The EDUFAX Educational FAQ

Question #47:

My son is visually impaired. We would like to send him to a private high school. We live in New England. What schools can you recommend? (courtesy Jeannine Joyce, E. Swanzey, NH)

Answer #47:

The appropriate schools for your son depend upon the extent of his impairment and the amount of accommodation he needs. You should make it a point to speak with the coordinator of special services at every school you consider before you even make an appointment to tour the school. If the school is unable to provide your son with everything he needs, then you should not even start the application process. Do not believe a school that promises to put things in place especially for your child. Make sure that similar accommodations or remediations are already functioning well for others in the environment. A good educational consultant with whom you can discuss all of your son's physical and emotional needs should be able to help you sort out the schools that will assist appropriately. Be careful not to choose schools which will formally accommodate the federal disability guidelines, but may not put their hearts into developing a nurturing personal and academic environment for your son. You can probably eliminate a lot of unnecessary work by contacting some of the national organizations for the visually impaired. They maintain lists of schools that are helpful to visually impaired students. In the Boston area, I'm sure you are familiar with the Carroll School, but it is possible that your son does not need an environment which is geared exclusively towards students with visual impairment. Know exactly what your son needs, check out exactly what the schools have to offer, and you are sure to make a good match. EDUFAX provides services for the Learning Disabled Student. EDUFAX provides services for the Private School Applicant.

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