INDIANA SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Residential Service Program Eligibility

Policy O-14

        This policy is designed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of students receiving services provided by the ISBVI Residential Services Department in the ISBVI dormitories or independent living training programs.  Not all students who are admitted for placement in the ISBVI special education program are entitled to, or automatically qualify for, ISBVI Residential Services.

        The lack of daily transportation due to significant distance and travel time between the student's home residence and ISBVI may make dormitory placement a necessity. The case conference committee will determine the need for ISBVI residential programs based on this need, as well as the need for “local” students to reside in the dormitory on a “part-time” basis due to identified educational needs resulting in delays or deficits.  The residential program must have representation at the case conference to articulate the program and assist in determining the most appropriate residential placement.

      It is strongly encouraged for all ISBVI students to participate in co-curricular, extra-curricular, and jobs program activities to assist them in determining the importance of choice, enhancing their self image and building a positive self-esteem, developing appropriate social interactions, and developing and promoting lifelong recreation and leisure skills.  Therefore, students who are provided daily transportation services may stay overnight for ISBVI sponsored activities and events such as school dances; parties; track and field, wrestling, cheerleading, and swimming team sports; Boy or Girl Scouting; jobs programs; or other extracurricular after-school activities.  Parents/guardians must make their request in writing to the Residential Services Director one week in advance of the event, activity, or sporting season. Approval for housing is subject to the ability of the school to provide adequate staff for safe supervision and to space availability.  Requests for housing will be determined on a first-come, first-serve basis and may be revoked with twenty-four (24) hours notice due to staffing issues, student needs, or student behaviors.  Further consideration for housing must be re-requested. Students residing outside of the greater Indianapolis area where daily transportation is not available and students whose case conference determined educational need will receive priority in dormitory placements.

        In the event that a student is denied housing due to safety reasons or lack of space, parents are encouraged to allow their son or daughter to participate in the activity by providing the transportation home after the event.  The decision denying housing may be appealed to the superintendent for further consideration.

Approval will not be granted for children to stay in the dormitories if the parent request is for personal or family reasons unless emergency circumstances exist.

ISBVI Policy O-14

Reviewed and Approved:  1/11/10

ISBVI Superintendent:  _________________________________          ____________

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ISBVI Board Chair:       _________________________________          ____________

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