Peer Mediated Instruction
1852
1820
History
A movement was underway to provide education and training to blind children.
The school was relocated to the new site, which is still the location for the school today. The school enrollment grew to 58 students.
1849
1868
Braille was introduced as a subject.
A group of 30 citizens, headed by Hyatt Smith, met to discuss a school for the blind in Janesville. The group collected $430 and a private school was started. The first class consisted of 8 stuents.
1885
The name of the school was changed to the Wisconsin School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
1850
1930
Legislators created the first state-supported educational institution in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Institute for the education of the blind.
Braille became the official reading system for blind persons in the United States.
Eligibility
Eligibility
- Individuals ages 3 through 21 are eligible
- Must live in the state of Wisconsin
- Have an IEP
- At no cost to the family
- Have access to different therapeutic services based on IEP needs
- WSBVI conducts a 45 day observation/assessment period on campus to begin placement
Little Peanuts
- IEP driven day program designed to provide an environment and curriculum to facilitate development of all children who are blind or have low vision
- provide the least restrictive environment for students who are blind and visually impaired
- Curriculum Includes:
- Hands on learning about the world
- Active Learning Strategies
- Calendar Systems
- Develop concept development
- Literacy and pre-literacy development
- Wide range of cutting edge technology
Elementary School
- Core subjects are the same as any other school in the state
- added instruction in areas of the expanded core curriculum
- which means students will receive opportunities to take classes in subjects such as:
- Assistive technology specifically designed for students with visual impairments
- Braille or other communication modes
- Specially designed adapted physical education
- age appropriate independent living skills and self-advocacy
- Opportunities to take part in cooperative education programs with local area schools to take classes under supervision
Middle School/ High School
Middle School/ High School
- Contintue to receive instruction in all core academic subjects
- Also have opportunities to take courses in the following areas:
- Assistive Technology
- Braille
- Adapted Physical Education
- Daily Living Skills that prepare them for an independent future
- Technical and Career Education Classes designed to assist students in choosing a post secondary goal, develop good work habits, and provide hands on work experience
Braille Education
- Offered in accordance with a students IEP
- In Lower Elementary Braille is integrated with academic classes
- In Upper Elementary individuals have seperate classes in Braille depending on their needs
- Contracted Braille (Grade 2) is taught along with the rules and applications
- As soon as a student is profficient in Braille, they are required to do classroom assignments in that medium
Orientation and Mobility
- Specialized instruction for travel for students who are blind or visually impaired to ensure their safety and independence
- Learn:
- How to properly use a can to assist in locating obstacles or finding their way around surroundings
- Crossing streets safely and effectively, understanding traffic patterns, and navigating
- Planning and executing routes from a "house base" to a given destination using maps, directions, assistive technology, and other methods
- Use of public transportation systems to reach destinations
Independent Living
- Learn how to implement adaptions in their daily lives that will lead to the highest level of independence possible
- opportunity to familiarize themselves with the experiences of living as an independent adult
- LIFEhouse- a modern home which provides for a unique off-campus living experience
- Students are responsible for all aspects of independent living including food prep, sanitation, budgeting and bill pay, and time management
- Assist students in transitioning from their home environments to a supported living setting
Benefits
- Low teacher to student ratio
- Some of the most up to date assistive technology
- Highly trained and qualified staff
- Offer academic and career preparation programs for students transitioning into post-secondary life
- For students with additional impairments they offer a high quality program designed to meet the educational, social, emotional, and physical needs of the individual
- Adapted physical education program that includes balance and coordination, games, gymnastics, running, swimming, and weight lifting
- Offers extracurricular activities including goalball, swim, track, wrestling, cheerleading, and cross country
- Classes in orientation and mobility
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Challenges
- Funding
- Transportation
- Relocating
- Placement Process