Envision Foundation

Assistive Technology Camp

The Envision Residential Assistive Technology Camp is an annual week-long camp for Kansas youth who are vision impaired. The purpose is to establish independence for teens who are blind or vision impaired through college and career development and technology instruction.

Between 30 and 40 students are selected for this program through nominations by Kansas Teachers of the Visually Impaired. At the graduation ceremony, the students are recognized by staff, volunteers, peers, instructors and community leaders for this critical step toward independence for life.

Each student takes home:  

• Computer
• Monitor
• Speakers 
• Mouse 
• Keyboard 
• Appropriate assistive technology based upon individualized assessment and instruction

Fast Facts: 

• The number of children born visually impaired in the U.S. has increased by over 300 percent in the last decade, primarily due to premature births and substance abuse.  
• There are over 70,000 school age children in the U.S. who are legally blind. 
• Visually impaired children who use assistive technology are much more likely to finish high school, seek higher education and not become an unemployment or underemployment statistic as adults. 
• Less than 10 percent of visually impaired children who need assistive technology own it.

Benefits of the Program: 

• According to Kansas Teachers of the Visually Impaired, students have access to computers at school, but not at home, making completion of assignments and mastery of skills difficult. 
• Without appropriate training and use of computers at home, students are left behind academically. This negatively impacts their academic, social and emotional development. 
• Students who own their own computers and receive individualized technology and training are more likely to excel academically, socially and emotionally – for life. 
• The national unemployment rate for individuals who are blind or low vision is 70 percent. Assistive technology combats unemployment and underemployment for youth, leading to independence and building leaders for tomorrow, regardless of visual disabilities.

Program Syllabus: 

• Individualized assessment and computer instruction utilizing assistive technology 
• Communication skills 
• Life skills 
• Library skills 
• Job searches 
• Interview skills and techniques 
• Field visits to community businesses 
• Motivational and inspirational presentations

Costs: 

• Computers (Hardware) $30,000 
• Computers (Software) $22,000 
• Lodging $3,000 
• Course Instruction $1,500 
• Meals $3,500

 Assistive Technology Camp brochure (PDF)  

2010 Assistive Technology Camp Results