Statewide Outreach Services Program Overview

Educational outreach services through the Statewide Outreach Services (SOS) and Education Resource Center (ERC).

At the California School for the Blind (CSB), we provide educational outreach services through the Statewide Outreach Services and Education Resource Center. We are dedicated to providing no-cost consultation, assessment, training, and technical assistance to educational teams and families of blind and low-vision students throughout California.

We are committed to applying best practices and innovative solutions across all aspects of a child's education in both the Common Core and Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). We believe in a collaborative partnership that engages every member of the educational team to ensure student success. All team members are welcome to reach out and take advantage of our services, which are always free of charge, whether provided virtually or in-person anywhere in California. While we are happy to consult with any member of the educational team, including families, we always coordinate field services directly with school and district representatives and teachers to ensure alignment and effective support.

For any general educational outreach questions related to working with blind or low-vision youth, we encourage you to connect with our dedicated team at California School for the Blind (CSB). To connect with Outreach Coordinators, Sarah Joseph and Hanna Lucid, or our Director, Adrian Amandi please email the joint mailbox csb.sos@csb-cde.ca.gov.

We're committed to supporting you in your efforts to provide the best education and resources for visually impaired students in our state. Please explore the links below for more information and to contact our Assessment Program, Assistive Technology Center, Low Vision Clinic and Classroom, Short Courses, and Summer Academies.

Assessment Center

Assessment Center web page

The Assessment Center at CSB is a statewide resource that provides specialized evaluations and support for blind, low-vision, and deaf-blind students. Our team collaborates with families and educational professionals to offer two models of assessment: on-campus assessments for formal testing and field observation/consultation in students' familiar environments. These assessments guide individualized recommendations, which are shared with the educational team to support the student's unique needs. Additionally, we offer consultation and professional development to ensure all team members are equipped to support students' learning and development effectively.

Technology Lab

Technology Lab web page

The Technology Lab at CSB is a statewide resource supporting blind and low-vision students in using a wide range of technology tools to enhance learning and independence. Our team provides instruction and training on key technologies such as screen readers, magnification software, braille displays, and mainstream devices like smartphones and tablets. We offer customized training sessions for students, educators, and families, both on-campus and across the state, ensuring that technology is seamlessly integrated into students' educational experiences. In addition, we work with educational teams to assess and recommend technology solutions that meet each student's individual needs.

Low Vision Clinic and Classroom

Low Vision Clinic web page

The Low Vision Clinic at CSB, in partnership with the University of California Berkeley, provides free low-vision exams and optical devices for blind and low-vision students across California. Our clinic focuses on maximizing students' remaining vision through personalized assessments, consultations, and access to a low-vision device showroom.

In addition to clinical services, the Low Vision Classroom provides direct educational support, offering consultations and technology guidance tailored to classroom needs. This includes collaboration with teachers and families to integrate low-vision strategies and devices into the students' learning environments. All services, whether in-clinic or classroom-based, are provided at no cost to families and districts.

Short-Term Programs

Short-Term Programs web page

The Short-Term programs are designed to address the unique educational needs of students with visual impairments currently attending school in their local school districts offering focused learning without significantly disrupting regular education. The Short-Term Programs encapsulates Short Courses, The Learning Lab and Summer Academies. CSB's Short Courses provide short-term, intensive instruction in areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), such as daily living skills, adaptive technology, and orientation and mobility. These courses are designed for blind and low-vision students attending their local schools,Students can attend in-person or online courses, all free of charge, including transportation. Each course is tailored to meet the needs and interests of participants, ensuring a dynamic and enriching experience. More information about registration is found on the Short Courses web page.

Summer Academies

Summer Academies web page

CSB's Summer Academies offer students a fun, immersive experience while focusing on key areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), including technology use and social skills development. Most courses are held in-person on our campus, with students attending one course per week but often participating in multiple weeks. These academies provide a unique opportunity for students to explore new interests, gain confidence, and connect with peers. All courses are provided at no cost.

Annual Events

Our Outreach Team plays a vital role in shaping educational opportunities by hosting and participating in these annual events:

Join us at these events to experience how our programs drive innovation, collaboration, and student success.

Resources for Families and Educational Teams

The Education Resource Center and Statewide Outreach Services team at the California School for the Blind is committed to sharing valuable tools that support the education and inclusion of blind and low-vision students. Below are key resources we support and develop, including foundational guidance from national partners and innovative materials created by our team to address emerging needs in the field.

Foundational Tools from National Partners

A Bill of Rights for All Children with Visual Impairment and their Families

The Council of Schools and Services for the Blind (COSB) External link opens in new window or tab. and the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) External link opens in new window or tab. developed a 'Bill of Rights' as a resource to inform parents, professionals, and legislators on the basic educational rights of all children who are blind or visually impaired. It is not fully inclusive of all rights; it is a starting point for teams when planning individualized programs for children with visual impairments.

19 Ways to Step Back

19 Ways to Step Back External link opens in new window or tab. is a poster document designed by the American Foundation for the Blind and adapted from Classroom Collaboration by Laurel J. Hudson, Ph.D. at the Perkins School for the Blind.

The poster offers proactive suggestions for paraprofessionals and teachers to step back from offering too much assistance to students with visual impairments as a way to encourage more independence. To have a copy of the poster, please reach out to csb.sos@csb-cde.ca.gov.

Resource, Innovative Models and Strategies from Our Team

  • Computer Science Curriculum
    • This inclusive computer science curriculum offers accessible, standards-aligned lessons in Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), web development, and digital literacy - with both unplugged and screen-based activities designed to support students with visual impairments as they build foundational coding skills.
  • CVI Strategies and Educational Resources
    • These resources offer foundational knowledge, practical strategies, and curated tools to support educators, families, and teams in understanding and meeting the unique needs of students with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI).
  • What's Available in Assistive Technology for Blind and Low Vision Students
    • This page highlights available assistive technology tools for blind and low vision students, designed to guide educational teams in exploring appropriate options and reduce the time spent searching for effective resources.
  • Comprehensive Vision Assessment
    • Bringing together the Functional Vision Assessment (FVA), Learning Media Assessment (LMA), Technology Assessment, and Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) Assessments into one cohesive approach.
  • Direct Consult Service Model for Students with Visual Impairments
    • The Direct Consult model blends direct service and consultation, with the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) working alongside classroom teams to support instruction, materials, and access for students with extensive support needs.