Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB)
- Comprehensive Educational Services: KSSB provides a full spectrum of educational services specifically tailored for children and youth with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities, from birth through 21. This encompasses on-campus programming, field services, online courses, and specialized programs like KanLovKids (low vision collaboration clinics).
- Highest Concentration of Certified Vision Staff: KSSB boasts over 30 certified vision teachers and additional licensed braillists (soon to be VRT) and COMS, a number significantly higher than any other blind organization in the region. This enables a depth and breadth of specialized instruction and support.
- Free Early Intervention for Ages 0-3: KSSB has a dedicated team of certified vision specialists within its Family Infant-Toddler (FIT) program who serve children ages 0-3 years old across Kansas at no cost to parents or Infant Toddler Networks. This crucial early intervention supports the development of functional vision and provides essential resources to families.
- Focus on the Expanded Core Curriculum: As a state school, KSSB is uniquely positioned to integrate the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) throughout its educational programming, which includes compensatory skills, orientation and mobility, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, career education, use of assistive technology, and self-determination.
- Statewide Reach and Resources: KSSB offers statewide field services, technical assistance, professional development for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVIs) and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMSs) in Kansas, and houses resources like the Kansas Instructional Resource Center (KIRC) and the Kansas Deaf-Blind Project.