22, 2024 (assumed; please adjust if different)

What to Expect:
Immerse yourself in a dynamic program focused on living life to the fullest with low vision. This course offers a unique blend of skill-building activities and empowering experiences, including:

Peer Connection: Engage with a supportive community of students who share similar experiences. Open Discussions: Participate in insightful conversations about living with low vision. Practical Strategies: Learn effective techniques for navigating the world with low vision. Assistive Technology: Explore tools and technologies that enhance independence.

 

Highlights:
• • Hands-on experience with various assistive technologies
• Self-advocacy and empowerment workshops
• Opportunities to build lasting friendships

Important Notes:
• All required paperwork must be submitted by the registration deadline.
• This course is designed to help you thrive and celebrate your unique identity as an individual with low vision.

Don't miss this chance to unlock your potential, make new friends, and embark on a journey of empowerment! Register today to secure your spot in this transformative Short Course.

• Identity and Confidence: Build self-assurance and resilience to embrace your unique identity.

 

Sharpen Your JAWS Skills: Navigate the Digital Ocean with Your Screen Reader January 20 - 24 

Join us for an intensive four-day Short Course at the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) campus in Vancouver, WA, designed to empower blind and low vision middle and high school students to master JAWS screen reader software and elevate their digital journey.

Course Details:

• Dates: January 20-24, 2025 (travel on Monday - MLK Day)
• Location: WSSB Campus, Vancouver, WA
• Target Age Group: Middle and High School Students
• Registration Deadline: January 7, 2025

Prerequisite Skills:

• Basic typing proficiency
• Familiarity with basic computer operations
• Bring their own computers with JAWS
• Familiarity with the JAWS software

 

What to Expect:
Immerse yourself in a dynamic program focused on harnessing the full potential of JAWS screen reader software. This course offers a unique blend of skill-building activities and empowering experiences, including:

Digital Independence: Gain greater autonomy in accessing academic and non-academic content. Advanced JAWS Techniques: Develop proficiency in using JAWS to navigate the digital world. Career Skills: Acquire essential technological skills for future success in a digital-driven world. Peer Engagement: Connect with fellow students who share your passion for technology.

 

Highlights:
• Hands-on training with the latest JAWS software
• Real-world application of JAWS skills
• Career-focused workshops and discussions
• Opportunities to build lasting friendships with tech-savvy peers

Important Notes:
• All required paperwork must be submitted by the January 7, 2025 deadline.
• This course is designed to boost your confidence and independence in the digital age.
• Students should meet the prerequisite skills to fully benefit from the course content.

Don't miss this chance to level up your JAWS skills, make new friends, and unlock a world of digital possibilities! Register today to secure your spot in this transformative Short Course.

• Career Exploration: Discover exciting career opportunities that leverage your JAWS expertise.

 

Chart Your Path to Success: Career and College Readiness March 16 - 21 REGISTRATION IS CLOSED (Inquire about a waitlist)

Join us for an inspiring six-day Short Course at the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) campus in Vancouver, WA, designed to empower blind and low vision middle and high school students to explore higher education and prepare for successful careers.

Course Details:
• Dates: March 16-21, 2025
• Location: WSSB Campus, Vancouver, WA
• Target Age Group: Middle and High School Students
• Registration Deadline: March 4, 2025

What to Expect:
Are you ready to take the first step towards a bright future? In "Career and College Readiness," students will:

Connect with college students who will share their insights and experiences. Learn proven strategies for academic success in higher education. Gain the confidence to navigate your path toward a rewarding career and college experience. Visit a college campus to experience the atmosphere and possibilities firsthand.

 

Highlights:
• Engaging workshops and discussions led by experienced educators and professionals
• Opportunities to build lasting connections with peers and mentors
• Hands-on activities that prepare you for the transition to college and career

Important Notes:
• All required paperwork must be submitted by the March 4, 2025 deadline.
• This course is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful future.

Don’t miss this chance to chart your path to success! Register today to secure your spot in this transformative Short Course.

• Meet with disability support services professionals to understand available resources.

Ignite Your Future: STEM Explorations April 20 - 25 - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Join us for an exciting intensive Short Course at the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) campus in Vancouver, WA, designed to empower blind and low vision middle and high school students to dive into the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Course Details:
• Dates: April 20-25, 2025 
• Location: WSSB Campus, Vancouver, WA
• Target Age Group: Middle and High School Students
• Registration Deadline: April 8, 2025

Course Overview
Are you ready to ignite your future in STEM? In "STEM Explorations," students will:

Engage with professionals in STEM fields who will share their insights and experiences. Participate in hands-on activities that bring STEM concepts to life. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in STEM careers. Collaborate with peers on exciting projects that foster teamwork and innovation.

 

Highlights:
• Interactive workshops and engaging discussions led by experienced educators and industry professionals
• Opportunities to build lasting connections with fellow students and mentors
• Real-world applications of STEM concepts through hands-on experiments and projects

Important Notes:
• All required paperwork must be submitted by the April 8, 2025 deadline.
• This course is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful future in STEM.

Don’t miss this chance to ignite your passion for STEM! Register today to secure your spot in this transformative Short Course.

• Explore various STEM career pathways and understand the skills needed to pursue them.

Embark on Your Middle School Journey: Join "Adventure Awaits: Preparing for Middle School" May 26 - 30 - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Transitioning to middle school is an exciting milestone, and we're here to ensure that blind and low vision 5th and 6th graders are well-equipped for the journey ahead. "Adventure Awaits: Preparing for Middle School" is specifically designed to help students build academic and social skills, empowering them to thrive and become more independent in the middle school environment.

Course Details:
• Dates: May 26-30, 2025
• Location: WSSB Campus, Vancouver, WA
• Target Age Group: 5th and 6th Graders
• Registration Deadline: May 6, 2025

Course Overview
Are you ready to embark on your middle school adventure with confidence? In "Adventure Awaits: Preparing for Middle School," students will:

Learn time-management and organization techniques for a smoother transition. Gain the confidence to navigate a new school environment independently. Connect with classmates who are on the same journey. Develop essential academic skills to excel in their studies.

 

Special Highlight: WSSB's Annual Track Meet!
As an exciting highlight, students in "Adventure Awaits" will have the opportunity to participate in WSSB's annual track meet. This event fosters teamwork, sportsmanship, and friendly competition, providing a memorable experience and the chance to showcase your talents on the track.

Important Notes:
• All required paperwork must be submitted by the May 12, 2025 deadline.
• This course is designed to empower students with the confidence and skills necessary for a successful middle school experience.

Don’t miss this chance to prepare for your middle school adventure! Register today to secure your spot in this transformative Short Course.

• Build strong social skills for positive interactions with peers and teachers.