Course Offerings

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.

Make a Short-Term Programs referral!

Primary Requirements:

(1) Attend the in-person classes at TSBVI, two each semester:

• August 22 – 25, 2024 – How to Algebra I
• October 27 – November 1, 2024 – Principles of Graphing and Tactile Graphics

(2) Obtain the textbook.

Algebra 1 – TEKS Texas Student Edition

ISBN-13: 9780021402465

ISBN-10: 0021402469

Publisher: McGraw Hill

Published: 2016

This a Texas-adopted textbook as per TEA. It can be ordered through the EMAT system (see TEA’s Accessible Instructional Materials page) by the district’s Instructional Materials Coordinator. Please contact us with any questions.

Note: If you are ordering the book in braille, make sure to request the UEB version. TEA should not send the EBAE version out in the future, but it is best to make sure to request UEB.

If you currently have the EBAE version (in the district warehouse), we can use that for this school year, but a plan for replacing that needs to be made by the district.

(3) Be able to access and interact with class materials online, which includes:

• Using Zoom videoconferencing on a computer or device mostly independently (i.e., muting/unmuting, turning on/off video);
• Having intermediate screenreader skills for accessing and interacting with Desmos graphing calculator, Google Classroom, and email;
• Being able to successfully advocate for alternatives if needed (i.e. TI-84 Graphing Calculator, BNT+) and incorporate them efficiently during class activities.

*TSBVI will award credit in place of a local district’s Algebra class.

For additional information contact: John Rose, M.A., M.Ed.

Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments at [email protected].

Make a Short-Term Programs referral!

The Independence Weekend classes offer theme-based learning opportunities to practice skills from the Expanded Core Curriculum. A class theme provides motivational, real-world relevance for learning, and students practice a range of interdisciplinary skills by working collaboratively to obtain meaningful products or experiences. Students also have the opportunity to share personal experiences with others who are blind or have low vision.

In Fun with Art, Craft, and Fine Motor, students, in grades 3 – 5, will explore types of art that can improve their fine motor and tactile skills. Students will have an opportunity to create their own works of art. At the same time, students will review and practice a number of Expanded Core Curriculum skills throughout the weekend, including social skills, self-determination, O&M, and sensory efficiency.

The students, of course, will just think they are having fun!

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

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:

• STAAR Test Taking Strategies for Braille Readers (see description below)
• 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)

STAAR Test Taking Strategies

The goal of this topic is to prepare braille-reading students for the paper-based STAAR test. Students will have the opportunity to share these learning experiences with others who are also braille test takers.

Topics that will be covered include:

• General test-taking strategies
• Subject-specific test-taking strategies
• Having knowledge of and advocating for one’s own accommodations for the STAAR in appropriate situations
• Positive self-talk and adjusting to stress and anxiety during the STAAR
• Strategies for using a live reader or a scribe

We will be asking the teachers for the following:

• to provide the student’s approximate current level of performance in the identified skill areas
• to provide the student’s copy of the STAAR Accommodations so that we can tailor the instruction individually
• to integrate newly learned strategies into student’s lessons as much as possible so that the skills are second-nature when the STAAR is taken

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!

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 22 – 25 (Sunday – Wednesday)
Part B: October 20 – 23 (Sunday – Wednesday)
Part C: November 17 – 20 (Sunday – Wednesday)

This year we offer these topics:

• STAAR Test Taking Strategies for Braille Readers (see description below)
• 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)

STAAR Test Taking Strategies

The goal of this topic is to prepare braille-reading students for the paper-based STAAR test. Students will have the opportunity to share these learning experiences with others who are also braille test takers.

Topics that will be covered include:

• General test-taking strategies
• Subject-specific test-taking strategies
• Having knowledge of and advocating for one’s own accommodations for the STAAR in appropriate situations
• Positive self-talk and adjusting to stress and anxiety during the STAAR
• Strategies for using a live reader or a scribe

We will be asking the teachers for the following:

• to provide the student’s approximate current level of performance in the identified skill areas
• to provide the student’s copy of the STAAR Accommodations so that we can tailor the instruction individually
• to integrate newly learned strategies into student’s lessons as much as possible so that the skills are second-nature when the STAAR is taken

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!

Does your student want to make the world a better place, and make new friends while doing so?

This program will focus on building student independence, confidence, and empowerment through community service. Students will have the opportunity to practice skills from the Expanded Core Curriculum, specifically in the areas of self-determination, independent living, and social interaction as they explore and define what it means to “give back” to the community.

Sessions and activities will focus on:

• Building an understanding of different ways that individuals can impact their communities
• Responsible and respectful models of community service
• Food preparation and organization skills as students contribute to local organizations which address food insecurity
• Basic carpentry and repair skills for constructing a picnic table as a group
• Collaboration skills, as students work with a group to accomplish projects with a common goal

Most importantly students will have the opportunity to visit with old friends and make new ones.

For more information about the content of this section contact Helen Benton at [email protected] or 512-206-9471.

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:
  • STAAR Test Taking Strategies for Braille Readers (see description below)
  • 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)

  STAAR Test Taking Strategies

  The goal of this topic is to prepare braille-reading students for the paper-based STAAR test. Students will have the opportunity to share these learning experiences with others who are also braille test takers.

  Topics that will be covered include:

  • General test-taking strategies
  • Subject-specific test-taking strategies
  • Having knowledge of and advocating for one’s own accommodations for the STAAR in appropriate situations
  • Positive self-talk and adjusting to stress and anxiety during the STAAR
  • Strategies for using a live reader or a scribe

  We will be asking the teachers for the following:

  • to provide the student’s approximate current level of performance in the identified skill areas
  • to provide the student’s copy of the STAAR Accommodations so that we can tailor the instruction individually
  • to integrate newly learned strategies into student’s lessons as much as possible so that the skills are second-nature when the STAAR is taken

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!

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! 

Nina Wibbenmeyer (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 Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512- 206-9361.

Make a Short-Term Programs referral!

College and Vocational Prep (Parents attend with Students)
This new 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. Limited on-campus hotel lodging may be available for adults. 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 is unable to provide financial support, TSBVI will cover the costs. Students will reside in the Short-Term Programs dorm.

For additional information about this class, contact Helen Benton at [email protected], or 512-206-9471.

Make a Short-Term Programs referral!

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 Annie Biondi at [email protected] or 512-206-9179.

Make a Short-Term Programs referral!