DEI & Sustainability
At Overbrook School for the Blind, building a stronger future means creating a community where people feel respected, supported and included, and making thoughtful choices that protect the environment we share.
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion shapes how we serve students, families and professionals. Our sustainability efforts reflect that same responsibility by improving accessibility, conserving resources and investing in a healthier campus for future generations.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The experiences, perspectives, cultures, abilities and identities of our students, families and professionals are essential to the Overbrook School for the Blind community.
OSB proudly serves a diverse population of learners representing a wide range of:
Ages and Developmental Stages
Racial, Ethnic and Cultural Backgrounds
Languages and Family Experiences
Physical, Sensory, Cognitive and Learning Abilities
Socioeconomic Backgrounds and Life Experiences
We believe every student deserves access to high-quality educational opportunities, individualized support and an environment where they feel respected, valued and empowered to succeed.
Putting DEI Into Practice
Diversity, equity and inclusion are reflected in the daily work of our school. OSB advances this commitment through:
- Student-centered educational practices
- Accessible programs, services and learning environments
- Individualized support that responds to each student’s needs
- Family and community engagement
- Ongoing professional development and cultural competency training
- Continued review of policies, practices and outcomes to identify and address barriers
Our goal is not only to welcome differences, but to create meaningful opportunities for every member of the OSB community to participate, contribute and belong.
Resources for Families
OSB’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee has compiled resources to help families discuss race, identity, current events and other challenging topics with children. These materials provide age-appropriate guidance, conversation starters and strategies for supporting children’s emotional well-being.
- American Psychological Association
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Common Sense Media
- PBS KIDS for Parents
- The Wall Street Journal
American Psychological Association
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Common Sense Media
PBS KIDS for Parents
The Wall Street Journal
Environmental Sustainability
OSB is committed to preserving the historic character of our campus while incorporating accessible, energy-efficient and environmentally responsible design.
Through sustainable construction, renewable energy, water conservation, waste reduction and stormwater management, we continue to reduce our environmental impact while creating healthier spaces for students, staff and the surrounding community.
The Kappen Aquatic Center
OSB’s commitment to sustainable and accessible campus development took a major step forward with the opening of the Kappen Aquatic Center in 2009.
Designed to use more than 40% less energy than a conventional natatorium, the 25,000-square-foot facility became the first LEED Platinum-certified natatorium in North America.
The Aquatic Center includes two pools designed to support a range of abilities and experiences: a six-lane, 25-yard Competition Pool with ramp and stair access and an Activity Pool featuring a zero-depth entrance, multisensory features, jets and other interactive elements.
Its sustainable features include:
- A highly insulated building envelope
- Energy-efficient lighting
- A mechanical dehumidification system with hot-gas heat recovery
- Automated energy-management controls
- Water-saving fixtures and reuse systems
- Local, recycled and low-VOC building materials
The dehumidification system provides approximately 100,000 gallons of condensate to the pools each year while also contributing to pool-water heating. A cistern captures and treats pool runoff, allowing water to be retained and reused whenever possible and helping minimize waste.
Designed for Access and Participation
The Kappen Aquatic Center serves students across OSB throughout the school year and Extended School Year program. Swimming instruction and adapted aquatics support physical development, recreation, independence and skills connected to the Expanded Core Curriculum.
Accessible features and adaptive equipment—including water wheelchairs, supported seating, water walkers and specialized flotation equipment—help students with a wide range of needs participate in aquatic activities.
Beyond the school day, the facility is home to the OSB Swim Team and hosts the annual Eastern Athletic Association for the Blind Swim Tournament.
In addition to its LEED Platinum certification, the Kappen Aquatic Center has received recognition for both its design and sustainable practices, including Aquatics International’s Dream Design Award.
Contact Damaris Shiavi Schaeflein, Aquatic Center Coordinator for more information.
Email: damaris.shiavi@obs.org
Phone: Ext. 258
LED Lighting
OSB partnered with the Foundation Fighting Blindness and General Electric on an energy-efficiency project supported through an in-kind grant.
The project replaced existing fixtures with high-efficiency LED lighting in the Nevil Fieldhouse gymnasium, three classrooms and exterior canopy walkways.
These improvements are expected to save OSB approximately $45,000 during the first decade of the fixtures’ use while reducing energy consumption across the historic campus.
Stormwater Management
Environmental stewardship at OSB extends beyond our buildings and benefits the surrounding community.
With support from a Philadelphia Water Department stormwater management grant, OSB installed two retention basins in 2018. These basins capture stormwater and release it gradually into the municipal storm system.
Impervious surfaces such as parking lots can cause runoff to flow directly into storm drains, carrying pollutants into nearby waterways.
By managing this water on site, OSB helps reduce runoff, protect water quality and support the health of the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers.
M. Christine Murphy Horticulture Education Center
Building on the Kappen Aquatic Center, OSB created the M. Christine Murphy Horticulture Education Center as an accessible, sustainable learning space.
The 1,780-square-foot facility includes an accessible greenhouse and classroom and is both LEED Gold certified and Zero Energy Building certified.
Sustainable Site Design
The center was constructed on the site of OSB’s former pool building, reducing the environmental impact commonly associated with developing previously undisturbed land.
A light-colored roof over the classroom space also helps reduce the heat-island effect, supporting more comfortable conditions for people, plants and wildlife.
Water Conservation
Low-flow plumbing fixtures and a rainwater-harvesting system allow the center to use an estimated 82% less water than a similarly sized greenhouse without these features.
That represents nearly 9,000 gallons of water saved each year.
Solar Energy
Solar panels installed on the roof of the nearby Nevil Fieldhouse help offset the energy used by the Horticulture Education Center.
Made possible through support from Green Mountain Energy, the 50-kilowatt photovoltaic system contributed to the center achieving Zero Energy certification.
During the certification period, the combined solar systems produced 192.4% net-positive energy, generating more renewable energy than the facility consumed.
Healthier Indoor Environments
OSB prioritized indoor air quality by selecting low-Volatile Organic Compound materials for the center’s construction.
Paint, grout, flooring and other materials meet strict requirements for VOC emissions and content, helping reduce exposure to contaminants that may affect respiratory health or cause eye, nose and throat irritation.
Construction Waste Reduction
More than 75% of the materials left over from construction were diverted from landfills and sent to recycling facilities.
This approach reduced waste and demonstrated how reuse and recycling can be incorporated into responsible building practices.
The Horticulture Education Center was also featured by the Center for Green Schools in its 2019 Celebrating LEED-Certified Schools showcase.
One Community, Shared Responsibility
Our commitments to inclusion and sustainability are connected by a common purpose: creating a future in which every person has the opportunity to thrive.
By removing barriers, investing in accessible environments and using resources responsibly, OSB is building a campus and community designed to support students today and for generations to come.
We are proud of what we have accomplished and remain committed to learning, improving and leading by example.
Tour OSB's Green Campus!
OSB offers campus tours highlighting our sustainability initiatives, including the M. Christine Murphy Horticulture Education Center and other environmentally responsible features.
To arrange a tour, email Pamela Vasserman at pamela.vasserman@obs.org or call (267)-290-7820.