by Cindy Williams, TSVI, Coordinator of Student Programs
As another successful school year comes to a close, we celebrate the growth, accomplishments, and perseverance of our students and families. While summer brings opportunities for recreation and sunshine, it also provides the opportunity for students who are blind or have low vision to continue building important life skills beyond the classroom. Summer experiences can support growth in areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), including independent living, assistive technology, self-determination, and community readiness. These essential skills help students gain greater confidence, independence, and access to both their education and everyday environments. Throughout the summer months, many national organizations offer engaging programs, resources, and activities that families can incorporate at home to encourage continued learning and skill development.
The APH Hive, provided through the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), is a free, virtual professional development platform. While tailored for Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) and parents, it provides the exact lesson structures, home-based activities, and ECC training modules needed to build a DIY summer learning routine. See their Course Catalog - APH Hive for more information.
APH CareerConnect provides information and resources to people who are blind or low vision, their families, teachers, counselors, and employers. It features information on self-awareness, career exploration, finding employment, interviewing, and maintaining employment for adults, youth, families, teachers, and counselors. Visit their website at aphcareerconnect.com to learn more. Check out their new Getting Started Guides, featuring guides for families from birth to 3rd grade and 4th to 12th. Archived APH webinars are available on the APH ConnectCenter YouTube page.
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) has ideas for 4 weeks of learning to teach all areas of the Expanded Core. Check it out at Summertime Cool: Ideas to Enrich and Teach
The goal of EMPOWER VI is to equip transition-aged students with visual impairments living in rural communities, their families, and the transition professionals who serve them, with the virtual supports to improve postsecondary education and employment outcomes. These virtual programs create opportunities for connection and support, especially for those in rural areas who may not have access to in-person resources. Access their most recent newsletter here: EMPOWER VI May Monthly Deep Dive: Preparing for Employment.
Check out BlindNewWorld - Real stories, real people powered by Perkins School for the Blind. “It’s a first-of-its-kind social change campaign that aims to empower the blind and visually impaired community while demystifying blindness and breaking down the barriers to inclusion at school, work and in the world at large.”
To keep up on your braille skills or practice what you already know, check out Braille Lessons in UEB – Paths to Literacy or Free Online Resources to Learn Braille – Paths to Literacy
The excitement continues with the opportunity to attend summer programs through NDVS/SB. The following is information on our upcoming summer programs with something for everyone in 1st through 12th grade.
- Our Summer Adventure Program is taking place in the Icelandic State Park area June 7-10. This program is intended for students entering grade 7 through 12th grade. Students will have the opportunity to partake in outdoor recreational opportunities…did someone say camping? Yes, they did! This is an exciting experience for all involved! The students will be staying in cabins and will be working on Expanded Core lessons in independent living and other areas such as self-determination while experiencing the great outdoors and learning with friends.
- Our Elementary Summer Program (grades 1st - 6th) takes place August 2-5 on-site at NDVS/SB in Grand Forks. Our theme and activities incorporate the ND State Library Summer Reading Program Unearth a Story. Join us for some fun, learning, and story adventures centered around the Expanded Core Curriculum. Visit our website or the following link "Unearth a Story" Elementary Summer Program 2026 | North Dakota Vision Services for further information and contact me at ckwillia@nd.gov by July 13th to register.
Please contact me through email (ckwillia@nd.gov) or phone (701-795-2704) with any questions regarding our short-term programs. We have also included our short-term program calendar for the upcoming 2026-27 school year in our newsletter, and you can find it on our website: 2026-27 STP Calendar2026-27 STP Calendar
Thank you for allowing your child/student to participate in our programs and explore new experiences, skills, and opportunities for greater independence. It has been a joy to support their learning and growth throughout the year. We wish all of our students, families, and educational partners a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer, and we look forward to continuing to work with you during our upcoming Short-Term Programs!