Junior Blind of America

A California State-certified, non-public school, Junior Blind’s Special Education School (SES), provides children and youth, ages 3-21, who are blind, visually impaired and have multiple disabilities with a safe and positive environment for learning and growth. Through individualized educational programming, teachers work with students to learn life skills, develop a positive self-image and increase independence.

Who We Serve

The Special Education School serves elementary and high school age youth who may have varying levels of medical, emotional, physical and behavioral challenges. In addition to blindness, visual impairment or disabilities, students may have one or more of the following:

• Autistic behaviors
• Seizure disorders
• Severe neurological problems
• Hyper-activity
• Chronic heart disorders
• Cerebral Palsy
• Drug exposed/Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Our Staff

Students of Junior Blind’s Special Education School are taught by teachers who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in special education and are credentialed to work with children who have visual impairments and/or severe disabilities. Highly-trained teaching assistants provide additional support for each classroom. Additionally, students who are blind or visually impaired are given orientation and mobility instruction by a credentialed specialist.

Program Features

• Individualized instruction in communication, visual stimulation, functional academics, pre-Braille, self-help, socialization, community-based activities and prevocational skills
• Fully-equipped training apartment for independent living skills development
• State-of-the-art sensory stimulation center
• Adapted outdoor sensory playground for exploration in a fun and safe setting
• Community-based instruction outings to learn and practice socialization skills
• 1:2 staff-to-student ratio to foster growth and development in all areas of life. If needed, 1:1 supervision ratio is implemented.
• Onsite medical office and nursing staff

Family Services

• Family support groups are offered to help families adjust to and cope with their child’s physical and emotional challenges
• Families are invited to join camp sessions held at our 40-acre campground in Malibu, facilitated by specially-trained counselors

Service Areas

The Special Education School serves children and youth from various school districts throughout Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Many of our students have been referred by neighboring school districts that are unable to provide appropriate instruction to meet the child’s needs.

Referral Procedure

A child may be referred to the Special Education School by a family member, healthcare or blindness professional, the Department of Children and Family Services, Regional Center or school district.