Join our youth enrichment program, tailored for 7 to 18-year-olds who are blind or visually impaired. In the program, we reinforce key concepts from the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), which teaches skills for independence and success. We’ll tackle topics like assistive technology, self-determination, and socialization. Find out more below and sign up for our youth program today.
Expanded Core Curriculum: Skills for Life
The Expanded Core Curriculum lays the foundation for independence and self-confidence. Explore each area and learn how we can help you build skills and grow confidence. If you’d like more information, please fill out the interest form.
Compensatory Skills
- Braille
- Auditory learning
- Other alternative formats
Assistive Technology
Our youth program gives you an introduction to assistive technology. Hear from guest speakers about what technology is available. Learn from other students about what they use, what technology is available and how to use it.
Career Education
What are your plans after graduating high school? It’s OK if you don’t know yet. In the Youth program, you’ll join a variety of activities that will help you see how your interests could align to a future career. You’ll hear stories from guest speakers in the workforce about their experiences, and learn skills like resume building and mock interviews. We also go on college tours where you can meet with academic professionals, learn to ask the right questions to be a successful student and better understand how to advocate for your needs in higher education.
Independent Living Skills
Do you want to live on your own someday? We will work on skills to help you get there. We cover things like cooking and organizing, to dressing and personal care.
Orientation and Mobility
No matter where you are, you’ll need to get around safely. That’s where Orientation and Mobility (O&M) comes in. You’ll consistently practice your O&M skills as you navigate new places and revisit ones you’ve been to before. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in Cane Quest, the regional O&M competition for those in grades 3-12.
Self-Determination
Our goal is for our students to graduate from our program feeling empowered that they can make the right decisions about their future success. Self-determination encourages problem solving and thoughtful decision-making, which students practice in every program.
Sensory Efficiency
Sensory efficiency is the ability to use your other senses to compensate for vision loss. In the Youth program, we’ll help you hone your other senses to better understand your environment. Our goal is to help you integrate all your sense to accomplish daily activities more effectively.
Social Interaction Skills
Connect, make friends, and create a community. We’ll cover topics like reading social cues, mastering body language and connecting better with others. These skills will help your relationships in school, at home and beyond.
Recreation and Leisure
You don’t have to say goodbye to your hobbies because of your vision status. Learn skills so you can continue enjoying your favorite activities or learn how to adapt an activity to your vision. We’ll explore new activities together like attending sporting events, checking out an audio-described show, creating art or navigating an amusement park. Our goal is all about having fun and making memories.
Did You Know?
You don’t have to be blind to join Braille Institute. Learn more about how to qualify.
Youth Program Interest Form
*Indicates a required field.
