Day of Code Recap

Day of Code at the California School for the Blind

The California School for the Blind (CSB) hosted its 3rd annual Day of Code event on December 5, 2024, welcoming blind and low-vision students from across the state to explore the foundations of computer science, coding languages, and robotics. This year's event featured hands-on sessions, including programming robots using Python, creating a music player with JavaScript, building projects with Arduino, and free play with robots. This impactful event, part of the National Coding Symposium hosted by the American Printing House for the Blind, highlights how technology can challenge perceptions and empower our students, preparing them for a future driven by innovation. The recap of the Day of Code was presented at American Printing House (APH) Webinar and at Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Conference.

Recap of the American Printing House (APH) Day of Code Webinar

On January 22nd 2025, Allison Mello of the CSB assistive technology team was honored to participate in the APH webinar highlighting Day of Code events across the country. She was joined by teams from Texas, Maryland, and beyond in this dynamic discussion of activities, engagement level, and plans for the future. The sharing of ideas and experiences will energize event planning for next year, in hopes that momentum for Day of Code and events alike continue to blossom in the vision field.

This event measured the impact of Day of Code, which was a recap of the five Day of Code events hosted across the nation in 2024 and feature a panel discussion on the experience of organizing these events. Educators interested in hosting their own Day of Code can access the CSB Day of Code Toolkit or contact the CSB Assistive Technology Team for support.

Recap of the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Day of Code Presentation

What is the Day of Code? Fun!!

The CSB Assistive Technology (AT) team traveled to Orlando, Florida on January 28 till February 1, to attend the annual ATIA conference. Allison Mello, of the AT team, alongside Jenny Wheeler, APH outreach specialist, and Katrina Best, APH Product Manager, gave a rousing presentation on Day of Code events and how other teachers, administrators, and schools could get involved and host their own computer science events and activities. Energy was high, and the entire CSB crew left the conference with the belief that their goal of spreading the importance of accessible computer science curriculum had been achieved. Relationships have been formed, resources have been shared, and future events and collaborations will demonstrate the true impact of this presentation and conference attendance.