Register for LEAP
Fill out this form to apply for LEAP 2026
Students may also sign up for individual weeks by contacting Vanasha Washington at Vanasha.Washington@blind.state.ia.us
Summer 2026 Schedule
LEAP is divided into four two-week, themed sessions + a Mid-Summer Break from July 3 to July 11. Students may attend all or part of the summer as their schedules allow.
Block 1: Sky's the Limit (06/07/26 - 06/21/26)
This is a hands-on, college-campus experience focused on building confidence, independence, and real-world skills. During the day, students work on orientation and mobility, Braille, accessible technology, and home management in engaging, practical ways they can immediately use in daily life. Blind leaders from various career fields lead interactive discussions and workshops that challenge students to think critically, solve problems, and speak up for themselves. Evenings are reserved for fun and recreational activities like self-defense and karaoke, and students live in the dorms on Drake University’s campus, using the classrooms and facilities for a true college-style experience.
Block 2: STEM Camps with Independence Science (06/22/26 - 07/02/26)
- Week 1: Forensic Science—An Accessible Murder Mystery
Students will take on the role of crime scene investigators, focusing on forensic science, data analysis, evidence evaluation, and problem-solving to work through a CSI-style crime. This week is led by Independence Science, an organization founded and run by blind scientists committed to making science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields fully accessible. Students will be introduced to scientific thinking and inquiry through hands-on, nonvisual approaches that reflect how blind professionals work in science-related careers. - Week 2: Health, Nutrition, & Science—Using Knowledge for a Healthier Life
Students will explore health and nutrition through the lenses of biology, chemistry, and human systems, gaining a clearer understanding of how scientific knowledge informs everyday decisions. Students will apply what they learn to make informed, healthy choices that support lifelong well-being. This week is led by Independence Science, an organization founded and run by blind scientists committed to making science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields fully accessible. Instruction emphasizes hands-on, nonvisual approaches that reflect how blind professionals engage with science in real-world contexts.
Mid-Summer Break
Students will have a well-deserved mid-summer break from July 3rd to July 11th, with departure on July 2nd and return on July 12th. This coincides with the national conventions hosted by the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) throughout the country. If applicable and interested, students will have an opportunity to participate in a convention of their choice.
Block 3: Music Performance and Production with Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School (07/12/26 - 07/25/26)
Whether you’re just starting out or already play an instrument, you’ll get hands-on time with music theory, production, sound technology, and creative projects. You’ll learn in ways that make sense for blind and low vision learners, try new skills, connect with other music-minded students, and explore what music can be — on stage, in the studio, and in your own creative projects. This camp is led by the Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School (FMDG), a New York City-based music school that has helped people with vision loss learn, create, and perform music for more than a century.
Block 4: Together We LEAP Higher (07/26/26 - 08/08/2026)
Get ready to level up! We’re turning up the volume on independence with a fast-paced, hands-on blast through everything you need to own your future, including self-advocacy, orientation and mobility, Braille, technology, home management & life skills. Students will learn how all the skills they’ve worked on throughout the summer can help them in high school, college, and the workforce. Let’s finish the summer off with one last LEAP forward!
About LEAP
- Family Day: On August 8, we invite families to join us for a day of food and fun! Students will showcase the lessons they’ve learned with a wonderfully prepared meal as well as a presentation summarizing the events of the Summer. This is a fantastic opportunity for families to connect with program staff, share insights, and discuss strategies for continued growth and success.
- Exploration and Fun! Some summer weekends and evenings will include optional pop-up activities like visiting the Des Moines Botanical Garden, riding the coasters at Adventureland, axe-throwing, or jumping at Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Students may also rock climb at Climb Iowa, explore Iowa state parks, and visit working farms to learn more about agriculture and local industries. Trips to the Des Moines Farmers Market and meals at local restaurants will give students chances to practice money management in real-world settings. Activities will be tailored to student interests, making each summer experience a little different.
- Residential Living:  Students will live in dorm-style housing at Drake University during Weeks 1 and 2 and then at the Iowa Department for the Blind for the remainder of the summer (524 4th St., Des Moines, IA 50309). Staff are on site 24/7 to ensure supervision and to reinforce independent living skill mastery throughout the program.
- Personal Spending Money:  While all program activities are covered, students may want to bring personal money for snacks or souvenirs. Please remember that any spending money brought is the student’s responsibility.