STATUS: Open

SERVICE AREA: Statewide Kentucky; full-time school services are based in Louisville, with outreach services provided through Kentucky’s regional Special Education Cooperatives.

CLIENTS SERVED: Kentucky students who are blind or visually impaired, from early intervention/preschool through high school; services also support parents, caregivers, teachers, school districts, and other education professionals. Eligibility for specialized instructional materials includes students who are legally blind, meet the functional definition of blindness, or have a visual impairment that affects educational performance.

DESCRIPTION: Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB) is the state’s comprehensive educational resource for students who are blind or visually impaired. It provides direct education and specialized instruction as well as statewide outreach, resources, family support, and consultation to help students succeed academically, develop independence, and prepare for college, employment, and adult life.

PROGRAMS/SERVICES:

• Full-Time K–12 Program: Specialized education on the Louisville campus incorporating Kentucky academic standards and the Expanded Core Curriculum.
• Short Course Program: Intensive, vision-specific instruction for up to 12 weeks while students remain enrolled in their local school.
• Outreach Services: Consultation, training, evaluations, and support for students, families, teachers, and local school districts throughout Kentucky.
• Low Vision Evaluations: Clinical evaluations to identify helpful optical/non-optical devices and adaptive techniques.
• Braille & Accessible Materials: Free Braille, large-print, electronic and other specialized instructional materials for eligible Kentucky students through the Kentucky Instructional Materials Resource Center (KIMRC).
• Assistive Technology: Access to technology and devices adapted for visual impairments, including Braille and large-print tools.
• Orientation & Mobility: Instruction to help students safely navigate and travel independently.
• Independent Living: Training in daily living, self-care, community skills, and personal independence.
• Career & Work Transition: Programs that help students develop employment skills and prepare for life after high school.
• College Preparation: INSIGHT and WINSIGHT programs provide college/career readiness, self-advocacy, and independent-living experiences for students with visual impairments.
• Family Support: Resources, activities, and guidance that help parents and caregivers participate fully in their child’s education.
• Residential Services: On-campus housing, recreation, supervision, and independent-living instruction for participating students.