Learning Lab

Short-Term Programs Home: Short Courses | Learning Lab | Summer Academies

Our Learning Lab is committed to fostering growth through a wide range of educational opportunities. Our offerings include professional development sessions designed to enhance career skills and knowledge, practical parent workshops that provide effective parenting strategies and family engagement approaches, online courses for distant access to our resources, and dynamic single-day camps that offer enriching experiences for children and teens. While one can enroll in a single offering, participants are welcome to enroll in multiple programs. There are no associated fees with our resources.

Please complete our brief interest form Short Courses 2024-2025 Interest Form (Google Form) if you or someone you know may be interested in our courses.

Please reach out to our Short Courses team with any questions at csb.shortcourses@csb-cde.ca.gov, looking forward to hearing from you.

Current Course Offerings

Workplace Resolutions

Join Us On Zoom: March 25th and March 27th, 2025, 4:00PM - 5:30PM
For Students Ages 16+

Complete an Interest Form (Google Form) by March 21, 2025

This online course provides opportunities to learn about conflict resolution and effective communication. The course will cover a range of scenarios addressing common workplace issues and advocacy-related challenges that individuals with visual impairment may encounter. Students will learn how to navigate conflicts assertively and professionally by analyzing practical scenarios, hearing from guest speakers, and participating in peer discussions while emphasizing their unique needs and perspectives.

Empowerment Exchange

Join Us Online: May 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 2025 (Tuesdays and Thursdays for two weeks), 4:00PM - 5:30PM
For Students Ages 9-13

Complete an Interest Form (Google Form) by April 28th, 2025

Welcome to "Empowerment Exchange", a transformative online course tailored for blind students. Throughout active participation, you'll engage in dynamic discussions, connect with guest speakers, and cultivate meaningful mentorship relationships. Each session offers opportunities to share stories, exchange resources, and foster a supportive community where everyone can thrive.

Join us as we embark on a journey of growth and empowerment, leveraging the power of connection to enhance your learning experience. Through collaborative engagement and peer support, you'll gain valuable insights, inspiration, and real-world perspectives on a variety of topics related to visual impairments. Together, we'll create a vibrant learning community where everyone will have the opportunity to new ways of succeeding in their home area and make lasting connections.

Past 2024-2025 Offerings

Embrace Advocacy and Awareness

Join Us On Zoom: October 22 and 24, 4:00 - 5:30PM
For Students Ages 9-13

Join us for our October Online Short Course, an exploration of disability advocacy and awareness! This course features a special career conversation with blind guest speakers. Discover how they have navigated their professional roles with their disability. Enhance your advocacy skills by crafting a persuasive speech, delve into disability history, and explore valuable resources. Learn and get inspired by community engagement and your peers who join the course. Don't miss this chance to connect, learn, and advocate!

Exciting Volunteer Training Opportunity at California School for the Blind!

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact and support individuals who are visually impaired? Join us for our volunteer training sessions at the California School for the Blind!

Part One: Online Training
In this online session, we'll discuss blind culture and etiquette while you learn about various volunteer opportunities on our campus and understand what is expected of our dedicated volunteers. This is a great way to get started and prepare for your in-person training.

Part Two: In-Person Training
Location: California School for the Blind
In this hands-on session, you will gain practical experience in guiding and assisting individuals who are visually impaired. This is where theory meets practice, and you'll develop the skills needed to make a real difference.

For Volunteer Training related questions please contact Sarah Joseph at info@csb-cde.ca.gov. Please visit our Volunteer Opportunities web page for latest information.

We look forward to welcoming you and working together. Thank you for your interest and support in making a difference in our community!

Adventure Awaits! Dungeons and Dragons (DND)

Join Us On Zoom: November 18 and December 4, 2024, 4:00PM - 5:30PM
Join Us In Person: January 16, 2025
For Students Ages 13+

Let your imagination take you on a journey unlike any other. Join our band of characters on an adventure where the players create the game. We will come together in a combination of online and in-person play. Our first meeting will be online, including character development, resources for DND, and information sharing. In our second meeting, we will set the stage to allow you to prepare for the adventure.

Once the scene has been set, we will meet in person for an all-day gaming extravaganza. Players will work together to overcome obstacles, work through challenges, and share in an immersive gaming experience.

Screen Reading Technology (SRT) and Me

Join Us In Person: January 22, 2025, 9:30AM - 12PM
Or Join Us on Zoom
For Professionals

Need help keeping up with changes in Assistive Technology for your students? Don't navigate this ever-changing landscape alone! Empowering students using technology enables them to gain independence and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Join us for an interactive workshop in-person at California School for the Blind, Fremont, California, where you will experience our updated Screen Reader Training Resources live while our staff answers your questions and prepares you to use this fantastic resource with your students. For an online Zoom option please follow the registration link and indicate your preference to attend via Zoom. Please note that we will be able to provide device access for participants attending our workshop in person.

Self-Care Together: A Workshop for Busy Parents on Involving Your Child

Join Us In Person Anne Campbell Center, San Mateo: February 12, 2025, 4:00PM - 5:30PM
Or Join Us on Zoom
For Parents

Join us for an empowering online parent workshop hosted by the California School for the Blind! This workshop is designed to support on-the-go parents in incorporating their blind children into everyday errands and self-care activities. From grocery shopping to hitting the gym, we'll provide practical guidance to help parents care for themselves, support their families, and actively involve their blind children. Don't miss this opportunity to learn valuable strategies and connect with supportive resources!