Students are the Heart & Soul of Our School

DIVERSE.

UNIQUE.

UNSTOPPABLE.
 

MODIFYING FOR INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

At Overbrook School for the Blind, the starting point is always with the individual child.

Each student is a unique individual, different in cognitive and affective development, social maturity, ability, motivation, aspiration, learning styles, needs, interests, and potential. 

There are, however, other factors underlying student differences. These include innate differences in intelligence, differences in social and economic background, and variations in past learning experiences.

At OSB, we believe that each and every student should be provided with suitable assistance and guidance in accordance with their abilities and learning needs, so they can develop to their full potential.

Our student population is comprised of children ages birth to 21 who are blind and visually impaired, and many of these students have other medical challenges. Approximately one-third of OSB students have mobility restrictions and use a wheelchair or need assistance when walking. More than 50% of our students receive physical therapy, speech therapy, or orientation and mobility services. More than fifteen percent of students in our programs have hearing loss.

Since our students have a wide range of ability levels, each program offers curricula in academics, functional academics, life skills, and experiential/sensory skills. In addition to following the Pennsylvania Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics, OSB pursues the Expanded Core Curriculum to ensure that all areas of need for students who are visually impaired are addressed: compensatory skills which include braille and study/organizational skills; orientation and mobility; social interaction skills; independent living skills; recreation and leisure skills; career education; assistive technology; sensory efficiency; and self-determination. Students receive a complete educational program which includes art, music, swimming, and physical education. A multidisciplinary team, which includes the student's parents or guardians, work together to develop and implement an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) to meet the specific needs of each child.

At Overbrook School for the Blind, we understand that students' minds are enormously varied, and we believe that effective teaching requires understanding and working with natural diversity. Our experience confirms that all children benefit from an approach to education that takes into account their unique natures and strengths.