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Breaking barriers and empowering students: Introducing the California School for the Blind’s Comprehensive Computer Science Curriculum

Computer science curriculum from coding concepts, to robots, to programing for students with visual impairments.

Hey there, fellow educators and champions of inclusivity! We’ve got some incredible news that’s bound to spark excitement and ignite possibilities in classrooms worldwide. The California School for the Blind’s (CSB) Assistive Technology (AT) team is thrilled to announce the launch of a groundbreaking computer science curriculum tailored for students with visual impairments. Yes, you heard that right! We’re diving headfirst into the world of technology, breaking barriers, and empowering our visually impaired students to excel in the exciting realm of STEM.

We understand the challenges that teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) and other professionals face in ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive education for their students. That’s why our curriculum has been carefully designed to cater to all levels, aligning seamlessly with the itinerant service model commonly found in vision services. We’re here to make it easier for you to integrate computer science skills into your teaching, because we firmly believe that every student, regardless of their visual abilities, should have access to these crucial concepts.

The best part? Our curriculum isn’t just about coding and programming. It’s a gateway to a world of possibilities, bridging the gap between technology and the expanded core curriculum. We’ve strategically woven in skills that directly complement and enhance various areas of learning, ensuring that your students are not just proficient in computer science but are also equipped with essential life skills that pave the way for a successful future.

The CSB AT team is beyond excited to share this resource with you. Our ultimate vision is to see computer science integrated into classrooms across the board, making it a staple part of the educational journey for blind and visually impaired students. And guess what? This is just the beginning. We’re committed to nurturing and expanding this curriculum, continually enriching it with new and innovative lessons that keep pace with the ever-evolving world of technology.

But wait, there’s more! We’ve used this curriculum in our campus-wide ‘Day of Code,’ an exhilarating event dedicated to providing students with a hands-on experience of exploring various computer science concepts. It’s a day filled with excitement, discovery, and the joy of learning. 

Want a taste of what students experience through this curriculum? Check out this highlight video from last year’s Day of Code event! The possibilities are endless, and the CSB technology team is excited to see what is in store next, and happy to collaborate with TVIs on how to facilitate their own computer science opportunities. 

CSB Day of Code video:

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By Allison Mello

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