Ohio State School for the Blind
The Ohio State School for the Blind is the first public school for the education of blind and visually impaired students in the United States. Many parents of blind children move to Columbus so they can be close to the school’s activities. One parent I met recently said, “We moved to Columbus for the academic excellence of OSSB and the marching band program. We were looking for a school that would incorporate music daily while focusing on academics.”
The staff at OSSB sets the bar high for all students matching the student’s level of ability to ensure that there is a focus on braille instruction, with an emphasis on life skills, all while holding the students to a high academic and personal responsibility level. “So far, OSSB has met and exceeded our expectations.”
Their daughter, Nadiya, is 14 years old, fully blind, and in the eighth grade. She is an accomplished musician and plays several musical instruments. Participating in the school’s Marching Band is something she enjoys.
The family also enjoys exploring the area and have been to Dickens Victorian Village, where Nadiya touched and learned about each display. That trip took about three hours. They also have enjoyed the Nutcrackers in Steubenville and displays at Gettysburg. Nadiya loves to learn and does so by touching and listening.
In 1837, the Ohio government established the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind. This institution was the predecessor of the Ohio State School for the Blind. Today more than 120 Ohio blind and visually impaired students receive their education each year at OSSB. 49% are female while 51% are male and are of many races and ethnicities.
Education happens both inside and outside the classroom. Students have a full day of learning during daily classes, which use the Expanded Core Curriculum for a whole student approach. After school, there are many extra-curricular activities. For those who live on campus, a residential program provides enrichment opportunities. All this helps students grow socially and emotionally.
Participation in athletics plays an important role in the development of the students. They compete against other schools with visually impaired students in a sixteen-state conference. They compete in basketball, cheerleading, forensics, goalball, swimming, wrestling, and track.
Recently, Nadyia decided to play goal ball where the team tries to throw a ball with bells embedded inside into the opponent’s goal using ear-hand coordination. She is excited to go to St. Louis to a goal ball tournament with the school’s team. Another great learning experience.
Music is an important part of the education at OSSB. All students K-8 take music classes. They offer many performing groups, including Junior High Band and Choir, High School Choir, Strings, and their famous Blind Marching Band. Students learn to read music through Braille as well as learn to play by ear.
Nadiya plays clarinet in the Marching Band but also plays piano, bass, and drums. Her parents said, “When Nadiya is playing her instruments – there is no disability. She is just a musician playing like everyone else.”
In 2005, the Ohio State School for the Blind marching band was formed to provide music and halftime shows for the Ohio School for the Deaf football program. They are the only blind marching band in the country! It is often called The Best Blind Band in the Land. Currently, it is directed by Yolanda Johnson.
This past fall, the Marching Band, consisting of students from grades 7-12, marched in the Sweet Corn Festival in Millersport, Circleville Pumpkin Show, Barnesville Fall Festival, and the Marion Popcorn Festival. Last summer, the Marching Band performed at Fenway Park in Boston and marched in the International Parade of Nations.
OSSB has multiple summer camp opportunities for blind or visually impaired students K -12 who live in Ohio. All camps are residential camps with campers arriving the Sunday before camp. A couple of camps available in June include Superhero Camp (Grades 1-3) and Advanced Cooking Camp (Grades 11-12).
If you would like more information on Ohio School for the Blind at 5220 North High Street, Columbus, visit their website at www.ossb.gov.oh.
Blindness is a physical disparity, but it is not an obstacle in the way of fulfilling dreams.
~Helen Keller
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