Student Events
VI Enrichment Weekends (VIEW)
Who: Any student in Montana that qualifies with a visual impairment, Elementary through High School.
What: During this event students will be able to:
Join classes on MSDB campus to learn with other students with visual impairments about Core Curricular and to develop skills in the Expanded Core Curricular areas such as:
- Braille & Nemeth
- Low Vision/Blind Technology
- Life Skills
- Social Skills
- Recreation and Leisure (including the ever popular Goalball and Showdown)
- Career Skills
Students may also participate in field trips in the local community to work on Orientation and Mobility skills, Social Skills, Self Determination, and Self-Esteem. On these outings, the students use different transportation modes, have lunch in the community and visit stores to understand their purpose and ways of operation.
Adaptive Sport activities occur in conjunction with the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, NWABA.
- Goalball is a popular sport for blind and visually impaired people. Due to varying levels of sight among players, all players are blindfolded. Two teams of three players each spar off against each other in a fun-filled match of trying to roll a heavy ball with bells in it past the opposing team, which in turn tries to block the ball with their bodies. The games are very exciting and challenging and offer all valuable lessons in team sportsmanship.
- Showdown is a game similar to table top tennis in which players are blindfolded. Matches between opponents tend to get very competitive.
MSDB hosts VIEW twice each year for visually impaired kids of all ages from around the state. In addition to goalball games, the weekend offers other opportunities for students to learn important skills. Each weekend focuses on an aspect of visually impaired education such as technology, orientation and mobility, independent living, or career education, or on a hands-on activity like art. VIEW is a great opportunity for social interaction and fun.
Rooms are available on campus on a first come basis. Students should send completed forms to: Carol Clayton-Bye 3911 Central Avenue, Great Falls, MT 59405
Spring VIEW 2024 will be held March 15-16, 2024.
For those wishing to attend please use the form below.
Register Online (Google Forms)
To learn more about goalball and other sports for the blind and visually impaired, go to U.S Association of the Blind Athletes (USABA.)
Deaf Enrichment Weekends (DEW)
In contrast to Family Learning Weekends, Deaf Enrichment Weekends (DEW) are de-signed to create opportunities for students who are deaf & hard of hearing to interact with their peers, rather than providing information for parents and siblings. The weekend is designed to promote socialization and activities that are implemented to build confidence and a sense of responsibility in each participant. Students in grades K-Transition are welcome to attend. Activities will be modified according to each child’s age and ability. Parents are welcome to participate in activities as appropriate.
Fall 2023 DEW – October 13-14th.
Register Online (Google Forms)
Games for the Visually Impaired
The Games for the Visually Impaired are held each spring at the Montana School for the Deaf & Blind campus in Great Falls. Athletes from around the state compete in track and field, gymnastics, gym activities, swimming and bowling. This is a competitive event for blind and visually impaired students ranging in age from 3-21.
The VI Games is an uplifting and confidence-boosting weekend for participants, and the MSDB staff provides lots of support for the kids. Volunteers are willing to swim and run with athletes. Any student with a visual impairment is welcome to participate in the event.
The 2024 VI Games will be held on the MSDB campus. April 26-27, 2024
VI Games Registration Form (Google Forms)
Contact info@msdb.k12.mt.us with questions.
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes
Swimming Experience – Missoula
Who: The opportunity for youth, birth to 12th grade, who are blind or visually impaired to participate in water games and practice swimming skills. Individuals with Multiple Disabilities and a Visual Impairment are welcome!
Where: Missoula Family YMCA
3000 S Russell St Missoula, MT 59801
When: Saturday, November 4, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (Last 30 minutes is free swim)
Supervision: Parent, guardian, or friend please support with instruction by being a 1:1 in the pool. Thank you!
Registration is due by Wednesday, November 1, To register, please fill out the form below or online, and email sgibbins@nwaba.org
Stacey Gibbins 360.718.2834
Missoula Swimming Registration (PDF)
Missoula Swimming Registration (Word)
Swimming Experience – Kalispell
Who: The opportunity for youth, birth to 12th grade, who are blind or visually impaired to participate in water games and practice swimming skills. Individuals with Multiple Disabilities and a Visual Impairment are welcome!
Where: SUMMIT Medical Fitness Center
205 Sunnyview Lane
Kalispell, MT 59901
When: Sunday, November 5, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 pm (Last 30 minutes is free swim)
Supervision: Parent, guardian, or friend please support with instruction by being a 1:1 in the pool. Thank you!
Registration is due by Wednesday, November 1, To register, please fill out the form below or online, and email sgibbins@nwaba.org
Stacey Gibbins 360.718.2834
Kalispell Swimming Registration (PDF)