Calendar and Classes

Individualized instruction offers collaborative distance-learning opportunities for TSVIs and their students to develop compensatory skills needed to access their home school curriculum (e.g., JAWS, abacus, VoiceOver). We work with the local Teacher of Visually Impaired Students (TVIS) to come up with individualized objectives that meet the student’s instructional needs. Students participate alongside their TSVI via Zoom video conferencing while remaining in their local community.

For additional information about the content of this section contact Eden Hagelman at [email protected] or 512-206-9176.

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Get ready to engage all your senses in A Taste of TSBVI! This dynamic class offers a vibrant sampling of activities designed to build confidence, independence, and physical wellness. Students will practice essential food preparation skills to whip up delicious snacks with ease. When we aren’t at the chef’s table, we’ll be on the move—exploring self-expression through dance, improving coordination with rhythmic movement, and finding our inner calm through yoga and mindfulness. Whether you’re mastering new steps to make food or finding your flow on the yoga mat, this class is all about celebrating what your body and mind can achieve.

For additional information about the content of this section contact Kathryn Heitman at [email protected] or 512-206-9388, or Savanna Jones at [email protected] or 512-206-9456

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Access to Academic Skills classes teach access skills in a small group setting, usually two to three students with a teacher. The Series classes are designed to offer short and repeated instruction for elementary students. Students must be able to attend all three classes.

Part A: September 7 – 10 (Monday – Thursday)
Part B: October 19 – 22 (Monday – Thursday)
Part C: November 15 – 18 (Sunday – Wednesday)

This year we offer these topics:

• Technology (screen readers, refreshable braille displays, and notetakers)
  • Prerequisite for screen readers: type at least 10 wpm or have a refreshable braille display
• Math (abacus, Nemeth code, tactile graphics, graphing)

For additional information about the content of this section please contact Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512- 206-9361.

Make a Short-Term Programs referral!

Access to Academic Skills classes teach access skills in a small group setting, usually two to three students with a teacher. Math and Assistive Technology are the instructional areas most frequently addressed. This year we offer these topics:

• Technology (screen readers, refreshable braille displays, and notetakers)
  • Prerequisite for screen readers: type at least 10 wpm or have a refreshable braille display
• Math (abacus, Nemeth code, tactile graphics, graphing)
• Low Vision (magnification tools, anatomy of the eye and eye conditions, keyboard shortcuts, academic accommodations)

For more information about the content of this section contact Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512-206-9361.

Make a Short-Term Programs referral!

JAWS for Students and Teachers

Does your student need to boost their JAWS skills? Do you want to support your student in learning JAWS? If so, this joint Student-TSVI class could meet your needs! 

Savanna Jones (TSVI, STP teacher) and Donna Clemons (Assistive Technology Consultant, Outreach) are teaching a class designed to provide simultaneous basic- to intermediate-level JAWS instruction for local TSVIs and their students. We hope to address the ongoing challenge of students maintaining their newly acquired skills by providing extra support and direct instruction to the local TSVIs. Although attending together, students and TSVIs will be in separate groups for most of the instruction. 

Please note: It is required for the student to already have basic keyboarding skills and the ability to type simple sentences at a rate of about 10 wpm. If they are familiar with how to use a braille display attached to a laptop, this can be used in place of the laptop keyboard. Please ensure that the student already has JAWS installed on a computer prior to the weekend class, so that the student can maintain skills after returning home. 

Here are some important logistics to be aware of:

• Students will reside in the dorm while on our campus. We have found that the opportunity to simply be together and share similar challenges can be an invaluable, life-changing experience for students.
• TSBVI will provide housing for TSVIs (location TBD). There will be access to inexpensive meals in our cafeteria. There are also several good restaurants within walking distance from our campus.
• TSBVI will pay transportation and all other costs for students; however, we will not be able to pay transportation costs for staff. Transportation costs would fall to the school district.

For additional information about the content of this section please contact Savanna Jones at [email protected] or 512- 206-9456.

Make a Short-Term Programs referral!

• Access to Academic Skills classes teach access skills in a small group setting, usually two to three students with a teacher. Math and Assistive Technology are the instructional areas most frequently addressed. This year we offer these topics:
  • Technology (screen readers, refreshable braille displays, and notetakers)
    • Prerequisite for screen readers: type at least 10 wpm or have a refreshable braille display
  • Math (abacus, Nemeth code, tactile graphics, graphing)
  • Low Vision (magnification tools, anatomy of the eye and eye conditions, keyboard shortcuts, academic accommodations)

For additional information about the content of this section please contact Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512- 206-9361.

Make a Short-Term Programs referral!

College and Vocational Prep (Parents attend with Students)
This class is designed for students and parents interested in understanding the challenges and considerations involved in preparing for college, choosing a vocational school, or selecting a career path. Former students and parents have shared that they encountered unexpected obstacles they wish they had known about before starting their journey. In this class, we have the opportunity to learn from their experiences. Participants will gain valuable insights into the various factors influencing these critical decisions and will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to navigate this important transition..

• Key topics include:
• Understanding and accessing services available to Blind and Low Vision students
• Navigating the complexities of interacting with service agencies like the Texas Workforce Commission, university disability offices, and financial aid departments
• Selecting a suitable job, vocational school, or college and completing the application processes
• Acquiring assistive technology
• Addressing concerns about college life and finding solutions for unanswered questions
• Enhancing the social experience when students leave high school
• Building and networking with valuable professional and peer contacts
• Gaining insights, tips, and anecdotes from other Blind and Low Vision students (and their parents) currently succeeding in college or working in the community.

Students and their parents/guardians must attend together. Students will be taught by teaching staff in Short-Term Programs while parents will attend a conference portion hosted by the Outreach department. Parents/Guardians will be housed in a hotel off campus. Students will reside in the Short-Term Programs dorm. Families are encouraged to contact their Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) counselor or local school district to request financial assistance with travel and lodging. However, if TWC or local district is unable to provide financial support, TSBVI will cover the costs.

For additional information about this class, contact John Rose at [email protected], or 512-206-9131.

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During this fun and active weekend, students in grades 2–5 will engage in adaptive recreation activities designed to build confidence, independence, and physical fitness.

From tandem biking and track races, to yoga, swimming, and obstacle courses, students will explore different forms of movement while building essential skills from the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), like recreation and leisure, orientation and mobility, and self-determination.

We hope that “Move Your Body” will empower students to try new recreational activities and inspire a lifelong love for movement!

For additional information about the content of this section, contact Annie Biondi at [email protected] or 512-206-9179.

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The Wellness Weekend class introduces students to a variety of stress management techniques and self-care strategies. Students are supported in developing personal wellness goals and practices that they can implement in their daily lives.

Lessons and activities focus on:

• Relaxation, breathing, and mindfulness techniques
• Gentle movement, including yoga, stretching, and walking
• Sensory experiences with sound and aroma
• Preparing nutritious meals and snacks
• Developing individualized wellness goals

For additional information about the content of this section, contact Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512-206-9361.

Make a Short-Term Programs referral!

• Access to Academic Skills classes teach access skills in a small group setting, usually two to three students with a teacher. Math and Assistive Technology are the instructional areas most frequently addressed. This year we offer these topics:
  • Technology (screen readers, refreshable braille displays, and notetakers)
    • Prerequisite for screen readers: type at least 10 wpm or have a refreshable braille display
  • Math (abacus, Nemeth code, tactile graphics, graphing)
  • Low Vision (magnification tools, anatomy of the eye and eye conditions, keyboard shortcuts, academic accommodations)

For more information about the content of this section contact Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512-206-9361.

Make a Short-Term Programs referral!