The Summer Orientation & Mobility and Adapted Living resource program (S.O.A.R.) is a highly intensive, structured, residential training program that provides specialized instruction to youth ages 16-21 who are legally blind.

Program Dates: JUNE 7 – JUNE 27, 2026

S.O.A.R. is specifically designed for individuals who intend to live independently, seek competitive employment and/or attend a vocational training program or college upon graduation from secondary school. S.O.A.R. provides three weeks of accelerated training in adapted living techniques that include cooking, self-care, clothing management, money management, home maintenance, careers and orientation and mobility. The emphasis on independence also fosters expectations related to independent travel skills, interpersonal relationships, post-secondary transition, organizational skills and career exploration.

Interested to see what a S.O.A.R. day looks like? View a copy of our prior year’s schedule: S.O.A.R. 2025 Daily Schedule

How to Apply (December 10 - February 4)

The application process requires 4 steps. You must complete all four steps before your application will be considered.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility. Review the following Eligibility Requirements to ensure you qualify to apply to S.O.A.R.:

• Be 16 to 21 years old.
• Meet legal definition of blindness (visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correction (glasses/contacts), have a diagnosed progressive vision loss, or have visual fields measuring less than 20 degrees).
• Live in Missouri (applications from out-of-state candidates will be reviewed though preference is given to MO residents).
• Expectation to live independently.
• Participants must be able to self-administer all medications – no nurse is present or available.
• Expectation to pursue competitive employment, vocational training, or college after high school.
• Be available to participate in all 3 weeks of programming without absence.

Step 2: Retrieve a copy of your IEP or 504 Plan. Please retrieve and save an electronic copy of your IEP or 504 Plan from high school, college or employment. If you do not have an IEP or 504 Plan, explain why in your Personal Essay. You will upload it in STEP 4.

Step 3: Write your Personal Essay. Write a personal essay using Microsoft Word explaining why you want to attend S.O.A.R. and why you consider yourself a strong candidate for this competitive program. Your essay should be less than 2 pages and you will upload it in STEP 4.
Your essay should include:

• your strengths regarding independent living;
• areas of challenge you experience regarding daily living skills;
• areas of challenge you experience regarding independently travel;
• what prior instruction you receive or received regarding independent living skills.

Step 4: Complete the Online S.O.A.R. Application. Complete the online application and upload a copy of the IEP/504 document as well as your Personal Essay. Once we receive your application, it will be reviewed by our admittance team. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Then, a representative from S.O.A.R. will contact you to discuss your current skills and have you complete a self-rating scale.

S.O.A.R. Applications must be submitted by February 4, 2026.

S.O.A.R. PROGRAM COMPONENTS