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Providing a Quality Education for Children with Visual Impairments and Additional Disabilities |
About Us
Founded in 1868 to provide quality
education to New York State's
Blind and Visually Impaired Children.
The New York State School for the Blind provides a learning environment where children can achieve their full potential. Specialized instruction and a full range of related, clinical and support services are tailored to meet the needs of each student. Staff with professional preparation in the areas of visual impairment and special education work as a team to promote independence and prepare children for successful transitions to adulthood.
Parents and staff work together to help each child reach the goals in his/her Individualized Education Program (IEP). Classes are small in size and educational activities reach into a variety of specially designed areas including our prevocational workshop, gymnasium, pool and Sensory Park playground. The local community provides a wide array of opportunities for students to achieve academic, social and other important goals. Technology is used to augment instruction and promote achievement. Computers, electronic communication boards, low vision reading devices and therapeutic equipment are adapted to enhance each child's unique abilities. Recent renovations to the Education building in Severne Hall has provided larger classrooms that include large spacious bathrooms that are accessible to all children. These can be viewed in more detail by clicking on Classrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.) Who is eligible to go to the New York State School for the Blind (NYSSB)?
In order to attend NYSSB, a child must:
- be between the ages of 5 and 21
- be a New York State Resident
- be legally blind
- have one or more disabilities in addition to their visual impairment. For example, children with learning disablities, hearing impairments, autism, mental retardation, developmental delays, physical handicaps, or other health impairments would be eligible to come to NYSSB.
2.) How do you apply to NYSSB?
A parent or guardian may apply directly to NYSSB. A Committee on Special Education (CSE) may also initiate an application. The Admissions Coordinator will assist families throughout the process. The decision to send a child to NYSSB is made by a joint meeting of the parents, the NYSSB Multidisciplinary Team and the home school district CSE. To read more about our application process and print the application form, go to: Application Process
3.) Do you have a Residential Program for students?
NYSSB offers a 5-Day Residential program. Students arrive at school Sunday evening or Monday morning, stay in the school dorms during the week, and go home every weekend and all the regular school vacations (e.g. Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, etc.).
4.) Does my child have to stay in the Dorms?
If you live within 50 miles of NYSSB your child can attend our program as a Day Student. He or she will live at home with you and your school district will transport your child back and forth to NYSSB every day.
5.) What will my child do in the summer?
NYSSB runs a full six week summer program that operates exactly like our program during the regular school year. All of our students are eligible to attend.
6.) Can I come visit my child in the classroom or the dorms?
Absolutely! We welcome your visits. Please call ahead to arrange visits to the classroom. You do not have to call ahead to visit the dorms, but keep in mind that our students are very busy and you might want to check ahead of time to make sure they will be in the dorm at the time you plan on coming. Phone calls in the evening are encouraged.
7.) My other children want to see the school, too. Are they allowed to visit?
We would be very happy to show NYSSB to the brothers and sisters of our students. Grandparents are welcome, too. Just call us and arrange for a time to visit.
8.) What if my child is enrolled at NYSSB and we change our mind about placement there?
Placement at NYSSB is completely voluntary. You may withdraw your child at any time by simply notifying us. We will assist you and your home school district in making the transition back home.
9.) Who pays for a child to go to NYSSB?
The initial evaluation that is part of our application process is paid for by New York State. Tuition, residential services, and transportation are paid for by the school district and county where the family lives, and the New York State Education Department. There is never any charge to families of students.
10.) Does NYSSB do evaluations of students who are not interested in applying there?
Sorry, but we are not able to offer this service to children who are not applying to, or attending, our school.
11.) What number do I call to talk to someone about NYSSB?
Use our toll-free number to call the Program Services Office at 1-877-NYSSFTB (1-877-697-7382), extension 340. Our secretary will direct your call to the right person to answer your questions.
How to Reach Us:
If you would like additional information, or to schedule a visit to the school, please contact the Program Services Office at (585) 343-5384, extension 340.