NOTE: This service is provided to eligible customers with qualifying disabilities that make reading print difficult. If you are blind, deafblind, low vision, or if you have another disability that makes it hard for you to read print, please continue. If you live in Minnesota and have a print related disability, give us a call to find out more about the services we offer. Call 1-800-722-0550. This application form also provides information on all the services we offer.
Below is a list of available opportunities for students. This is not a comprehensive list; additional services can be explored. Please review and let your SSB representative know if you want to learn more or if you want to pursue any of these opportunities.
Peer ambassadors Amy and Maddy are hosting a virtual hangout to catch up on what happened during the school year and discuss summer plans! This will take place June 9 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. over Zoom. All are welcome, and we hope to see you there!
Duluth Lighthouse Center for Vital Living
Two summer camps where students can come together to learn, build confidence, and network with one another. Attendees receive training in orientation and mobility, cooking and meal preparation, self-advocacy, soft skills, building teamwork skills, and more. The first camp runs from July 6 to July 13, and the second from July 27 to August 3. For more information, visit Lighthouse Summer Camps 2025.
Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Opportunities
Canoeing the Mississippi River: Join us on Saturday, July 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a canoeing adventure. Whether you're a first-time paddler or experienced on the water, this is an excellent opportunity to get outdoors, meet new people, and enjoy nature. Please complete this online registration if you’re interested or contact Shane DeSantis.
Camping at Afton State Park: From August 12 to 14, enjoy a two-night, three-day camping trip at Afton State Park. All camping gear is provided, and chaperones will be present. Contact Shane DeSantis to sign up.
Vision Loss Resources
Offers adjustment to blindness training, helping individuals learn adaptive techniques for daily life. Topics include technology, typing, orientation and mobility, braille, cooking, and other essential daily living skills.
ReSOURCE/LEAP (Learn, Earn, and Prosper)
LEAP provides blind and visually impaired youth virtual and in-person programming opportunities to gain the skills needed to become independent, confident, and productive with the outcome of increased employability. They offer virtual work experiences and training in work readiness. Check out this video to learn more about their virtual work experience program or contact SSB.
Vanward Consulting
Lean In! Prep is a job readiness program with the mission to assist blind and low-vision high school students in preparing for achieving long-term employment through career exploration and developing technical skills for business. Lean In! Prep Explorers will learn about different career options that are aligned with their interests and will have the opportunity to collectively run their own small business.
Adjustment to Blindness Training: Instruction on areas such as O&M, technology, activities for daily living (cooking, cleaning, labeling, etc.), and more
SSB staff and other training providers are available for individualized training in specific areas. Contact your SSB representative to learn more!
They offer a nine-month program from October to June where students meet remotely every week and travel to Duluth five times for in-person training. Two summer camps are planned for Sunday, July 6 - Sunday, July 13 and Sunday. July 27 - Sunday, August 3.
The Adjustment to Blindness Training Program at Vision Loss Resources helps you learn adaptive techniques. Subjects include technology, typing, orientation and mobility, Braille, cooking, and tasks of daily living.
Vanward Consulting Services: Virtual workplace readiness for ages 16-18 through Lean In! Prep and internship program for college students through Lean In! USA.
Various other work-based learning and work readiness opportunities are available through SSB staff and community providers.
Two SSB students conduct peer-to-peer programming for students across the state for instruction on various topics of interest for low vision students. They are also available to meet with others one-on-one for peer discussion and will be planning virtual and in-person group activities!
