Family Resource Group
Blind Visually Impaired Edition April 2022
What a Year!
Erin Campion
Family Resource Group Editor
Strive On Program: Application deadline July 26, 2022
Program Details: • Student Orientation: Thursday, September 1, 2022, 5 – 7 p.m. Classes: September 1 to November 17, 2022; Thursdays from 5 – 7 p.m.
Fall 2022 Session topics will focus on post-secondary readiness in the areas of: o Assistive Technology o Personal Management/Independence o Post-Secondary Readiness
Application Criteria:
• Be an active customer with the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services
• Will be enrolled in 9th through 12th grade in the 2022-2023 school year who anticipate entering into post-secondary education or transitioning into the workforce
• Students must have an internet connection with access to a computer, smartphone or tablet • Independently able to access a web browser, participate in virtual meetings and utilize necessary assistive technology
• Willing to participate in all courses Application Process:
• Please complete the Fall 2022 STRIVE ON Application.
• Application Deadline Date: July 26, 2022
*For additional program information, please contact Grace Fontanez at 814-949-7954 or grfontanez@pa.gov
Additional Camp information
Below are some of the other BVI summer camps:
- Helen Diller Vacation Home Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children | (dillerblindhome.org)
- Free week-long vacation summer camp for children who are blind or visually impaired
- New scholarship is available for past campers (5,000 per year over 4 years)
- Camp Registration | Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children (dillerblindhome.org)
- Pennsylvania Camp Abilities CAMP ABILITIES PA @ WCU - About
- May 27-30, 2022
- Delaware Camp Abilities Camp Abilities Delaware - Home
- August 7-12, 2022
- Beacon Lodge ConnXions (Formerly Visually Impaired) Children Program – Pa Lions Beacon Lodge Camp
- July 16-23, 2022
- KAOS! – Team River Runner – Susquehanna Valley, PA (svtrr.org)
- No 2022 dates released yet
- More information likely to be released
- American Printing House (APH) Virtual ExCEL Summer Camp videos (recorded last summer)
- Available asynchronously on YouTube
- Virtual ExCEL Summer Camp - YouTube
- Follow APH as they may have new offerings for 2022 that haven’t been announced yet
Programming Without A Mouse July 11-12, 2022
In this two-week session, you will learn to program robots – without using a mouse! The course offers an introduction to programming concepts and accessible programming environments for students who use screen readers, screen magnification, or braille displays..
We’ll use the Python programming language to code instructions for the Finch robot. We’ll figure out how to make the Finch spin in circles, navigate a maze, play a tune, and other actions. We’ll also get to talk to programming professionals to learn about careers in coding and the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics beyond high school. Please contact Barb Peterson at 412.368.4400 or bpeterson@pghvis.org to reserve your spot for this amazing summer program.
Classes are Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Lunch will be provided. Transportation is not included.
BSE Bulletin for Educators
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Introducing BSE Bulletin for Educators: Monthly Updates from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education and PaTTAN
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Learn about the PA ABLE Savings Program!
Free webinar for individuals with disabilities
A PA ABLE Savings Program account gives individuals with qualified disabilities (Eligible Individuals), and their families and friends a tax-free way to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. Topics discussed include: eligibility requirements for opening a PA ABLE account, the federal and state tax benefits of PA ABLE, and how PA ABLE account interacts with current benefits.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
With ASL Interpreter
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
With ASL Interpreter