Commentary published February 16, 2008 by the Daily News, Batavia, NY.

"What's going on at School for Blind is shocking!"

by Scott De Smit

... as told by Amber Kane owner of Autism Connection.

 

I couldn't wait to get out of there.

Walk out those doors, jump in my car, go home and tell everyone what I saw.

It was that shocking.

I knew I was visiting a state school, a school with a reputation, but it was still not what I expected.

I went to learn more about the New York State School for the Blind in preparation for a presentation I would be giving to faculty and staff.

What would I find? A cold and ill-equipped facility staffed with untrained professionals? Gross neglect? Hidden abuse? I thought I was prepared to experience these students, their school and, for some, home five days a week. However, what I saw left me in a state of shock, disbelief and, ultimately, guilt.

I was shocked to learn the NYSSB is staffed with trained, committed, charismatic professionals representing over 20 professional disciplines.

Shocked because the school and dorms are designed, decorated, and equipped not only beyond state-of-the-art, but beyond imagination.

I was in a state of disbelief as in every class I entered, every dorm room I saw, every corner I turned, I realized the NYSSB is quite possibly the most premiere and utopian educational model for all other educational organizations, special education being irrelevant.

I was in disbelief that the students were so successfully engaging in academics, socialization and a myriad of extracurricular activities.

And I was overcome with guilt as every staff member I spoke with shared the same sentiment in wishing that we all knew what the NYSSB was truly about.

The gut-wrenching guilt surfaced when, alone in my car, I began wishing that my son with autism also had a visual impairment so he could enjoy the benefits at NYSSB.

For those unfamiliar with the NYSSB, like I was, it's imperative to note the following: NYSSB is one of only two New York state schools. This means children from across New York may attend the NYSSB should they meet the acceptance criteria. Some students of the NYSSB simply attend school during the day and return home at day's end like the majority of children educated in our public school system. There are some students that, for various reasons, reside at the NYSSB throughout the five-day school week. All students have a visual impairment and many have dually existing disabilities, such as autism.

Since the NYSSB is a state school, there are multiple dynamics that directly influence the school's funding, programming, and enrollment. The state is proactively assessing the current situation and all possible options to keep the NYSSB growing and serving its students, as only it can. However, since the sociological, educational and economical trend is to move away from utilizing and funding residential and out of district placement, the NYSSB is subsequently experiencing a decrease in enrollment and funding that has fueled rumors of the school being closed.

The NYSSB is not closing.

Instead, it has swung its doors wide open to demonstrate its vision, a vision to ensure that every child enjoy life fully, discover, grow and learn in a caring and nurturing environment. Its purpose encompasses delivering services based on this vision to a student population that has specific needs truly best met by this school.

Make no mistake, the NYSSB is a school, not an institution, not a residential facility, not a "state home." The school is actively doing its part by reaching out to those who will ultimately refer students for attendance.

We can do our part by supporting their purpose, and it won't cost us a dime.

I am not asking you to sign a petition or join a campaign. I am simply asking you to contribute in your own way by utilizing your personal strengths and experience. If you're unsure how to do so, you can contact me, but let me first suggest the following:

• If you like to read: contact the NYSSB and request a media kit.
• Visit the Web site to learn more at http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/nyssb/.
• Research and read the state budgets that directly affect the school (then please e-mail and explain it to me).
• Read about visual impairments, autism or mental retardation and you will begin to see the purpose of NYSSB is profound.
• If you like to write: E-mail, snail mail or fax a letter of support to the NYSSB, the State Department of Education or the governor if you like to talk to the big guys. Write an article or essay about the NYSSB for your church, social and local publications.
• My personal favorite: Write a thank you note to those that dedicate their professional lives to further the lives of their students.
• If you prefer to talk: Tell another person about this article and that the school is not closing. Promote the NYSSB as a resource that we are tremendously lucky to have in our community. Involve your social circle and invite a NYSSB representative to speak at your next meeting.

And tell school and government officials to visit the New York State School for the Blind.

Maybe they'll be as pleasantly shocked as I was.

[To contact Amber Kane -- email: infor@Autism-Connection.org or call (585) 591-0188]