Campaign to obtain additional funding for children with visual impairments in Illinois --
Dear advocate for children with visual impairments in Illinois,
As you know the challenges and costs of educating a child with a visual impairment are significant obstacles. The members of the Advisory Council of the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) are deeply concerned about meeting the needs of these special children, both those that attend ISVI and those that attend public school throughout the state. While our responsibility lies primarily to ISVI, our goal is to make ISVI a resource for all visually impaired children in the State of Illinois.
In order to meet these challenges and costs, additional funding is needed. The school has identified some significant and immediate needs that include the following:
□ Provide up to date textbooks and technology
□ Provide the necessary specialized training for staff members working with our visually impaired students who have multiple disabilities.
□ Develop a summer curriculum for ISVI students and expand the independent living programs for students who do not attend ISVI
These very practical goals are centered on ensuring Illinois’ visually impaired students have access to the necessary tools, services, and support for a successful future. We can achieve this, but only with a concerted, unified effort from you and concerned citizens throughout Illinois. In other words, we need your help!
Enclosed is a sample letter that we have drafted to request additional funding from the Illinois legislature. We urge you send your own version of this letter with a similar message to your senator and representative. An electronic version of this letter is available by following this link.
The only way that this campaign to obtain additional funding for children with visual impairments in Illinois will work is through people like you, your family members, and friends. Please take the time to contact your elected officials. The future of some very special children will be greatly enhanced with your help.
Sincerely,
The ISVI Advisory Council