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Short Term Programs

Testimonial - Dawn Clelland, Parent Full Screen Volume Control Read the text of this video. Click here to view more testimonials.

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The W. Ross Macdonald School began providing Short Term Programs for students who are blind or have low vision and are enrolled in Boards in the fall of 2007, after much research and planning. The rationale for our STPs is to provide specific skill acquisition and rich social and recreational opportunities for students throughout the province.

These weekend opportunities focus on specific topics for specific age groupings. Participants complete an application. (Click here to download an application form in PDF format.) We limit weekend enrolment to 12 participants. The requirements of the application include:

• IEP
• IPRC Statement of Decision (if applicable)
• Medical Information
• Level of Independent Living Skills
  

Our instructors and residence staff are dedicated to providing an engaging and fun learning environment each weekend. Instructors for these programs are carefully selected for their expertise in the given area of instruction.

This program has been a resounding success and we have a 75 -80% return rate of participants each weekend.

Weekend STPs and Summer Camps include:

Date	Theme	Age Group	Content
September 30 - October 1, 2011	Out of Focus	12 + Students with Low Vision	Low Vision Weekend Low vision students will learn ways to access an array of aids and technology. Learn practical, fun ways to navigate the mall, text your friends and order at a restaurant
October 28 - 30, 2011	Lead to Succeed	Age 15 +	Leadership Development for Teens Targeted for teens 15 + who have participated in previous weekends programs. Hone your leadership skills and spread your wings. Explore how you can lead, mentor and become more employable.
January 13 - 15, 2012	Moving in Leaps and Bounds	Age 7 + with Parents	Steps to Independence Join our multi-disciplinarian team and learn ways you can assist your child with essential skills such as daily living skills, socialization and recreational activities. Children will participate in a fun filled engaging program designed just for them.
February 24 - 26, 2012	Musical Extravaganza	Age 13 +	Musical Extravaganza Teens will come together to strut their musical muscles! Join us singing, dancing and making music. Bring your instrument and perform as a group and individually at an “Open Mic” session.
April 20 - 22, 2012	I.T. Independence through Technology	Age 12 +	IT Makes the Difference Come and join our tech team. Improve your technological skills and learn the latest and greatest. Be on the cutting edge
May 26, 2012	Conference for Parents	TBA
Click here to download the 2011 - 2012 Short Term Programs, in PDF format.

• What to bring to Short Term Programs.

• What to bring to Summer Camps.

The benefits for those attending are far reaching. Most widen their social networks by staying in touch with their new friends via email, phone or visits. All leave with new skill sets ranging from technological, social, career planning, post secondary exploration, transition preparation or increasing skills in independence. Each year, new topics for sessions are folded into our calendar of STPs.

Of particular interest is our “Off Campus” STPs. In order to address distance issues, we have begun to take our sessions to distant locations. In the 2008-2009 year we provided two such weekends in Morrisburg and Thunder Bay.

For further information, please contact:

Mary Martin: mary.i.martin@ontario.ca
Liz Dunton: liz.dunton@ontario.ca
Julie Spry: juliecspry@hotmail.com

The STP program provides networking opportunities for parents and students alike. We anticipate continued success in this new and exciting program.

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