ISVI is celebrating it's 175th Birthday Today, Jan. 13    

ISVI put on a special program with a panel of alumni as our guest speakers as well as student-led remarks. 

This  event was open to our staff, students and the public.  The Program was streamed LIVE and is available for viewing on our Facebook Page

ISVI Athletics & Activities 

There are also additional activities for both the students, staff and families.   The students enjoyed a big celebration on Friday with a a former student DJLT as the DJ. Special thanks to Leo Tomich for being our DJ

Tonight, we'll host our Gala @ Hamilton's in which the we will celebrate ISVI's 175 years of change.   

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175 Years Ago

ISVI's Birthday is Saturday January 13

The vision of the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired is to provide a quality comprehensive education and serve as a statewide resource to students in Illinois with visual impairments assisting them in becoming personally productive and self-sufficient citizens.

The Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI), established in 1849, is a residential/day school for students who are blind or visually impaired. Located in Jacksonville, ISVI provides accredited educational and related services for children from birth to twenty-two years of age through preschool, elementary and high school.

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HISTORY : A look back at when it all began - Timeline:

"A private School was opened on North Main Street near the railroad in Jacksonville Illinois with four pupils in attendance, "George Springer, John Jones, Joseph and Nancy Fielding." 

On January 13, 1849 Illinois Governor Augustus C. French signed Senate Bill #19 establishing the Illinois School for the Education of the Blind. 

A few Historical facts: on April 2, 1849:  The School opened on the first Monday with no pupils.  And, five days later, on April 7, 1849:  Two pupils enrolled.  By July, 1849, there were 14 pupils between the ages of 12 and 30.  The Term of attendance was eight years.  An original musical composition titled "A Dream", was sung by members of the school chorus at the conclusion of Wednesday's program.   Paying homage to school founder and principal Samuel Bacon, the students voices filled the auditorium with these words: "...But little did brave Samuel know a legacy was born.   A school was built upon this dream in love for those who were in need - We see because of those who once believed."