Impact

July 18 discussion to focus on benefits of Summer Academy programs

Immersive experience focuses on enhancing independence skills

A discussion about the Pennsylvania Summer Academy, co-sponsored by the University Libraries’ Accessibility and Diversity Committees in recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, will raise awareness about these unique programs offered on the University Park campus. The discussion will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. July 18 in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, and will also be available on Mediasite Live at live.libraries.psu.edu. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Shelly Faust-Jones and Karen Walsh-Emma, co-directors of the Pennsylvania Summer Academy, will host a discussion from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18, to raise awareness about these unique programs offered on the University Park campus. The discussion, with a question-and-answer session to follow, will be held in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, and will also be available on Mediasite Live at live.libraries.psu.edu. An archived recording of this event will be closed captioned and available following the discussion.

Hosted by Penn State, the Summer Academy offers multi-week, intensive programs focused on enhancing independence skills for students transitioning to postsecondary education who are blind, visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing. The experience is available at no cost to eligible Pennsylvania students currently enrolled in high school and who anticipate attending a two- or four-year college or technical/trade school after graduation. 

Faust-Jones and Walsh-Emma, who work in the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services within Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry, will discuss how the Summer Academy was conceived; what is involved in putting the programs together; what outcomes have been derived from the Summer Academy for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the past few years at University Park; and Penn State's contributions to the programs.

This discussion is co-sponsored by the University Libraries’ Accessibility and Diversity Committees in recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

Penn State and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry announced the partnership to bring the immersive summer camp for the blind and visually impaired to University Park in 2014. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Summer Academy is holding its inaugural program in July 2017.

Those who participate in the Summer Academy programs will live in a Penn State residence hall and focus on daily living activities; self-advocacy and networking skills; career development; accessing assistive technology; team building; recreation; and financial management.

Current Penn State students from the University’s Colleges of Education and Health and Human Development will assist Summer Academy students as chaperones.

For more information on the July 18 discussion event, or for questions about accommodations or the physical access provided, contact Emily Rimland, at 814-863-2480 or elf113@psu.edu in advance of the event.

Last Updated December 19, 2017

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