North Dakota Vision Services, Programs at the School for the Blind

Compensatory Skills

This is a program that offers concentrated instruction in the communication and academic areas that are unique to learners who have a visual impairment. These skills are needed to access all areas of the core curriculum. Mastery of these compensatory skills will usually mean that the student with a visual impairment has access to learning in a manner equal to that of sighted peers. The areas of concentration are as follows:

Braille Reading and Writing, including Slate and Stylus
Nemeth Math Code
Signature Writing
Technology
Listening Skills
Organizational Skills
Braille Music

Other expanded core curriculum areas that may be considered for programming include:

Orientation and Mobility
Daily Living Skills
Social Skills
Career Education
Recreation/Leisure
Low Vision Aids

How does a student qualify for the Compensatory Skills Program?

A referral is made by an NDVS/SB Regional Coordinator or IEP Team member by contacting the NDVS/SB Coordinator of Student Programs at 795-2721, or 1-800-421-1181, to request a referral form. When the referral packet is received and reviewed, contact will be made to schedule an on-site visit to observe the student in his/her classroom and school environment, if needed.
NDVS/SB staff and IEP Team members will meet to discuss needs and proposed programming. At this time completion of a Student Profile or Assessment Plan may be recommended.
Once assessments have been completed, results will be shared at an Assessment Summary meeting.
If the IEP Team recommends Compensatory Programming, vision specific goals and objectives will be written and included in the student's IEP, and a schedule will be designed for attending one or more compensatory skills weeks.

How does the Compensatory Skills Program work?

This program is offered at scheduled times during the school year and consists of 2, 4 or 6 five-day sessions held at NDVS/SB in Grand Forks. We collaborate with the student's parents and Local Education Agency (LEA) in scheduling and sharing information. The student's progress is evaluated and reported after each session and mailed in hard copy form or electronically to the parents, TVI and Case Manager. At each IEP meeting, discussion is held concerning any recommendations for the upcoming school year.

What does a session look like?

This program is typically offered as a 5-day session. The week starts on Sunday evening between 4:00-6:00 p.m. and ends on Friday at 1:00 p.m. All meals are provided, as well as housing. The students are asked to bring swimming suits and personal spending money for any purchases they may want to make during Orientation and Mobility lessons or evening outings. The students may share a bedroom and will have a suite bathroom and shower. We require that students are independent in toileting and somewhat independent in dressing skills. Supervision is given 24 hours a day by trained staff, and nursing services are available upon request. NDVS/SB staff do not administer any medication.

Travel expenses for the student are typically supported by the LEA. We appreciate teaming with the LEA to help provide support and resources.

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