Admissions

Helping Families, Districts, and Providers Find the Right Next Step

Overbrook School for the Blind works collaboratively with families, local educational agencies, school districts, and early intervention providers to determine whether OSB is the right educational placement for a student.

Since 1832, OSB has provided specialized education and support for students who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or living with additional challenges, helping them build the skills and independence they need to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Click here to Schedule a Tour

Who We Enroll

OSB serves students ages 3 through 21 who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or living with additional challenges.

To be considered for admission, a student must be referred in writing by their local educational agency, school district, or early intervention provider.

AGES 3–21

Educational programs from early childhood through young adulthood

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

Students with visual acuity of 20/70 or less, legal blindness, deafblindness, or visual impairment with additional needs

REFERRAL REQUIRED

Students are referred through their LEA, school district, or early intervention provider

How the Admissions Process Works

Admission to OSB begins with a written referral from a student’s local educational agency, school district, or early intervention provider. Our team works closely with families and providers throughout the process.

Referral Submitted

To begin the admissions process, the school district or early intervention provider sends a packet of information and a letter requesting Overbrook School for the Blind to consider the child for placement.

This referral is submitted to the Superintendent’s Administrative Assistant at christine.vanish@obs.org. Referrals can be submitted through the mail or electronically.

Referral Packet Reviewed

The Program Supervisor reviews the referral packet to determine whether all required information has been received. If the packet is incomplete, the application is held until the necessary documents are provided.

See Admissions Information below for a guided checklist.

Intake Meeting Scheduled

Once the packet is complete, OSB contacts the family to schedule an intake meeting. The Health Services Coordinator and Therapy Supervisors may also review the student’s information to identify medical concerns, therapy needs, or additional questions.

See Admissions Information below for a guided list.

Admissions Team Review

The Program Supervisor will present the application to the Admissions Team at the next scheduled meeting. Admissions meetings are held monthly with additional meetings added if needed.

The Admissions Team first determines whether or not Overbrook can meet the student’s educational needs. If they agree that the student is a good fit for Overbrook, the team then determines whether or not there is an appropriate classroom opening.

Acceptance & Next Steps

If the student is accepted, a letter is sent to the school district/early intervention provider that includes a start date and a copy is sent to the parent. The Superintendent’s Administrative Assistant will then send a welcome letter and all the necessary paperwork and medical forms to the parents. A copy of this packet will also be sent to the school district or early intervention provider.

When the parent has all the necessary information, the parent will contact the Health Services Coordinator to set up an appointment to review all the forms.

Learn More about OSB

Families who are interested in learning more about OSB or scheduling a campus tour before a referral is submitted may contact the Superintendent’s Administrative Assistant.

Contact: christine.vanish@obs.org | 215-877-0313 ext. 348

Click Here to Schedule a Tour

Referral Packet Checklist

What to Include in a Referral Packet:

A complete referral packet helps OSB review the student’s needs and determine next steps as efficiently as possible.

Checklist:

Most recent eye report indicating visual impairment or legal blindness
Current psychological evaluation, for school-age students
Evaluation Report or Re-Evaluation Report
Individualized Education Program
Progress reports or grades
Positive behavior support plan, if applicable

Note: If the referral packet is incomplete, the application will be held until all necessary information is received.

Click here to Download Referral Checklist

Health Services Requirements

Health Services File

Medical information, including immunization history and medications, is not required for the initial referral but must be submitted before a student can attend OSB.

When applicable, the following forms must be submitted before services can be provided:

Request to administer medication, with prescriptions on a doctor’s pad
Request to administer tube feedings, with medical order
Feeding level prescribed by a doctor
Prescription for physical therapy

A young child with dark hair and a blue shirt holds a yellow object to their eye in the foreground, while a blurred figure in a white shirt stands in the background.

Additional Resources for Families

Families may also find support and information through the following organizations:

Resource Links:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you are a family member, school district, LEA, or early intervention provider, OSB is here to help you understand the admissions process and determine the right next step.

Required