How do I Choose the Best School for the Blind?

Before making a decision regarding enrollment in a school for the blind, you should consider a few essential points. To be sure you are making the best choice possible, research several schools and visit each facility in person. Consider costs, location, and qualification of staff before making your final decision. Online references can often be a good starting point.

Using an Internet search engine, it should be relatively easy to obtain some background information on a school for the blind in your home state or area of your choice. Try to learn when the school was first established, how many faculty members are on staff, and how many students are enrolled. There should also be a listing for curriculum an other special activities of interest. Another thing to check for is age requirements or limits. There should be a telephone number and email address for inquiries as well.

In your research, determine the specific programs that are offered in each school for the blind. Are there early intervention programs for young students? Do they offer any therapeutic programs that could benefit the student in some way? Consider the extra curricular activities or sports that may be offered and how it may suit the student's interests.

Perhaps one of the most crucial questions you will need to consider is whether your student needs a residential school. You should decide whether the student will commute to the school each day, or choose to live in a dorm room on the premises. This is an individual preference that needs careful thought and consideration. In most cases, room and board will cost considerably more money than tuition for a student who lives at home.

Assuming you've done in-depth research of possible schools, schedule your appointments as soon as possible. You should take a tour of each school for the blind that you may be considering. You should be able to get a general concept of which is the right school after speaking with staff members and learning all pertinent information.

As a rule, each school for the blind differs somewhat in terms of activities, resources, and costs. Consider the technologies the school employs and how much they can offer to help the student become independent and successful in life. Inquire if the student is eligible for educational services that are tuition-free or at low cost. Also, some schools for the visually impaired offer online courses that can be completed at the student's own pace. Some of these programs offer instructors via the telephone as well.