USDB updates: camps, white cane day and delays in assistive-textbook processing

Susan Patton and Dr. Tanner summarized early-year program activity at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Patton said preschools are in session and staff are "almost fully staffed" on campus programs; she highlighted a family event with 287 attendees and invited board members to White Cane Day on Oct. 10 at Discovery Gateway.

Dr. Tanner gave program metrics and service details: "We are starting out the school year right now with 359 students. 294 of those are deaf," and described 41 summer camps that served about 315 students. He also reported logistics challenges at the USIMAC assistive-technology center: "We have processed 1,229 books for the 2627 school year... 38 books are large print books and 199 are braille books," and noted some students have received drafts that have not completed full quality assurance checks. The presenters said staffing gaps were managed and an interim director (Wade Hester) was assigned at KBS following a resignation.

Board members thanked staff and suggested community connections such as the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival for future participation. The presentations framed program successes and identified operational delays USDB will continue to remedy.