College Prep for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Foundation for Blind Children’s College Prep Program is a five-week residential program held on the ASU Tempe campus. It’s all about learning what to expect in college; whether you plan to go to community college or a university, there’s a lot to learn! Along with our Teen-to-Work Program, College Prep helpds prepare students to live independently and eventually to join the workforce.
Every college student needs to learn “how to college”—how to do the administrative tasks necessary to be successful. From your FAFSA to academic advising to planning and calendaring your workload, you’ll learn how to pull it all together.
As a student who’s blind or visually impaired, you have an extra “layer” of things you’ll need to learn in order to be successful. This layer includes things like assistive technology, orientation and mobility, and daily-living skills. It also includes self-advocacy. In high school, you had a team of people who made sure that your accommodations were in place. In college, you’ll build and lead that team. We at FBC are here to help you learn how to do that.
College Prep isn’t all work! Our program includes lots of great recreational activities to keep you moving and motivated! Past groups have participated in bowling, ropes courses, indoor skydiving, escape rooms, movies, horseback riding, fitness classes, theme parks, ice skating, self-defense classes, and so much more!
College Prep Program goals
Students in the College Prep Program will learn:
- How to establish relationships with campus Disability Resource Centers.
- How to obtain course materials in accessible formats.
- How to complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships and grants.
- Independent living skills such as cooking and cleaning.
- Navigate your college campus of choice, while learning the best transportation options for you.
- How to be a successful college student!
College Prep Program goals
Students in the College Prep Program will learn:
- How to establish relationships with campus Disability Resource Centers.
- How to obtain course materials in accessible formats.
- How to complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships and grants.
- Independent living skills such as cooking and cleaning.
- Navigate your college campus of choice, while learning the best transportation options for you.
- How to be a successful college student!
Additional Services
- Upon acceptance to the College Prep Program, each individual may receive a low vision exam along with recommendations for equipment.
- Training, including orientation & mobility, daily-living skills, and assistive technology.
- Each participant will receive an assistive technology assessment and will be provided any assistive technology recommended and approved by their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, to use during the program. Upon successful completion of the program, all equipment will be loaned to you for use at school or work.
Additional Services
- Upon acceptance to the College Prep Program, each individual may receive a low vision exam along with recommendations for equipment.
- Training, including orientation & mobility, daily-living skills, and assistive technology.
- Each participant will receive an assistive technology assessment and will be provided any assistive technology recommended and approved by their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, to use during the program. Upon successful completion of the program, all equipment will be loaned to you for use at school or work.
College Prep Spring Break
- Clients with active Vocational Rehabilitation Services who have applied and been accepted for College Prep by January 15th, 2024 will have an option to choose to participate in a 4-day, 3-night residential workshop in March where they will receive training and support, so they are prepared to fully immerse themselves in the 5-week summer program without external stressors that can create roadblocks in client progress.
- Clients will work with FBC Instructors on their technology equipment needs, low vision evaluations, and employment training in advance of the summer program, with the goal of having the clients’ technology and devices available to begin training at the start of June for the summer College Prep 5-week program. This program will be held during spring break, and will also have an emphasis on fun events, and participating in FBC’s Stride for Sight event on Saturday, March 16th.
- The program will be held in Phoenix at a hotel, FBC, and out in the community. If accepted, all costs are taken care of if client is registered with Vocational Rehabilitation.
- Program Dates: Wednesday, March 13th with an afternoon drop off through Saturday, March 16th evening pick-up.
Enrollment in Our College Prep Program
College Prep Application Form
The Program is a 5 week residential program. The program dates are Friday, June 7th, 2024 – Saturday, July 13th, 2024. If you are interested in the College Prep Program:
- Please complete your application by clicking the link above.
- After completing the application, you will receive a link to schedule a virtual interview on the application confirmation page.
- Please contact us if you need help signing up with Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
- The deadline to apply for the program is February 16th, 2024.
Have a moment? Watch our Introduction to College Prep video!
For more information, please contact our
Manager Transition Services | Melanie Audet
Direct: 520-344-3486
Or email us using the form below.