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.
West Virginia School for the Deaf & Blind
P.O.I.N.T.
Purpose
What is your PURPOSE? What is your POTENTIAL? What are your PLANS?
Opportunities
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.
Independence
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).
Network
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.
Toolbox
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.
Why Discovery P.O.I.N.T?
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.
Who Qualifies?
Must be at least 14 years old
Must be a West Virginia resident
Must be a Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) client
Must be Blind, Low Vision, Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Deafblind
Program Highlights
CTE Academies Integration:
Throughout the 6-week courses, students have the unique opportunity to join one of the five Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academies at WVSDB.
This integration offers practical, "hands-on" experience in various fields, enhancing both academic knowledge and practical skills. Students can choose from academies that align with their interests and career goals, gaining valuable insights and experience.
Daily Activities:
Students will engage in a comprehensive schedule that includes:
CTE Activities: Real-world applications in their chosen academy.
Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC): Essential life skills such as communication, social interaction, and independent living.
Residential Activities: Building community and independence through daily living experiences.
Academies
1) Building & Maintenance Operations
The Building Maintenance and Operations Academy is a comprehensive, hands-on program encompassing multiple disciplines and trades which are involved in residential and commercial construction. Students will learn aspects from all the following: Hand tools, power tools, masonry, welding, carpentry, painting, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical.
2) Personal Career Readiness
The Personal Career Readiness Academy is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their future careers. Students will leave with a clear understanding of their career options, a set of practical job skills, and the confidence to pursue their professional goals. Whether continuing education, entering the workforce, or exploring entrepreneurial ventures, students are well-prepared to navigate the journey ahead.
3) Culinary/Hospitality
The Culinary and Hospitality Academy is designed to provide hands-on experience and industry-relevant knowledge, our program equips students with the essential tools to excel in culinary arts and restaurant management.
4) Business Enterprise
The Business Enterprise Academy is designed to give students a chance to run a hands-on business inside and outside of the classroom while working together as a team with other students.
5) Music
The Music Academy provides an enriching environment where students can explore, develop, and showcase their musical talents through comprehensive, hands-on experiences.
Week 1 - Communication/Orientation
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.
Week 2 - Career Exploration
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.
Week 3 - Self Advocacy
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.
Week 4 - Technology
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.
Week 5 - Social Emotional
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.
Week 6 - A Pathway to Independence
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.
Career Technical Education (CTE) Skills
Week 1
Building & Maintenance Operations
Orientation/Safety
Careers in Construction
Basic Hand Tools
Bird House Construction
NCCER Credential
Free Toolbag for Students
Personal Career Readiness
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
Culinary/Hospitality
Basic Kitchen Safety
Identifying Potential Hazards
Commercial Kitchen Identification
Kitchen Smallware Identification
Classical Knife Skills
Cookie Making Lesson
Business Enterprise
Careers in Business
Microsoft Word & Excel
Creation of Invoices, Flyers, Business Cards, Reports
Music
Careers in Music/Orientation
Basic Rhythm Dictation
Percussion Instrument Exploration
Create & Record Rhythm Track
Week 2
Building & Maintenance Operations
OSHA 10
Power Tools
Create a WV Cutting Board
NCCER Credential
Students will receive a Free Tape Measure
Personal Career Readiness
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
Culinary/Hospitality
Introduction to Food Safety
Hygiene & Cleanliness
Safe Flow of Food
ServSafe Food Handlers Course & Certification
Business Enterprise
Microsoft PowerPoint
Public Speaking
Presentations in Front of Classmates/Peers
Music
Basics in Music Theory
Piano Pedagogy
Creation & Recording of Piano Track
Week 3
Building & Maintenance Operations
Basics of Electric
Construction of Well Pump Lamp
Students will Receive a Free Speed Square
Personal Career Readiness
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
Culinary/Hospitality
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
Business Enterprise
Microsoft Outlook
Mock Interviews
Basics of Email
Music
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
Week 4
Building Maintenance & Operations
Basic Communication
Construction of Park Benches
NCCER Credential
Students will Receive a Free Hammer
Personal Career Readiness
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
Culinary/Hospitality
Mother Sauces in Depth
Essential Skills in Soup Making
Basic Kinds of Soup
Prepare a Soup
Prepare an Accompanying Bread
Business Enterprise
3D Printing
Marketing Basics
Product Design
Students Design and Create Items
Music
Continuation of Week 3
Week 5
Building Maintenance & Operations
Construction of Picnic Tables
OSHA 10
Students will Receive a Free Torpedo Level
Personal Career Readiness
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
Culinary/Hospitality
Retail Cafe Experience
Menu Marketing & Planning
Cafe Food Production
Customer Service Practice
Students will Receive an Item in the Cafe
Business Enterprise
Career Exploration
Guest Speakers
Field Trips to Local Businesses
Music
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.
Week 6
Building Maintenance & Operations
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
Personal Career Readiness
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
Culinary/Hospitality
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
Business Enterprise
Simulated Workplace
Creation of a Marketing Campaign
Students will sell their Products to Customers
Music
Basics of Drumline
Drumline Cadences
Drumline Performance
Mini Course Weeks
September 22nd-26th, 2024
October 20th-24th, 2024
November 17th-21st, 2024
February 23rd-27th, 2025
March 23rd-27th, 2025
April 13th-17th, 2025
Weekly Schedule Overview
(Monday-Thursday)
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.
How to Register?
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.