Elementary Summer Enrichment Program

Application Form Program Descriptions

Navigating the lockers at TSBVI

Preparing breakfast

Field Trips both educational and fun

Singing and having fun with friends

Students in this program practice and apply skills they have learned at home and at school, within the context of enjoyable activities. In past summers students have enjoyed activities such as touring a guitar factory, traveling to a grocery store to purchase ingredients and then making rock candy from scratch, participating in yoga lessons, and making a video about friends. Each class is built around a high-interest theme for this age level such as “Project H₂O,” “Fun and Fitness,” The Next Food Network Star,” “Cracking the Clues,” “Austin Exploration,” and “Focus on Friends.”

Students have opportunities to practice using math, literacy, and technology skills, social skills, and skills of independent living, as they make and follow schedules and shopping lists, manage a simple budget, keep up with belongings, organize a work place, measure ingredients, write thank-you letters, and get along with others.

An invaluable part of the program is the opportunity to interact with other students with visual impairments. Sharing experiences about the challenges they face at home and school can alleviate feelings of isolation and increase confidence. Students often begin early friendships that continue for years.

Two-Week Session (Ages 6-12):

Sunday, July 1 - Thursday, July 12

The two-week elementary program offers classes for students who are functioning on or close to grade level. Students who are functioning 2-3 years below grade level, but whose social and independent living skills allow them to fully participate in class activities with their age peers, may also apply. Students will be grouped into small, self-contained classrooms with peers who are functioning at a similar level of ability. These classes are appropriate for students who:

• Are largely independent in their dressing, eating, toileting, and hygiene abilities
• Do not have challenging behaviors that interfere with instruction of self or others
• Are able to complete the full two-week program. If you know that you cannot stay for the complete program, please discuss this with the program coordinator listed below or describe your situation in the Additional Information section of the application

Students who do not meet these criteria should apply for the Life Skills Camps rather than the Elementary Summer Enrichment Programs.

Transition to Middle School Classes: During the two-week session, students who are entering Middle School in the fall are usually placed into one of our classes addressing issues and skills related to the challenging transition to middle school. This class addresses topics such as: personal organization (managing lockers, backpacks, papers, time and deadlines); self advocacy (explaining your needs to teachers and other students, conflict resolution); social skills (caring for personal appearance; etiquette, initiating conversations and meeting new people); adaptive tools and technology (exposure to scanning software, magnification systems, and homework and classroom aids); orientation and mobility (changing classes, negotiating crowded hallways), and independent living (breakfast/snack preparation, nutrition). This is a unique opportunity for students to practice some of the expectations they will face during the upcoming school year, and boost their confidence in dealing with new issues and challenges.

For information about program content on the 2 week session, contact
Cindy Bachofer
(512) 206-9429
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For information about program content on the 1 week sessions, contact
Jenny Bae
(512) 206-9446
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For information about the application process, contact
Cathy Olsen
(512) 206-9182
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