Short Course Program

At this time, our organization is currently not offering any short courses but is interested in connecting with families and teams who may be interested in 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.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete the brief 2023-2024 Short Course Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) and someone from our outreach team will connect with you to identify if a personalized program is possible.

Please be on the lookout for our posting of Summer Academies in June of 2024 soon!

For questions about the courses please contact Gaonu Vue, Outreach Coordinator, at gvue@csb-cde.ca.gov or by phone at 510-936-5506.

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

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.

Participants & Schedule

Age Range: 16+

Dates: September 26 - 29, 2022

Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Registration Closed

Prerequisites

Students must be proficient in the following areas before attending this course.

Zoom
  • Chat
  • Mute
  • Polls
  • Breakout rooms
Money
  • Able to calculate math problems that involve using percentages
  • Is responsible for keeping and spending money that belongs to them
Technology
  • Able to search for information and go through different search results using their phone, computer, or iPad
  • Must be able to use e-mail or Google Docs

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.

Participants & Schedule

Age Range: 10 - 14

Dates: October 10 - 14, 2022

Registration Closed

Prerequisites

Students must be able to fulfill in the following areas before attending this course.

VoiceOver Users
  • Intermediate skill level, not designed for advanced VoiceOver users
Technology
  • Able to double tap and swipe left and right

What to bring

Students will need to bring the following to the course.

  • Headphones
    • Please e-mail Erica Hogle if headphones are needed
  • iPad (optional)
    • If you bring your own iPad, it must have the following:
      • Internet access capabilities
      • The following Apps installed:
        • Seeing AI (Text and Environmental Scanning App)
        • Scanner Pro (free version)
        • Aira

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!

Participants & Schedule

Age Range: 9 - 13

Dates: November 7 - 11, 2022

Registration Closed

Objectives

By the end of the course, student would be able to experience the following.

  • Role playing self advocating with peers
  • Identifying and exploring personal accommodations and technology that they find beneficial
  • Developing knowledge of eye anatomy and an understanding of visual functions

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!

Participants & Schedule

Age Range: 16+

Dates: December 5 - 9, 2022

Registration Closed

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.

Participants & Schedule

Age Range: 14 - 22

Dates: January 17 - 26, 2023 (Tuesdays and Thursday from 4:00PM - 5:30PM)

Registration closes January 12, 2023

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 superbowl 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.

Participants & Schedule

Age Range: 10 - 14

Dates: February 6 - 10, 2023

Registration closes January 6, 2023

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!

Participants & Schedule

Age Range: Beginning to Intermediate Braille Learner

Dates: March 6 - 10, 2023

Registration closes February 3, 2023

Prerequisites

Students must be between a beginner and intermediate Braille learner

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.

Participants & Schedule

Age Range: 10 - 14

Dates: March 27 - 31, 2023

Registration closes February 24, 2023

Prerequisites

VoiceOver users only

  • Intermediate skill level, not designed for advanced voice over users

Must be to double tap and swipe left and right

Must bring own headphones (please email if headphones are needed)

Note: If you bring your own iPad, it must have:

  • Internet access capabilities
  • The following apps:
    • Seeing AI (Text and Environmental Scanning app)
    • Scanner Pro (free version)
    • Aira

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.

Participants & Schedule

Age Range: 17 - 22

Dates: May 8 - 12, 2023

Registration closes April 7, 2023

Prerequisites

Must be independent with skills involving personal hygiene, such as showering and dressing.

 

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.