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

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+

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

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+

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!

Thanksgiving Treasures - In Person

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

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.

Previously Offered Courses 2022-2023

Previously Offered Short Courses

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.