Author: Gretchen Kalar
Graduates from the summer 2019 SAVVY Program graduation on Aug. 2.
Aug. 9, 2019 – DHHS’ Division of Services for the Blind recently celebrated the graduation of students with visual impairments from a program that helps them prepare for college and the workforce.
The Summer Adapting to Blindness Vital to Visually Impaired Youth (SAVVY) program provides an opportunity for youth to explore career interests, gain work experiences and develop specialized skills needed for safe travel, technology use and daily living. The long-time annual summer program is operated by the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB), 1999 and this year 22 students from all over the state successfully completed the program.
The mission of DSB is to enable people who are blind or visually impaired or deafblind to reach their independence and employment goals.
The SAVVY program offers students three tracks. Some students attend all three tracks over the years and some students only attend one or two. Each program is designed to help students succeed in different areas.
- Youth in Transition (YIT) allows participants to explore careers, build the confidence they need to be independent and develop soft skills for successful employment.
- World of Work (WOW) lets participants gain real life work experience.
- College Prep helps transition rising high school seniors and graduates who will be attending college. The program simulates a freshman seminar course.
“The summer is packed full of teaching and learning,” said Cynthia Speight, DSB Director. “It is great to witness their growth.”