Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Wisconsin School for the Blind, and Outreach Programs

The small class size enables our highly qualified teachers and dedicated educational assistants to offer individualized instruction. All materials are provided in an accessible format for our students. The latest assistive technology and an accessible library provides students with the tools needed for academic success. Student programming includes comprehensive access to the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for students who are blind or visually impaired. WSBVI students also have access to therapies, based on IEP needs, in the areas of music therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.

Placement at WSBVI, as defined in DPI Bulletin 11.01, is determined through a meeting of the student’s IEP team that includes key staff members from WSBVI, families, and the LEA. WSBVI conducts a 45-day observation/assessment period on campus at the start of a trial placement. For more information go to Information Update Bulletin 11.01: Statewide Services Provided by the Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

College and Career Readiness (CCR) students at WSBVI are given the opportunity to participate in educational programming up to age 21. The CCR students work to further develop the career, post-secondary and transition planning goals within their IEP. CCR students at WSBVI may also receive instruction which includes post-secondary coursework, supplementary academic instruction, career education, community work and supervised independent living experiences.

The Little PEANUTS Program offers preschool and kindergarten programming within the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for students, aged 3 through 6, who are blind or visually impaired.

WCBVI Mentoring Program

The WCBVI Mentoring Program matches, newly licensed teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs), 1st year TVIs and Orientation & Mobility specialists (O&Ms) who have completed an approved program, and new TVIs and O&Ms who are new to the state or re-entering the profession, with experienced vision professionals in Wisconsin schools.​

WCBVI Short Courses

In order to promote, facilitate, and provide appropriate educational opportunities for all Wisconsin children who are blind or visually impaired, Outreach staff offer courses of variable length designed and tailored to a child’s specific Expanded Core Curriculum needs. The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) consists of nine areas, including: Compensatory Skills, Orientation and Mobility, Social Interactions, Independent Living, Recreation and Leisure, Sensory Efficiency, Assistive Technology, Career Education, and Self-Determination.

WCBVI Materials and Production

The Materials and Production staff provides accessible learning materials in adapted formats. Materials available through our Accessible Educational Materials Center (AEM) include: Books, Braille,large print,eElectronic text files, and audiobooks

WCBVI Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Program

All Wisconsin stakeholders may borrow assistive technology equipment from the Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Library at the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. We maintain this service to assist school districts in providing equipment for their students to trial before making a longer term commitment by purchasing it. Loan periods are generally one semester. The library has a variety of AT items including video magnifiers, braille displays, and positioning aids.