KSB's full-time Center Based K-12 Program, located on our campus in Louisville, follows the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS). What makes us unique is that we embed the components of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for students with visual impairments throughout the school day and in our after school program. Other features include:
READING AND WRITING BRAILLE
This usually begins at the primary school level. In some cases where a student suddenly loses vision or has an eye disease that is known to lead to blindness, the instruction in Braille may start at a later date. Students with adequate residual vision are provided with enlarged print materials and optical aids. A student's reading medium is determined by evaluations conducted by experienced and trained faculty.
ASSISTIVE/ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Students in all grades have access to computers that have been specially adapted to meet their visual needs. Computers in all classrooms, labs, and in the dormitories are speech accessible and/or have large print displays. Students have access everything they need, including Braille notetaking devices, large print, electronic magnifiers and more.
With over 25,000 volumes, our library rivals most public libraries. Students have access to any format to accommodate their visual needs, including books in Braille, large print, twin-vision, and audio.
COMMUNITY BASED INSTRUCTION (CBI)
CBI classes are offered to students who have special needs in the areas of functional development and practical living. Direct instruction is provided in a variety of community environments for those students to gain experience and confidence.
INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM
This program is designed to aid high school students as they prepare to transition into post-secondary life. Students explore and develop personal life management skills for living a safe, responsible, and socially acceptable lifestyle.
WORLD OF WORK PROGRAM
In collaboration with Kentucky Office for the Blind, this high school vocational program places students in jobs at local businesses in order to gain valuable work experience prior to graduating.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Extracurricular activities are an essential part of a well-rounded education. These activities enable students to apply academic skills in a real-world context. They also allow students to reinforce the lessons learned in the classroom. These activities athletics, forensics, etc.
SHARED PLACEMENT / PART-TIME PARTICIPATION IN JCPS
Students may attend local Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) for part of the school day. This cooperative arrangement between KSB and JCPS offers students a broader range of academic and vocational courses, and allows them to interact with students who are not visually impaired.
