Discovery P.O.I.N.T. is a series of dynamic 6 mini courses designed for students in West Virginia who are Low Vision, Blind, Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Deafblind. It is located on the beautiful campus of The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind (WVSDB) in Romney, WV. Our program is tailored to equip students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive after graduation. Discovery P.O.I.N.T. will be offered six times throughout the school year, providing multiple opportunities for students to focus on career readiness skills and expanded core curriculum opportunities.

What is your PURPOSE? What is your POTENTIAL? What are your PLANS?

Students will be given an opportunity to join one of the 5 CTE Academies at WVSDB. This will allow 'hands-on' experience. The Academy Student will participate in daily activities in CTE, Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), and residential activities. The academy students will reside in the dorms throughout the week. They will participate in activities and continue developing ECC skills.

Students will be given a chance to strengthen their independent living skills through exploration of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) Standards, intensive Braille, American Sign Language (ASL) and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) learning times. Students and staff will be utilizing the ECC checklist for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) and Visually Impaired (VI). 

Students will be given the opportunity to build working relationships with professionals who are able to assist them in their day-to-day lives. A final resource document will be created by the student for their portfolio, while connecting them to resources and services to support them after graduation.

Students will be given the opportunity to create or improve their personal resume, bring home micro-credentials from Business Enterprise, certifications in OSHA and/or Food Handlers, and a list of worked on, improved and/or mastered Expanded Core Curriculum Standards. 

• Personalized Learning: Each student's program is tailored to their individual needs and goals, ensuring a personalized and effective learning experience.

• Holistic Development: We balance academic learning with practical life skills, providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for all aspects of life.

• Supportive Environment: Our nurturing community helps students build confidence, independence, and resilience.

• Resume Building 

• Resource document - students will create an ongoing document with resources for their portfolio. 

• Goals - students discuss and plan what their ideal future plans and goals may be 

• Graduation requirements - is the student on track for graduation to achieve their goals. 

• Understanding Diagnosis - students will learn about their hearing /vision loss 

• Tools for success - How to find appropriate resources such as scheduling an interpreter, working with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), etc. 

• Problem-solving - students will learn how to resolve communication problems in the workplace. 

• College/Post Graduate Training - students will explore post-graduate planning options. 

• Resume Building 

• Resource Document - students will create an ongoing document with resources for their final portfolio. 

• Job Exploration - Students will explore employment options based on interests and goals. 

• Workplace Accommodations - students will discuss what accommodations are necessary in various workplace settings. 

• Financial Literacy - students will have an opportunity to learn basic financial skills. 

• Soft Skills in the workplace - students will learn about appropriate dress, behavior, time management, and conflict resolution.

• Resume Building 

• Resource Document - students will create an ongoing document with resources for their portfolio. 

• Laws and Rights -students will learn about ADA and rights as deaf/ hard of hearing, BLV, or DB individuals. 

• What is advocacy? - students will learn the definition and what resources are available to them 

  in the schools, community, medical, and workplace. 

• Deaf Culture/History 

• Problem Solving - students will be presented with workplace scenarios and will problem solve with advocacy skills that were previously discussed. 

• Requesting an Interpreter - students will be given training appropriate ways to request an interpreter or supports when needed. 

• Resume Building 

• Resource Document - students will create an ongoing document with resources for their toolbox. 

• Device Use - students will be given training and guidance on their current technology. 

• Apps - students will explore various apps for use for DHH, BLY, and DB 

• Assistive Technology - students will have an opportunity to explore options for assistive technology applicable to their exceptionality - hearing assistive technology, Braille devices, alarm clocks, smoke alarms, doorbells/lights, etc. 

• Computer Software - students will learn about using computer software for accessibility. 

• Financial Planning - students will learn how to plan or find resources to fund items needed for accessibility. 

• Financial Aid/ Scholarship Support - students will be assisted with completing FAFSA requirements and scholarship applications as needed. 

• Resume Building 

• Resource Document - students will create an ongoing document with resources for their portfolio. 

• Self-awareness -students will recognize strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas of growth. 

• Emotional Regulation - students will discuss the consequences both positive and negative before expressing emotions. 

• Mental Health - Students will understand the importance of mental health and explore resources for available support. 

• Emotional Self-Management - students will learn self-control of behavior, coping with feelings of social isolation, rejection, and stress. They will evaluate the role attitude plays in success. 

• Community/ School Resources - students will be introduced to community/school resources to develop interests or talents to achieve their goals. 

• Social Communication - students will learn appropriate communication skills in a variety of social settings. 

• Job Applications - students will research and learn to complete job applications. 

• Off Site Visits - Students will visit local businesses to discuss work opportunities in various settings. 

• Job Interviews - students will have an opportunity to arrange and participate in a job interview with local businesses. 

• Life Skills - students will learn the importance of independent living skills and be able to participate in cooking, financial planning, and basic household chores. 

• Voter Registration - students will learn the process of how to register to vote. 

• Orientation/Safety

• Careers in Construction

• Basic Hand Tools

• Bird House Construction

• NCCER Credential

• Free Toolbag for Students

• Introduction to College

• Presentation on the advantages of attending college, including higher earning potential, expanded career opportunities, and personal growth

• Guest speaker session with a college graduate sharing their college experience and the impact it had on their life

• Group discussion on the different types of colleges and universities, such as community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and research universities

• Basic Kitchen Safety

• Identifying Potential Hazards

• Commercial Kitchen Identification

• Kitchen Smallware Identification

• Classical Knife Skills

• Cookie Making Lesson

• Careers in Business

• Microsoft Word & Excel

• Creation of Invoices, Flyers, Business Cards, Reports

• Careers in Music/Orientation

• Basic Rhythm Dictation

• Percussion Instrument Exploration

• Create & Record Rhythm Track

• OSHA 10

• Power Tools

• Create a WV Cutting Board

• NCCER Credential

• Students will receive a Free Tape Measure

• Introduction to College: exploring college majors and careers

• Career exploration workshop

• Interactive activity to match students' interests and skills with potential college majors

• Guest speaker session with professionals from different fields discussing their career journeys and the educational paths they took

• Introduction to Food Safety

• Hygiene & Cleanliness

• Safe Flow of Food

• ServSafe Food Handlers Course & Certification

• Microsoft PowerPoint

• Public Speaking

• Presentations in Front of Classmates/Peers

• Basics in Music Theory

• Piano Pedagogy

• Creation & Recording of Piano Track

• Basics of Electric

• Construction of Well Pump Lamp

• Students will Receive a Free Speed Square

• College Application Process

• Presentation on the components of a college application, including transcripts, standardized test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation

• Workshop on writing a compelling college essay, including brainstorming techniques and tips for showcasing personal strengths

• Q&A session with college admissions representatives to address common questions and concerns about the application process

• Poultry Fabrication

• Mire Poix- How it is Essential to Stocks

• Mother Sauces Overview

• Prepare a Classic Chicken Stock

• Students will Receive a WVSDB Culinary Team Hat

• Microsoft Outlook

• Mock Interviews

• Basics of Email

• Instrument Exploration

• Students will choose an instrument and focus on basic sound production, intonation, simple melodies, and beginner-level songs

• Create & Record a Track of what they have Accomplished

• Basic Communication

• Construction of Park Benches

• NCCER Credential

• Students will Receive a Free Hammer

• Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Presentation on the different types of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and student loans

• Workshop on searching and applying for scholarships, including tips for writing scholarship essays and gathering necessary documents

• Guest speaker session with a financial aid advisor discussing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and other financial aid resources

• Mother Sauces in Depth

• Essential Skills in Soup Making

• Basic Kinds of Soup

• Prepare a Soup

• Prepare an Accompanying Bread

• 3D Printing

• Marketing Basics

• Product Design

• Students Design and Create Items

• Continuation of Week 3

• Construction of Picnic Tables

• OSHA 10

• Students will Receive a Free Torpedo Level

• College Life

• Scheduling / degree requirements / electives

• Course syllabus / deadlines & time management

• Dorm life / rules & expectations

•  Accessibility / Help Centers / College Directory

• Academic integrity / Artificial Intelligence

• Research & study skills / academic sources

• Retail Cafe Experience

• Menu Marketing & Planning

• Cafe Food Production

• Customer Service Practice

• Students will Receive an Item in the Cafe

• Career Exploration

• Guest Speakers

• Field Trips to Local Businesses

• Performance Preparation

• Singing Pedagogy

• Students will have the opportunity to Rehearse with our Choir, Tapestry.

• Students who Created a Recording can Present during the Parents Day Program.

• Basics of Welding

• Basic Employability Skills

• NCCER Credential

• Students will Raffle Off Products Made Earlier in the Year

• Student will Receive a Free Tool Belt

• College Campus Visit

• Guided tour of a local college campus, including visits to academic buildings, dormitories, and recreational facilities

• Panel discussion with current college students sharing their experiences, campus involvement, and tips for a successful college transition

• Reflection session where students can discuss their impressions of the college visit and ask any remaining questions

• Catering Experience

• Participate in Setting Up a Full-Service Catered Event

• Work with the Chef to Prepare Food/Beverages Ordered by the Client

• Students will get Wait Staff Experience

• Simulated Workplace

• Creation of a Marketing Campaign

• Students will sell their Products to Customers

• Basics of Drumline

• Drumline Cadences

• Drumline Performance

Sunday: Students will be picked up to attend Discovery P.O.I.N.T. program.

Monday-Thursday: Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academies, Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), Sports, and Clubs.

Thursday: Students will depart at noon to return home.

Transportation and Meals: Provided at no cost to families or their school districts.

Please contact Ms. Mary Anne Clendenin at (304)-822-6660 to arrange a personalized interview to determine if Discovery P.O.I.N.T. is the appropriate fit for your child.