The Illinois School for the Visually Impaired celebrated their 175th Birthday in January 2020.
The Illinois School for the Visually Impaired is a school established by the Illinois Legislature in 1849 to provide specialized and intense services which focus on the unique learning needs of students with visual impairments, including additional disabilities. ISVI recognizes and addresses the unique educational needs and interests of each student. Every student receives instruction and guidance from staff who are sensitive to the needs of visually impaired students.
ISVI stands ready to assist local schools and parents whenever students need the services and resources of this school. ISVI provides a broad range of instruction and services on its campus. Students can learn with specially trained teachers and other staff who understand vision loss and its effects on development.
Educators who are certified in visual impairments and/or subject area:
- Orientation and Mobility specialists
- Occupational and Physical therapists
- Adaptive Physical Education educators
- Speech/Language specialist
- Psychologist and Social Workers who provide counseling
- Low Vision specialists
- Technology specialists
Students have access to the Health Center 24 hours a day, staffed by licensed nurses 7 days a week. ISVI Students will experience a school day which integrates language development, motor skills, independent living and self-help skills, behavior management and social development into all aspects of learning.
We are also proud to be the Host site for The Illinois Braille Challenge. The Braille Challenge is an annual two-stage Braille literacy competition designed to motivate blind students to emphasize their study of Braille. The program parallels with the importance and educational purpose of a spelling bee for sighted children.
ISVI currently has 8 sports in which students 14 yrs and older are able to participate in. Track, Goalball, Cheerleading, Wrestling, Bowling, *Gaming, Forensics, and Swimming. We also compete with the public schools in both Wrestling and Swimming.
*Gaming – we will be trying gaming out to gauge interest and feasibility. If it’s successful, we’ll add it to our Athletic Program.
ISVI provides blind and partially seeing students a comprehensive educational program commensurate with the individual needs and abilities. The school offers education, counseling, prevocational and vocational training, independent living skill training and an extensive range of extracurricular activities. The programs at ISVI are flexible enough to provide for the diverse needs of visually impaired students, including those with special needs.
Contact Information
658 East State Street
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
Phone: 217-479-4401 Fax: 217-479-4479
Website: www.isviwarriors.com
| Title | Name | Phone | |
| Superintendent | Aimee Veith | Ext. 4401 | Aimee.Veith@illinois.gov |
| Asst. Superintendent | Barbi Ballard | Ext. 4402 | Brabara.ballard@illinois.gov |
| Educational Principal
Vocational Principal |
Jasmine Wells
Heather Staats |
Ext. 4436
Ext. 4447 |
Jasmine.Wells@illinois.gov |
| Athletic Director | Ken Mansell | Ext. 4411 | kenneth.mansell@illinois.gov |
| Boys Track Coach | Jake Petri | Ext. 4456 | Jacob.petri@illinois.gov |
| Girls Track Coach | Barb French | Ext. 4436 | barbara.french@illinois.gov |
| Wrestling Coach | Ken Mansell | Ext. 4411 | kenneth.mansell@illinois.gov |
| Boys Bowling Coach | Jake Petri | Ext. 4456 | Jacob.petri@illinois.gov |
| Girls Bowling Coach | Barbara French | Ext. 4456 | barbara.french@illinois.gov |
| Cheerleading Coach | Tonia Holloway | Ext. 4436 | Tonia.Holloway@illinois.gov |
| Boys Swim Coach | Michael Foster | Ext. 4472 | Michael.foster@illinois.gov |
| Girls Swim Coach | Rachael Richardson | Ext. 4846 | Rachael.richardson@illinois.gov |
| Forensics Coach | Catherine Courtney | Ext. 4436 | Catherine.courtney@illinois.gov |
| Boys Goal Ball Coach | Michael Foster | Ext. 4472 | Michael.foster@illinois.gov |
| Girls Goal Ball Coach | Nathan Lawson | Ext. 4436 | nathan.lawson@illinois.gov |
| Mascot | Warrior | ||
| School Colors | Maroon & Gold |