Short Courses

Short Courses offered at California School for the Blind for visually impaired students currently attending school in their local school districts.

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

Our short course program is a week-long individual short course where an outreach student joins a California School for the Blind (CSB) classroom either as a day or residential student for a week, we also offer a few online courses. There is no costs associated absolutely with attendance including transportation.

Short Courses 2024 - 2025

Discover a variety of engaging and educational short courses at CSB for the 2024-2025 school year. Students frequently apply for and attend more than one short course in a year.

There are no costs associated with the attendance of a short course including transportation. Some of the registration deadlines are already coming up soon! Please complete our brief interest form Short Courses Interest form 2024-2025 External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) if you or someone you know may be interest in our courses.

Please reach out to our Short-Course Team for any questions at csb.shortcourses@csb-cde.ca.gov or by phone at 510-951-1889.

See the Short Course Program Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Short Courses Offered 2024 - 2025

Thanksgiving Treasures - In Person

November 4th - 8th, 2024; Ages 9-13

Complete an Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) by October 7th, 2024.

Description

Welcome to "Thanksgiving Treasures," an enriching week-long course to explore the spirit of gratitude and the cultural significance of Thanksgiving. From heartfelt gratitude sharing sessions to the creation of beautiful wreaths, students will delve into the essence of this season. As they navigate through shopping experiences and Black Friday deals, students will gain practical skills in budgeting and research while understanding the broader economic context of this time of year. In addition to exploring the cultural roots of Thanksgiving, students will engage in activities aimed at honoring Native American heritage and rewriting Thanksgiving history from diverse perspectives. They'll embark on a symbolic adapted Turkey Trot, celebrating inclusivity and unity. Through hands-on cooking experiences and immersive adventures like navigating a corn maze, students will create their own Thanksgiving foods and have fun enjoying the agricultural significance of the harvest season. Furthermore, they'll contribute to their community through volunteer work at local a food shelter, embodying the spirit of giving back. Join us for a week of meaningful exploration as students build memories of Thanksgiving treasures and practical skills to share with their families.

Winter Adventures - In Person

December 9th - December 13th, 2024; Ages 9-13

Complete an Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) by November 11th, 2024.

Description

Join us for an immersive one-week course designed to celebrate the joy of the holiday season while fostering skills and new connections. Throughout this dynamic program, participants will embark on a multifaceted journey, blending hands-on activities, educational workshops, and community outreach initiatives.

From honing social skills at New Year's Eve parties to crafting no-sew fleece blankets and wrapping presents with precision, students will engage in a diverse array of practical and creative experiences. They'll channel their inner artisans while crafting paper snowflakes and writing heartfelt holiday cards to spread cheer to loved ones and beyond. There will also be time for science when learning how to make fake snow and how arctic animals survive harsh winter environments.

Whether it's baking cookies, making hot chocolate, or participating in a spirited "snowball fight", students will forge lasting memories while embodying the spirit of generosity through raising donations for animal shelters and visits to nursing homes. Join us for a week of winter wonders, where learning, giving, and holiday merriment converge into enhancing the expanded core curriculum.

Kitchen Navigators - Online

January 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 2025 (Tuesdays and Thursdays for two weeks) 4:00PM - 5:30PM; Ages 13+

Complete an Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) by January 3rd, 2025.

Description

Welcome to "Kitchen Navigators," an interactive online course designed to teach students about nutrition and basics of food safety. Throughout this program, students will discover the fundamentals of healthy living while experimenting with balanced meals and incorporating fruits and vegetables into their diet. Interactive games will reinforce their understanding of nutrition concepts and food safety practices, ensuring how to cook with confidence. At the end of each session, students will leave with a simple recipe they can do with their family. With guidance from teachers who utilize reputable resources such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPlate Kids' Place, students will embark on a journey of understanding their kitchen and what comes out of it in a whole new way.

Speak with Confidence - In Person

February 3rd - February 7th, 2025; Ages 14+

Complete an Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) by January 6th, 2025.

Description

Welcome to "Speak with Confidence," a dynamic one-week course designed to empower students with essential public speaking and debate skills. Participants will learn techniques for relaxation such as meditation and positive affirmations to boost confidence before presentations. They'll also explore vocal warm-ups and persuasion strategies while mastering effective communication through body language, attire, and online etiquette. Field trips and TED Talk discussions provide real-world inspiration, complemented by constructive feedback sessions and active listening exercises to refine their skills. By the week's end, students will have to use their orientation and mobility skills to navigate a space to present to CSB students. They will get the opportunity to hone their abilities in research, craft compelling arguments, and deliver impactful presentations, preparing them to speak with clarity and confidence in a variety of settings.

Improv Insight - In Person

March 10th - March 14th, 2025; Ages 14+

Complete an Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) by February 10th, 2025.

Description

Welcome to "Improv Insight," a dynamic one-week course to explore the art of improvisation. Through a series of engaging lessons and activities, participants will delve into the fundamentals of improv, honing their skills in active listening, spontaneous creativity, and stage presence. They'll participate in improv games, analyze performances, and even interview a seasoned improv actor to gain insights into the craft.

In addition to hands-on practice, students will learn essential techniques for relaxation before performances and emotional recovery after challenging moments on stage. Orientation and mobility exercises will familiarize them with stage navigation, while technology skills will empower them to search for shows in their home area and purchase tickets independently. A field trip to witness live improv in action will provide real-world inspiration, while discussions on supporting fellow performers will foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. By the end of the week, students will emerge as improvisers and be equipped with skills that can be applied to everyday life while enjoying a sense of play.

Workplace Resolutions - Online

March 25th and March 27th, 2025; 4:00PM - 5:30PM; Ages 16+

Complete an Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) by March 24th, 2024.

Description

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.

Access Through Transit - In Person

April 14th - April 18th, 2025; Ages 14+

Complete an Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) by March 17th, 2025.

Description

Back by popular demand, CSB is proud to announce this orientation and mobility themed short course designed to expose participants to a wide variety of Bay Area public transportation including AC Transit, SF MUNI, BART, & Paratransit. Basic O&M skills will be reviewed and supported as students explore with a fun peer group! Content will be shaped to meet the interests, skill level and needs of applicants, but likely activities will include a trip made on public transportation to the Lighthouse for the Blind in San Francisco, exploration of a BART train, hands-on access to a parked AC transit bus, and lessons that support trip planning and the use of smart phone apps to support access to safe, efficient and successful public transportation travel. There will be a walking component with each activity and it is recommended that applicants be able to walk a ¼ of a mile without needing to rest.

Empowerment Exchange - Online

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

Complete an Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) by April 28th, 2025.

Description

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 Courses

Discovering You, Discovering Others - Online

September 10th, 12th, 17th, 19th, 2024 (Tuesdays and Thursdays for two weeks) 4:00PM - 5:30PM; Ages 14+

Complete an Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) by September 4th, 2024.

Description

Unlock your potential and empower your voice by attending CSB Discovering You, Discovering Others Short Course where you'll learn how understanding your personality can propel you to success. Students will first assess their personality type using the 16 Personalities Assessment (prior to the course starting). In this course, you will use your results to better understand compatibility in personal and professional relationships, use empathy and active listening skills to understand other personality types, and practice advocating in different ways using this information. Our objective is for you to leave this course feeling empowered with a better understanding of who you are and how to better navigate interpersonal relationships and work-related situations to improve future outcomes.

Disclaimer

The 16 Personalities Test or the discussion of its results are not meant to diagnose any mental or emotional condition. Personalities evolve and results do not define anyone. The exercises and activities for this course are meant to explore new ways of understanding the above topics and the test acts as a tool to open discussions and explore other perspectives.

Prerequisites

Students must-

  • Take the free test (16 personalities) and read their results before the start of the course (there are several ways to access the test - see registration link).
  • Have a way to keep their test results available and accessible to them before and during the course.

Spooktacular Short Course - In Person

October 7th - 11th, 2024; Ages 9-13

Complete an Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) by September 9th, 2024.

Description

Welcome to the Spooktacular Short Course, a week-long adventure to enhance the Expanded Core Curriculum through celebrating Halloween traditions. Throughout the week, students will engage in immersive activities designed to foster creativity, independence, and social skills. They'll embark on shopping trips to select classroom decorations and costumes, explore tactile pumpkin decorating, practice the orientation and mobility skills needed for trick-or-treating, and collaborate with each other to transform their classroom into a spooky haven. In the kitchen, they'll make delicious Halloween treats using adaptive cooking techniques, while also honing their storytelling skills by sharing their own Halloween tales. The week culminates in thrilling technology games where students will employ their strategic thinking and keen senses to outwit their opponents. Join us for a week of frightful fun and unforgettable memories at the Spooktacular Short Course!

Celebrate Disability Awareness Month!
Embracing Advocacy and Awareness - Online

October 22nd and October 24th; 4:00PM - 5:30PM; Ages 16+

Complete an Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) by October 21st, 2024.

Description

Join us for our October Online Short Course, an exploration of disability advocacy and awareness! Discover tools for blind and visually impaired adults to navigate 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!

Previously Offered Courses 2022-2023

Fall 2022 Online Course

Don't Break the Bank

An online course aimed at teaching students the basics of choosing a bank, the difference between a checking and saving account, and considerations for getting a credit card.

Overview

The idiom "break the bank" means to use up all of the money in a bank account. This course is aimed to teach students the basics of how to choose a bank, the difference between a checking and saving account, and considerations for getting a credit card. And of course, you can't talk about money without talking about spending. Important discussions will cover questions such as: How do you budget for bills? Are those discounts actually discounts? What's the best way to advocate for yourself when using customer service as you shop?

Students will each start with the same "monthly income" and make decisions each day that will affect it. Will you decide to save? What happens to it if an emergency occurs and you need to spend it? How can you borrow more money for something you want? Students will then compare how each student's decision affected the end result and learn strategies for their own goals and money management skills.

Fall 2022 In-person Courses

iPad Course

Overview

Come play games on your iPad as you are learning to use the VoiceOver screen reader! Through web based games, students will learn and reinforce VoiceOver skills and explore apps that are helpful to VoiceOver users. Through scavenger hunts, murder mysteries, and escape rooms, students will make friendships and connect with peers who are also VoiceOver users.

Animal Eyes!

Overview

Come explore the animal kingdom with CSB! This course is for students with low vision between the ages of 9-13. Through hands-on activities, project-based learning, field trips, and class discussion students will learn about vision through the eyes of animals. Through the week, students will make an animal eye model (any animal they choose!) to learn eye anatomy, structure, and visual functions. Students will explore accommodations and technology that work for them, others, and even for animals in and out of the classroom and role play advocating for these needs. As a tasty treat at the end of the week, we will cook spooktacular eyeball-shaped snacks and learn about low vision safety in the kitchen!

BBQ Bites and Friends

Overview

This course is an extension to our previous course titled "Preparing Your Best Burger". While burgers will still be made, you will also have fun learning and practicing the skills needed to plan get-togethers, throw a party, and be the guest on everyone's list.

Students will experience quite the range from eating a frozen burger that's been cooked in the microwave, to one that has their own freshly baked bread and ground meat. Do you think you can tell the difference between a beef patty and veggie patty? You may be surprised! Students will also create side dishes and figure out what they can do with the leftovers. But don't forget, none of these cooking experiences can happen without making a shopping list, purchasing ingredients, learning how to handle kitchen tools and appliances and of course...doing the clean up afterwards.

Join us for a week of shopping, chopping, cooking, hosting and eating. We'd be grilled to have you!

Spring 2023 Online Course

Get Job Ready

Overview

In our fast-paced, competitive world, one has to do everything they can to be the best applicant. If you are blind or visually impaired, there are additional obstacles in the job market. Join this online short course to figure out strategies, like networking and creating digital portfolios, to find job opportunities. Through interactive activities, learn what information is required for applications and how to stay organized during your job search. You will also discuss and practice ways to prepare for an interview, appropriate post-interview responses, and discuss your disability with a potential employer.

Objectives

By the end of the course, student would have covered the following topics.

  • Networking
  • Creating a working portfolio
  • Application information and search log
  • Discussing your disability with your employer
  • Preparing for an interview
  • Answering common interview questions
  • Writing thank you letters

Spring 2023 In-Person Courses

All Things February

Overview

Alright, maybe we cannot do ALL of the February things but we can get pretty close. How about getting some practice cooking your favorite Super Bowl dish? You won't only be cooking something for the occasion, you'll have lots of things to say about football after learning about the sport with tactile models and exploring real football equipment. Want to go on a hike? Nice weather makes hiking a joy. We're ready to help you get some exercise and appreciate the outdoors. Speaking of outdoors, gardening is another activity you'll get hands-on experience with (from picking the plant at the store to getting your hands dirty). What about the most famous holiday in February? You'll also get the opportunity to buy, write, and mail your own personalized valentine's day card to a special someone. Lastly, spring is right around the corner, and that means (everyone's favorite) spring cleaning! That's right, you'll also leave this course with ways to help your family maintain a clean home and appreciate it more than you ever have before. Students will work hard to make these activities happen by using their skills to shop, use public transportation, organize, write, cook, clean and grow during this fun-filled, activity-packed short course.

Braille Comes Alive

Overview

Okay, we don't mean that literally but it will feel much more alive after taking this short course. Have you been wondering how to make Braille fun, interesting, and relevant in more areas of your life? Well, this is the course for you! During this course, not only will your proficiency in Braille grow, you'll have fun with it in more ways than ever! Interested in technology? How about practicing Braille using different versions of BrailleNotes? You'll certainly be grateful for them after you learn new skills and explore some of our antique braillers. Have you ever cooked following a Braille recipe? You will in this course. What about ordering something off of a Braille menu? Well, get your O&M skills ready and come with us into the community and enjoy a tasty treat. It doesn't stop there. You can find Braille all over the community and we'll show you how to discover it. On-campus, we don't let any paper go to waste. Experience fun new ways to make art using Braille and strips of Braille paper to take home with you. Lastly, you'll even get an introduction to Braille music. CSB will also be hosting their one-of-a-kind, school-wide Braille Bee during this course and give you a chance for you to put what you learned to the test. Come join us and see how fun Braille can be!

iPad Course

Overview

Come play games on your iPad as you are learning to use the VoiceOver screen reader! Through web based games, students will learn and reinforce VoiceOver skills and explore apps that are helpful to VoiceOver users. Through scavenger hunts, murder mysteries, and escape rooms, students will make friendships and connect with peers who are also VoiceOver users.

Apartment Living Experience

Overview

Are you considering living independently? Our Apartment Living Experience Short Course will help you get a taste of some of the skills you'll need after you move away from home. During the day, you'll learn about budgeting, creating a grocery list, coming up with roommate agreements, and searching for housing. Of course, you'll also learn cooking and cleaning techniques first hand. How do you get to the places that sell what you need for cooking and cleaning? That's right, you'll practice using public transportation to get there. The evenings will have other opportunities to learn how to care for yourself and practice new skills while participating in some of the fun activities with other CSB students. You'll also hear from another perspective when you learn about the Hatlen Center and the Orientation Center for the Blind. Both programs teach blind adults how to live independently. Join us to learn about some of the skills you'll need in order to live on your own.

Summer Academies

If you would like to look at our offerings from last year to get an idea of programming, check out our Summer Academy page.