Outreach Programs

California School for the Blind (CSB) outreach programs are offered through the California Education Resource Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CERCBVI), whose mission is to provide no cost consultation, assessment, training, and technical assistance for educational teams and families of visually impaired students throughout California.

For any general educational outreach questions related to working with blind or low-vision youth, we encourage you to connect with our dedicated team at California School for the Blind (CSB). To connect with Outreach Coordinators, Sarah Joseph, please email sjoseph@csb-cde.ca.gov or Hanna Lucid at hlucid@csb-cde.ca.gov.

We're committed to supporting you in your efforts to provide the best education and resources for visually impaired students in our state. Please explore the links below for more information and to contact our Assessment Program, Assistive Technology Center, and Low Vision Clinic and Classroom, Short Courses, and Summer Academies.

Assessment Program

Assessment Program web page

The Assessment Program at CSB is a statewide resource of professionals who have specific expertise in the education of children and young adults who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind. The assessment team provides parent and staff consultation, professional development, and two models of student assessment. Structured assessments are conducted for students who can respond to formal testing on the CSB campus; observation and consultation are provided for students whose strengths and needs are best demonstrated through interactions within their familiar home and school environments. A collaborative conference with parents and educational professionals is followed by a written report.

Assistive Technology Center

Assistive Technology Center web page

The Assistive Technology Center provides individual student assessment to determine assistive technology needs. In addition, technical assistance and trainings/staff developments are provided to students, families, and school professionals.

Low Vision Clinic

Low Vision Clinic web page

In partnership with the University of California School of Optometry the CSB low vision clinic provides low vision exams to individual students at no cost to families or districts. Optical devices are also provided as needed. Consultation and staff development opportunities are offered.

Short-Term Programs

Short-Term Programs web page

The Short-Term programs are designed to address the unique educational needs of students with visual impairments currently attending school in their local school districts. The Short-Term Programs encapsulates Short Courses, The Learning Lab and Summer Academies. The Short Courses provides intensive short-term instruction in areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), such as daily living skills, adaptive technology, or orientation and mobility. More information about registration is found on the Short Courses webpage.

Summer Academies

Summer Academies web page

Summer Academy programs provide students with the opportunity to have fun, address elements of the ECC, utilize technology, and build social skills. Nearly all the courses for this summer will be held in-person and on-campus at California School or the Blind (CSB). Students can attend only one course per week but frequently participate in more than one week. More information about registration is found on the Summer Academies website.

Annual Events

Every year, the Outreach Team members support many events through participation in planning, attending workshops, and providing presentations and resources. The annual events we participate in are: