Enrollment/Curriculum
The Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired educates approximately 150 students in grades preschool through high school with students ranging from 3 to 22 years of age within its on campus programs. Approximately 300 children are educated in their homes and local schools though direct instruction by teachers from the ISBVI Outreach Program. These children range in age from birth to 22 years of age.
The School's focus as an educational institution to this unique population is two fold: first to teach blind students or those who have low vision how to master the Indiana core curriculum at the level identified on each student's Individual Education Plan and also to work with each student through an expanded core curriculum, one that teaches students how to navigate their physical, social and personal world.
Every student enrolled in the on-campus program or directly served through the ISBVI Outreach Program has an individualized education plan (IEP) developed for them based on his or her specific needs. The IEP is developed through a case conference procedure comprised of the parents/guardians, local education agency representatives, members of the ISBVI faculty and staff, the student (depending on his or her age) and other individuals who are deemed appropriate. Specific goals and objectives and are determined with specific intervention strategies including time and duration required or needed to assist in the acquisition of the skills.
The core curriculum, which includes, but is not limited to: reading, language arts, mathematics; science and social studies, is taught by licensed/certified teachers, to all students given their developmental levels and abilities. Additionally, the expanded core curriculum, which is essential for individuals who are blind or have low vision, includes: compensatory or functional academic skills (including communication modes); orientation and mobility; social interaction skills; independent living skills; recreation and leisure skills; career education; use of assistive technology; sensory efficiency skills and self-determination, supplements the core curriculum and is also taught as appropriate based on the student’s age level and specific needs and abilities.
Transition within the school and from the school to post-secondary education, technical training, and/or employment is a critical consideration in promoting student success. While transition is addressed on a regular basis, formal transition plans are developed, with and for, all students at the case conference following their fourteenth (14th) birthday.