Summer programs for educators
Free summer training for educators serving students who are blind or deafblind
Deafblind Symposium and Summer Institute, a three-day event held in early August, prepares staff from Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Area Educational Agencies (AEAs) to support students with visual impairments in their districts. Learn more about this event and how you can participate!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend?
All educational staff in the state of Iowa are welcome to attend! Here’s a sample of the types of attendees that typically come to Summer Institute:
- Local Education Agency staff
- Area Education Agency staff
- Paraeducators
- General education teachers
- Special education teachers
What types of topics are covered?
In addition to general sessions focused on supporting students with visual impairments, a wide range of specific topics are covered, including:
- Literacy
- Math
- STEM
- Assistive technology
- Supporting students with additional disabilities
- Post K-12 transition (Part B to C and age 14)
What are the sessions like?
Summer Institute sessions range in length from 90 minutes to 3 hours. Presenters for the sessions include IESBVI consultants, staff and outside experts who have been invited to present.
Is financial support available for those attending?
The Institute offers a participant stipend of $100 a day for AEA, LEA and IESBVI staff who meet the following criteria:
- Are currently working with a student(s) with visual impairments
- Live 50 miles (or more) outside of Des Moines and attend a full day of sessions
Educational staff wishing to attend who are not currently working with a student with a visual impairment and those wishing to attend only specific sessions will be able to do so, but with no stipend provision.