Our Mission
Since 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind has always delivered on our mission of developing and delivering education for those with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges, so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.
Eligibility
To be considered for admission to Overbrook, a student must be referred in writing by their local educational agency (LEA)/school district or early intervention provider. Overbrook does not discriminate in admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, ancestry, veteran status and all other classes protected by applicable law.
Overbrook's admissions team works collaboratively with LEAs, schools, early intervention providers and families who are interested in enrolling a student in one of our programs.
All calls/contacts related to student referrals should go to the Superintendent’s Administrative Assistant at christine.vanish@obs.org, who will forward them to the appropriate Program Supervisor.
Parents who are interested in learning more about Overbrook and/or taking a tour of the school before a referral is submitted may call 215-877-0313 ext. 348.
Referral
The school district/early intervention provider sends a packet of information and a letter requesting Overbrook to consider the child for placement to the Superintendent’s Administrative Assistant at christine.vanish@obs.org. Referrals can be submitted through the mail or electronically.
Referral Packet
The referral packet should include:
- Most recent eye report indicating a visual impairment or legal blindness
- Current psychological (for school-age students)
- Evaluation Report (ER)/Re-Eveluation Report (RR)
- Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Progress reports/grades
- Positive behavior support plan, if applicable
The Program Supervisor will review the information to determine whether the file is complete.
If the packet is not complete, the application will be held until all the necessary information is provided before an intake meeting with the student and family can occur.
While it is not required for the referral, medical information, including immunizations and medications, will need to be submitted for all students to attend Overbrook.
When the appropriate papers are received:
- The Program Supervisor contacts the parent(s) to set up an appointment for an intake meeting. The Supervisor notifies the Health Services Coordinator and Therapy Supervisors of the date of the meeting. The Health Services Coordinator reviews the file to identify any medical concerns or questions.
- 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.
- 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/medical forms to the parents. A copy of this packet will also be sent to the school district/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.
Health Services File
Immunization history information must be in the Health Services File before a child can attend Overbrook.
The following forms must be in the Health Services File before these services can be provided to the child:
- Request to administer meds; medication prescriptions on doctor's pad
- Request to administer tube feedings with medical order
- Feeding level/prescribed by the doctor
- Prescription for physical therapy
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