2013 Transition To Thrive
Tool Kit
-A resource guide for California’s blind and low vision teens and young adults in or approaching high-school and the college years -
This guide focuses on programs, services and information and resources readily available foradolescents, teens and young adults. What follows is a listing of known transition resources, programs, services including mentions of scholarship and career exploration web listings.
Every attempt has been made to provide the most up to date and accurate information and resources. It is the authors intend to provide the most relevant information in order to be of significant value to blind and low vision high-school and college students.
The following listings and notices in some cases may be sponsored by the Department of Rehabilitation ( DoR provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for individuals with disabilities.
Whether youare astudent, Rehabilitation Counselor, Teacher of the Visually Impaired,parent and/or an advocate, this resource is intended for your review, sharing anddissemination to others that could benefit from listed resources. Feedback on additional services and resource listings that are not listed may be submitted for consideration in the next revise.
What follows are but a few of numerous existing programs and services forpersons, who are blind and disabled.These resourcesare available at low or no cost in California and nationwide. This resource has a great emphasis focusing on independent living, career exploration information, college and scholarships.
Thank you for your review of the 2013 Transition To Thrive Tool Kit.
To provide feedback and/or suggest additional information, please email us at: .
This document exists as a starting point when working and evaluating the needs of blind and low vision teens andyoung adults.
Listings were revisedMarch 3, 2013 by agroup of professionals working in the field of Education, Counseling and Rehabilitation from throughout California.
Some listing announcementsmay have been edited for space.Contact information for each program generally is listed at theend of eachsummarized announcement and may include a combination of; contact names, addresses, phone numbers, email and/or web addresses.
For ease of reference, this publication has been divided into the following three sections with subject matter.
SECTION 1:
Assessments & Evaluations: Vision and Technology
After school and seasonal internships and job possibilities
SECTION 2:
Recreation and Wellness Services (California)
Time specific Transition Programs
Year-round Transition Programs
Residential Programs (California only)
SECTION 3:
Mentoring/ Counseling
Student and Parent Advocacy
Social Media Resources
Transition Web Resources
SECTION 1:
Assessments & Evaluations: Vision and Technology:
By working with Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) in one’s locally assigned school district where an IEP exists, K12 blind and low vision students may be able to receive an assessment for a low vision examination where the TVI can refer the student to the California School for the Blind's assessment center in Fremont.
There are additional centers and college labs across the state that mayperform similarevaluations for high school students and Department of Rehabilitation consumers. Please check with Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI’s), Department of Rehabilitation Counselor’s as well as other Special Education professionals for further details.
Assistive/Adaptive Technology evaluations may also be available through the California School for the Blind on site or in one’s local hometown/school district. Additionally through the Department of Rehabilitation (DoR), comprehensive technology assessments on low vision aids, Braille, Closed Circuit TV’s and computer screen and magnification software may be provided by the managing DoR counselor.
It is important to take into consideration that an evaluation for
Rehabilitation technology for a transition age student be considered early in the vocational rehabilitation process so that (when appropriate) necessary technology can be procured early in the student's senior or final year of high school so that familiarization and training on the equipment and software is performed and successfully retained. In most all cases the student's high school district requires that any and all equipment and software loaned to the student during his/her post-secondary education be returned upon or just before graduation/exiting the school system. Thus, the sooner DoR can procure and train the student on this same/similar equipment and software, the better prepared the student will be for entering college and the workforce.
After school and seasonal internships and job possibilities:
I: Paid and unpaid internships, traineeships and volunteering:
Cities and counties across the state often have summer jobprograms for youth of all abilities through what are often referred to as ”summer employment programs for youth". Offered by local city,library,parks and recreation, community centers and county governments, such jobs are seasonal to the summerand often have leadership programs built into them. Check with your city and or county government offices for details. Throughout the summer agencies including the Lighthouse for the Blind in San Francisco, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Enchanted Hills Camp (Lighthouse), Junior Blind, Camp Bloomfield, and the Braille Institute may offer a handful of paid and unpaid counselor in training, internships and volunteer jobs. These are good summer gigs for youth looking for that first ever work experience in often a safe and familiar setting. This is also good exposure for them to know what it takes to be in a working environment not to mention that this promotes healthy work habits, networking and builds confidence.
Additionally, summer job listings may be researched through both local high school and community college or University online newspapers and bulletin boards. Many internet search engines including Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo and others will procure narrowed job listings with accurate search strings.
II: Transition Partnership Programs (TPP’s)
Transition Partnership Programs (TPP's) are offered through many high-school districts across California. Often known and referred to as WorkAbility 1 programs, part-time work experience and after school jobs and career preparedness seminars are offered including resume writing, interviewing, disability disclosure along with several other services. Not all school districts offer TPP/WorkAbility 1 programs. Please check with your Rehabilitation Specialist and local district TPP representative for appropriate referral information. To download the DOR TPP fact sheet, visit: TPPFactS.rtf
Additionally, agencies including the Society for the Blind in Sacramento,Junior Blind, the Lighthouse for the Blind in San Francisco, the southern California based Braille Institutes, Palo Alto's Vista Center for the Blind, Lions Center for the Blind in Oakland and the Blind Center in San Diego offer a variety of career readiness activities, workshops, seminars and informational events for youth and young adults. For more information, consult a Department of Rehabilitation blindness specific counselor.
Also be in touch regularly with each youth/transition program contact at these agencies to learn of activities available to youth clients. Often these programs can be considered "comparable benefits" and or a "cost savings" as there are little to no cost to have students participate. These agencies in most all cases have newsletters to subscribe to in order to receive new program announcements.
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SECTION 2:
Recreation and Wellness Services (California:
Across California, there are a number of organizations that provide free to low cost day, weekend and weeklong recreational opportunities for blind and low vision youth and teens.
The Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program (BORP) offers outdoor activities for youth and adults. BORP is based in Berkeley and host outings to Ano Nuevo, provides group hikes, tandem cycling, Santa Cruz boardwalk and attends audio narrated plays and musicals. Visit for details.
Braille Institute has several offices in southern California from Santa Barbara to San Diego. For specific details, visit.
Junior Blind of America ( has campus based activities and special events specifically for youth and teens including seasonal themed Carnivals and the annual Blind Olympics. Junior Blind’s VISIONS Adventures In Learning program offers youth exceptional enrichment activities including High Ropes Course outings, downhill skiing, White Water Rafting and more. Finally, Camp Bloomfield is a residential summer camp in Malibu offering youth and family week long camps all summer long. For more details please call 800.352.2290.
The LightHouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired in San Francisco offers recreation activities for youth and teens. Visit details or phone 415.431.1481. The LightHouse also has Enchanted Hills Camp, a residential summer camp for blind youth and families from June through August.
In Palo Alto, the Vista Center for the Blind ( offers a variety of outings for youth including ice skating and similar enrichment opportunities. Please call 650.858.0202 for more information.
Time specific Transition Programs
(Spring/Summer)
Transition Resource Faire: From College To Careers!
Thursday, April 25th, 20139:00-2:30
Junior Blind northern California and the Lions Center for the Blind collaborate to provide this event.
Loction: At The Lions Center for the Blind - 2115 Broadway St., in Oakland
A great opportunity for Blind and Low Vision Youth ages 14-24 in the process of Transition towards a new stage of higher education and/or employment. TVI’s, O&M’s, and other related service providers are also welcome. Listen to panels of blind college students and employed blind adults discuss their paths to success. Service providers will also be on hand to share information with students. Refreshments and lunch to be provided to those signing up in advance. To RSVP Email Rob Schulenburg: or telephone 888.400.4522x459.
2013 California Chemistry Camp:
(May 3 through May 5, 2013)
Would you like to learn how blind people tackle the very visual subject of organic chemistry successfully? Do you have a general love for science? Are you a blind or low vision teenager considering a career in chemistry? Then the 2013 California Chemistry Camp is for you! For an application or questions for this free camp, contact Angela Fowler, Director of Planning, Accessible Science at or 530-902-0987.
2013 Skills & Training for Real Education and EmploymentTransition: S.T.R.E.E.T. Week.
(July 14 - July 20, 2013)
With a significant focus on Independent Living Skills development, Self Determination, and taking initiative, participants will take part in enriching leadership development seminars and hands on learning activities including museum visits, college tours, and urban exploration excursions. Late afternoon and early evenings, students will engage in group dynamics and leadership exercises that will stress critical thinking and application of travel and independent living skills. Lodging will be near public transportation with access to Old Town Sacramento, Sacramento State University, and Downtown Folsom. This week long outing will have a heavy focus on leadership development, cultivation of Daily Living Skills, Self Determination and immersion in travel training competencies.
Applicants shall be consumers of the Department of Rehabilitation. Spaces available for 15 persons ages 16 to 22. For more details, please contact Richard Rueda, Director of Transition Services, Junior Blind at 888.400.4522x460 or email .
Summer Transition Education Program (Fremont):
(July 7 - 27, 2013)
The Summer Transition Education program (STEP) in Fremont is a cooperative venture between the State Department of Rehabilitation and the California School for the Blind. Participants in this program are public high school students or graduates from public school, ages 16 – 21.Students must be clients of the Department of Rehabilitation
Referral formand Authorizations are needed. Interested persons should contact Ann Linville,Director of Transition Services at CSB for more information. 510.794.3800x262 or by email at: . Apply at:
2013 Student Transition & Enrichment Program (STEP),
Los Angeles
The Junior Blind and the Dept. of Rehabilitationare sponsoring and leading three residential, 3-week career readiness workshops during the summer months of June through August. Each session is referred to as the, “Summer Transition Enrichment Program,” (STEP). There are two sessions for first time participants in STEP 1; Session I is June 24th through July 12th, and Session II is July 22nd through August 9th. The STEP 2 is for participants who have already attended STEP 1: STEP 2 is from June 24th through August 9th. These programs are for high school student's ages 16 to 22. To be eligible for this program, students MUST be a consumer of the Department of Rehabilitation, and a referral form and Authorizations are needed. Interested persons should contact Stormey Ramdhan, Transition Services Coordinator at 323.295.4555x468 or by email at: .
Youth Leadership Program:
(July 22 through July 26, 2013)
The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a five-day leadership programfor junior and senior high school students. The forum provides information on technology, resource agencies,education, and employment. During the forum, delegates participate in intensiveworkgroups that focus on advocacy and personal leadership plans. Delegates meetother peers with disabilities from all over California. They interact with mentorsin the community and learn about the legislation process. This five-day eventhas lasting life-changing effects on the delegates attending.
For complete details and to apply for YLF, visit:
or call, (916) 558-5437 (voice) - (916) 654-9820 (TTY) or California Relay Service at 711
Deaf-Blind Summer Seminar at Helen Keller- National Center:
(July 29 – August 9, 2013)
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE!! Share two weeks of your summer with your peers! Explore your vocational goals! Learn strategies for college planning! If you are deaf-blind and a junior or senior in high school, the Helen Keller National Center is offering a 2-week program justfor you this July and August. For assistance with the SUMMER SEMINAR, contact: Your HKNC Regional Representative or Admissions Coordinator by phone at
516-944-8900 ext. 258.
College Preparatory Program at
LionsWorld Services for theBlind:
World Services for the Blind is offering a College Preparatory Program for blind or visually impaired high school students who are rising juniors and seniors, as well as older students who wish to return to college. The 2013 program lasts from June 24 through August 9 and is designed to evaluate the student’s basic skills and to provide the training needed for a successful college career. For more information, please visit: call800.248.0734.
Louisiana Center for the Blind STEP Program:
June 2- August 3, 2013
The Summer Training and Employment Project (STEP) Program isdesigned to introduce blind teenagers to positive blind role models and toprovide participants with summer work experience. Students learn alternativetechniques in blindness and then work fifteen to twenty hours a week at a localbusiness earning minimum wage. This unforgettable eight-week summer program isopen to high school students who are seeking to learn valuable skills and buildtheir resume through work experience. For more information, please visit: call: 800.234.4166.
Summer for Success – College Prep Program at the Colorado Center for theBlind:
Summer for Success College Prep Program
Ages: High school graduates and older
Program dates: Friday, June8 – Friday, August 3, 2012
8-week residential program
For more information visit:
Or,
call303.778.1130. Blind Inc. - Life 101 (Minneapolis MN):
Prep- Blind Inc.:
This is an eight-to-ten-week training program to prepare college- and employment-bound highschool and college students who are blind with skills and information to promoteacademic, employment, and social success. Note taking, using readers, ordering books in alternative formats, the role of offices for students with disabilities, time-management, social interaction with fellow students, extensive career exploration, becoming comfortable with blindness, dealing with the misconceptions professors and employers may have about blindness, nutrition and physical fitness as a college student or member of the workforce will be addressed. The summer session is from June 10 through August 2, 2013.
For more information, or to have an application for Prep mailed or e-mailed to you, telephone 800.597.9558.
PAID INTERNSHIPS and MENTORING for students with disabilitiespursuing computing!
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at theUniversity of Washington and DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities,Internetworking, and
Technology) sponsor the Access Computing Alliance for thepurpose of increasing the participation of people with disabilities in computingcareers. College students with disabilities who are pursuing ComputerScience and other computing majors are encouraged to join the Access ComputingTeam. Team members are eligible for help with PAID COMPUTING INTERNSHIPSand MENTORING. The application is at:
This project is funded by the National Science Foundation. Formore information, or help with the application, contact DO-IT at 888.972. 3648. or .
Year-round Transition Programs
New Foundations
Lions Center for the Blind (Oakland CA)
Designed to address a systemic absence of employment education available for the visually impaired job-seeker, New Foundations tackles the unspoken and inherent requirements for any person in the professional world: problem solving, motivation, advocacy, organization, analytical thinking, and awareness of ones’ abilities and potential.
Built into a group setting, individuals take ownership over their professional development and alter outcomes for themselves and their peers through a rigorous, supportive, and engaging curriculum. Beyond the employment portfolio, participating students will engage with the real-world barriers they face through the job hunt, and learn to overcome them. For more information contact the Employment Services Department at 510-450-1580 x262.
Student Transition & Enrichment (STEP) Mobileworkshops(Statewide)