KSSB offers summer programs in two locations across Kansas. More details on each are provided below.
Important ESY Information for 2025 (click to expand)
- Extended School Year at the KSSB Campus will consist of TWO 2-week sessions. Participants will register for one session only.
- Participants must meet eligibility criteria for visual impairment under the Kansas guidelines.
- Enrollment is LIMITED. Please see information under each program.
- Once allotted spots are filled, applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
- Total program cost included in information under each program.
- Dorm priority given to students attending from outside the KC metro area & who do not attend KSSB full time.
- TSVIs and local districts will communicate with parents regarding transportation.
- Participant applications must be complete, including approval of the Local Education Agency.
- Kansas State School for the Blind staff will be responsible for the selection of participants, instructors, practicum instructors, employees, and interns.
- Kansas State School for the Blind ESY team will conduct training of all staff hired. This will include mandated reporting, confidentiality, expanded core curriculum, and orientation and mobility guide techniques.
- Questions? Contact Aundrayah Shermer, KSSB ESY Program Coordinator, 913-335-5596, ashermer@kssdb.org, or Jon Harding, Superintendent, jharding@kssdb.org, 913-305-3014
Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) Domains (click to expand)
- Activities of Daily Living: Daily routines will develop self-care and organization skills. In addition, participants will receive instruction in preparation and cleanup of at least one meal each day.
- Career Exploration: Track 1 students will participate in daily Career Exploration and Pre-Vocational skills training. Track 2 participants will apply for a job shadowing program and participate in a daily work experience on the campus of FHSU or in the Hays community with a trained job coach.
- Orientation and Mobility: Instruction in safe, efficient and independent travel skills will be incorporated throughout the program with activities and routes designed by Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists.
- Recreation and Leisure: Daily activities designed to develop routines & habits in fitness, health, and will expose participants to new experiences.
- Social Skills/Self-Determination: Participants will learn strategies and interventions to promote greater inclusion of these critical skills for positive outcomes in the educational curriculum and post-school employment.
- Assistive Technology/Sensory Efficiency: Participants will utilize their current assistive technology and low vision devices to access their daily activities and will be exposed to new strategies with current devices to increase efficiency & independence across all domains.
Sample Daily Schedule (click to expand)
Track 1
- 7:30-8:15 Daily Exercise Routine
- 8:15-9:00 Breakfast
- 9:00-11:30 Lunch Preparation
- 11:30-12:30 Lunch
- 12:30-2:30 Recreation & Leisure Choice Time
- 2:30-5:00 Pre-Vocational Skills
- 5:00-6:00 Dinner
- 6:00-8:30 Evening Program/Outings
- 8:30-9:30 Showers and Bedtime Routines
Track 2
- 7:30-8:15 Daily Exercise Routine
- 8:15-9:00 Breakfast
- 9:00-11:30 Work Experience
- 11:30-12:30 Lunch
- 12:30-2:30 Recreation & Leisure Choice Time
- 2:30-5:00 Dinner Preparation
- 5:00-6:00 Dinner
- 6:00-8:30 Evening Program/Outings
- 8:30-9:30 Showers and Bedtime Routines
Nursing (click to expand)
KSSB employs full-time nursing staff during summer programs.
Updated Contact Lists (click to expand)
It is critical that parents provide us with their most current contact information in order to disseminate information quickly and accurately. Personal cell phone numbers, home phone numbers, email addresses, work phone numbers, mailing addresses, as well as emergency contacts should be kept up to date. We ask
that you assist us in ensuring your information is kept current by contacting Aundrayah Shermer at ashermer@kssdb.org or calling 913-305-3016.