Short-Term Programs
Enriching learning through summer, transition and residential experiences
Overbrook School for the Blind offers short-term programs that help students maintain skills, build independence and prepare for life beyond the classroom.
These programs include summer learning opportunities, transition-focused experiences and residential programming designed to support each student’s Individualized Education Program goals.
Program Overview
ESY
Program Details
Ages: 3 to 21
Curriculum: Unique Curriculum, Creative Curriculum and Expanded Core Curriculum
OSB’s Extended School Year Program is designed to maintain skills and reduce regression during the summer months by incorporating academic, social, behavioral and vocational Individualized Education Program goals.
For five weeks during the summer, programming themes provide an engaging foundation for summer learning and fun. These themes help guide activities while allowing students to continue working toward their individual goals in a consistent and meaningful way.
Individualized reports on each student’s achievements are sent home to families at the end of the five-week program.
ESY Activities May Include
- Morning meeting
- Music therapy
- Swimming
- Small job experiences at Huskies Café
- Therapies
- Science experiments
- Communication opportunities
- Field trips
- Social and recreational activities
School to Work
School to Work prepares students to lead productive and satisfying adult lives through instruction in employment readiness, independent living, community participation, self-advocacy and post-secondary planning.
Students may participate in hands-on work experiences, life skills instruction and community-based learning opportunities that support their transition into adulthood.
White Hall Independent Living Program
Residential & Apartment Living
The White Hall Independent Living Program is an educational and residential opportunity for students in the School to Work daytime program at OSB.
The White Hall Apartments create a learning environment that helps young adults ages 18 to 21 build independence through direct instruction and practice of apartment living skills.
What Students Learn in White Hall
Students attend their regularly scheduled classes and programs during the school day, then return to White Hall for evening activities and apartment-living experiences. Residential staff, nursing staff, overnight staff and campus security provide support and supervision throughout the evening and overnight hours.
Apartment Safety
Students learn routines and safety practices that support apartment-style living.
Cooking and Meal Preparation
Students practice preparing meals and building kitchen safety skills.
Food Shopping
Students practice planning for groceries and participating in shopping experiences.
Money Management
Students build skills in budgeting, banking and managing money.
Transition Planning
Students explore job searching, post-secondary options and training programs.
Social Opportunities
Students participate in social experiences, alumni activities and peer connection opportunities.
Recreation and Community Experiences
Students access recreation and community activities that support independence and quality of life.
Homework and Assignment Support
Students receive homework and assignment support as needed during the evening program.
What is Provided?
Students Have Access To
- Campus gym
- Pool
- Computers
- Handheld assistive technology
- WiFi access
- Recreation opportunities
- Community experiences
Students are expected to use campus facilities, technology and shared spaces responsibly.
The White Hall evening program provides funds for food expenses, cleaning supplies, recreation activities and travel fare.
Students do not need to bring personal money unless they would like to purchase personal items in the community, such as clothing or gifts.
Who Qualifies for White Hall?
Students who have expressed interest and qualify for the program live on campus Monday through Thursday evenings and return home on weekends, days off and holiday breaks.
To qualify for White Hall, students must be able to complete basic personal care needs and exit the building in the event of an emergency with minimal assistance.
Real-Life Experiences
Through short-term and residential programming, students practice real-life skills in meaningful settings. From preparing healthy meals in the White Hall kitchen to building work habits and participating in community experiences, students gain confidence through hands-on learning.
Questions About Short-term Programs?
Contact Overbrook School for the Blind for more information about short-term program opportunities.
