Student Programs

Tools for Life is a secondary transition conference for students with disabilities, families, and secondary transition professionals. The event is presented as a typical professional conference with national keynote speakers and breakout sessions. In order to make the Fair more accessible to students and families across Idaho, Tools for Life travels around the state between Northern Idaho, Boise, and Pocatello. The 2021 Tools for Life Fair will be held in Moscow.

Advancing Adventures in Communicating (AAC) Camp is a day camp specializing in increasing communication abilities and socialization skills in augmentative communication users through speech generating devices. Camp activities this year will include arts and crafts, swimming, special events, music, computer literacy, and drama! Campers must own a speech generating device and provide a video of themselves using their device before acceptance into AAC camp. See details on the camper registration website. Families are welcome during camp to observe and learn with their campers. Onsite dormitory living is available. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event is tentative for 2020.

Vandal Summer Academy is a NO COST residential program for high school students with disabilities, age 15-21 - including those with IDD, interested in pursuing post-secondary education. During the Vandal Summer Academy students spend one week on the University of Idaho (UI) campus to experience college life, learn how to take notes in college, access disability support services, understand financial aid, learn independent living skills, etc. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event is tentative for 2020.

College Days is a new summer program for the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI) that focuses on students who plan to attend some type of post secondary schooling. It focuses on the unique issues that a blind or visually impaired transition student may encounter when preparing to attend a trade school, two year college, or university.

Some areas that are addressed:

• How to access the disability resource center at the school you’re attending
• Orientation and Mobility on campuses
• Taking advantage of your assistive technology for the college environment
• Accessing your books in a timely manner
• Tips from other successful past and present blind or visually impaired students
• Successful note taking.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event is tentative for 2020, but may be held online.

The Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind (ISDB) is once again offering a summer camp; “Sawtooth Camp” for the deaf and hard of hearing children, ages 12-16. This is a unique opportunity to experience the great outdoors, participate in fun-filled activities, and build lasting friendships. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event is canceled for 2020.