Short Courses

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

"As our 2024 - 2025 Short Course year comes to an end, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible connections we have made this year. We learned just as much from our students as they learned from our courses and we could not be more grateful for the memories we have! We are looking forward to seeing many of our students back for Summer Academies in June and are well into the planning process for next year's courses. Thank you to all of the families, teachers, and students who have trusted us to be a part of your education. We look forward to connecting with you again soon."

- Cyndi Davis and Erica Hogle

Short Courses Offered 2024 - 2025

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 (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.

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Now Announcing: Short Courses 2025 - 2026

Join us for another year of exciting Short Course Programming for the 2025 - 2026 School Year! Our dynamic in-person programs allow us to cover a multitude of Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) areas in a short week while engaging students in meaningful real-life experiences, gaining valuable knowledge and skills, and creating life-long connections.

There are no costs associated with the attendance of a short course including transportation. Students frequently apply for and attend more than one Short Course in a School Year. Please complete our brief interest form Short-Term Programs 2025-2026 Interest Form (Google Form) if you or someone you know may be interested 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 510-951-0492.

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

Watch a trailer on what happens at our Short Courses on YouTube (Video; 00:57).

Short Courses Offered 2025 - 2026

• Breakout Skills
• Beyond Boundaries
• The Wizard's World
• Linking Literacy
• Roll for Self Determination
• Empowered and Prepared
  

Breakout Skills: The Expanded Core Curriculum Escape Room Experience

October 6-10, 2025; Ages 9-13

Complete an Interest Form (Google Form) by Monday, September 8, 2025.

Description

Get ready to put your problem-solving skills to the test in this exciting, interactive escape room experience! Participants will experience challenges using technology, Orientation and Mobility and map skills, puzzles, and compensatory academics. Students will learn to work together to navigate challenges, use their critical thinking skills, and learn efficiency to beat the clock! Students will practice designing challenges and working through them to encourage their ongoing growth within the Expanded Core Curriculum throughout this fun, fast-paced week!

Beyond Boundaries: Tech, Travel, and Tactile Strategies

December 8-12, 2025; Ages 14+

Complete an Interest Form (Google Form) by Monday November 3, 2025.

Description

Put your skills to the test in this high-stakes escape room challenge designed with you in mind! In this interactive course, participants will sharpen their technology skills, practice map reading, and apply orientation and mobility techniques to solve complex puzzles and navigate virtual environments. Each activity presents a new challenge, requiring teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic thinking to "break out" before time runs out. Whether using accessible navigation tools, troubleshooting tech-based clues, or planning an efficient escape route, students will develop real-world skills for independence and advocacy - all while having a blast!

The Wizard's World: A Magical Approach to Life Skills

January 26-30, 2026; Ages 11-14

Complete an Interest Form (Google Form) by Monday, December 22, 2025.

Description

Step into a world of magic and adventure while building essential life skills! The Wizard's World uses the excitement of fantasy literature to help students with visual impairments develop key Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) skills, including problem-solving, organization, self-advocacy, and teamwork. Through immersive storytelling, hands-on activities, and creative literacy-based challenges, participants will explore themes of independence, resilience, and collaboration - all while engaging with beloved fantasy worlds. Whether decoding magical texts, crafting strategies for success, or stepping into the role of a hero, students will strengthen real-world skills through the power of storytelling.

Linking Literacy: An Exploration of Early Reading and Technology Skills

February 23-27, 2026; Ages 9-13

Complete an Interest Form (Google Form) by Monday, January 19, 2026.

Description

Step into a world of magic and adventure while building essential life skills! The Wizard's World uses the excitement of fantasy literature to help students with visual impairments develop key Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) skills, including problem-solving, organization, self-advocacy, and teamwork. Through immersive storytelling, hands-on activities, and creative literacy-based challenges, participants will explore themes of independence, resilience, and collaboration - all while engaging with beloved fantasy worlds. Whether decoding magical texts, crafting strategies for success, or stepping into the role of a hero, students will strengthen real-world skills through the power of storytelling.

Roll for Self Determination: Building Communication and Problem-Solving Skills Through Dungeons and Dragons

March 23-27, 4:00PM - 5:30PM; Ages 14+

Complete an Interest Form (Google Form) by Monday, February 16, 2026.

Description

Embark on an epic adventure where every decision shapes your destiny! This interactive course uses the world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) to help students with visual impairments strengthen self-determination skills, including communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. Through collaborative storytelling, strategic challenges, and character-driven role play, participants will learn how to advocate for themselves, adapt to unexpected situations, and work as a team to overcome obstacles. Whether negotiating with a tricky Non-Player Character (NPC), planning a daring escape, or leading a group to victory, students will gain confidence in their ability to navigate both the game world and real life. No prior D&D experience is needed - just a spirit of adventure!

Note: This course is paired with our December and January online Learning Lab Course. Students are welcome to attend either the in-person course, the online course, or both.

Empowered and Prepared: Self-Defense & Conflict Resolution for Teens and TVIs

A Workshop for Teens and their Teacher for the Visually Impaired (TVIs)
March and April Dates in the Los Angeles Area TBD
May Dates in the San Francisco Bay Area TBD

Complete an Interest Form (Google Form) by Monday, March 2, 2026.

Description

Confidence starts with preparation! This interactive workshop equips both teens with visual impairments and Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) with essential self-defense techniques and conflict resolution strategies. Participants will learn practical skills to navigate challenging situations, from de-escalating conflicts through effective communication to using physical self-defense techniques tailored for individuals with visual impairments. Through hands-on activities, guided discussions, and real-world scenarios, this workshop fosters empowerment, safety, and independence. Whether in the classroom, workplace, or community, attendees will leave feeling stronger, more prepared, and ready to advocate for themselves and others.

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Previously Offered Courses

Previously Offered Short Courses

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Summer Academies

If you would like to look at our offerings for Summer Academies, check out our Summer Academy page.