Case for Giving

Since its inception in 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has been internationally recognized as an innovator of high-quality education for children with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges. Recognizing the unique potential in every child, OSB’s expert faculty and staff engages students in a curriculum integrating academics with vocational, physical, emotional, and social skills. Using advanced techniques and technologies, OSB provides a well-rounded experience, personalized to each student’s needs, abilities, and goals.

Despite significant advances, those with visual impairments face serious obstacles: 70% do not finish college and 70% are not employed full-time. Furthermore, the composition of OSB’s students is changing, as is the world in which they live; OSB is increasingly serving children with visual impairments together with additional complex disabilities.

OSB recognizes that now is the time to grow its capacity, ensuring the School continues to meet the evolving needs of students, their families, and the needs of visually impaired children throughout the world.

Thus, OSB is initiating a transformative $20 million capital campaign to use its storied ability of innovation to significantly enhance its ability to educate, empower, and inspire its students through:

Providing comprehensive functional vision assessment and intervention services for children suspected or diagnosed with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), currently the fastest growing neurological visual diagnosis for visual impairment. Children with CVI need specialized instruction and learning materials matched to their individualized diagnosis to realize their potential.
Increasing safety, ensuring full accessibility on campus and adapting learning spaces to meet the changing needs of the student population.
Securing and applying advanced technologies.
Attracting and retaining expert faculty and staff to deliver cutting-edge education with compassion.
Implementing far-reaching student-operated entrepreneurial initiatives, including an innovative OSBnb (short-term accessible housing for individuals with disabilities and their family members), a Braille Signage initiative and a Financial Literacy program teaching student’s personal fiscal management and exposing them to investment opportunities aimed at preparing them for financial independence.

Please join with us in this critical effort enabling OSB to continue as a center of excellence, empowering its students today and for decades to come to be independent, successful, and happy in school, work, and life. Your support is absolutely life changing. Thank you.