Overbrook School for the Blind Family Handbook

HistoryOverbrook Schoolfor the BlindOverbrook School for the Blind is a private, not-for-profit educational organizationchartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and accredited by the Middle StatesAssociation of Colleges and Schools. Overbrook was founded in 1832 by JuliusFriedlander as the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind. Originallyestablished in Center City Philadelphia, Overbrook outgrew its facilities and moved to itscurrent 22-acre campus in West Philadelphia in 1899. In 1946 the school changed itsname to Overbrook School for the Blind. During its 179 years of continuous service,Overbrook has graduated more than 5,000 alumni. It was one of the first schools for theblind in the United States, and has always been regarded, nationally and internationally,as a leader in the field of education for people with visual impairments.VisionThe vision of Overbrook School for the Blind is to be a dynamic and responsiveeducational organization, providing leadership as a local, national and internationalresource, inspiring individuals with visual impairments and other challenges to achievetheir highest potential.MissionAs a leading resource in the field of visual impairment, Overbrook's mission is to developand deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visualimpairments and other challenges to experience active and fulfilling lives.4