Mission
and History
Mission
 Lavelle
school for the Blind is a multi-cultural educational
institution established 100 years ago based on
the Catholic tradition and the compassion and
dedication of the Dominican sisters of Blauvelt.
The organization integrates students who are blind
and have multiple disabilities, staff and parents
in a challenging yet nurturing environment. The
programs at Lavelle seek to educate the whole
child through a combination of developmental and
functional strategies. as the student progresses,
the curriculum accommodates individual changing
needs and educational growth. all students are
prepared for lives as respected adults. Lavelle
school develops all students to their fullest
potential, and provides support and resources
to the students and their parents.
History
Lavelle School for the Blind has
provided education and support to children who
are blind and visually impaired for 100 years.
Margaret Coffey, a visually impaired woman, began
her work with 4 young blind girls in Manhattan
in 1904. She recognized the need for special instruction
to meet the unique educational needs of these
young girls in order for them to be independent
and integrated into community life. Then, in 1908,
Monsignor Lavelle, Vicar General of New York,
responded to an appeal from Miss Coffey and in
1912 requested that the Sisters of St. Dominic
of Blauvelt accept the mission of administering
the school under the direction of a Board of Trustees.
The school grew and prospered becoming a major
resource for blind children and their families.
In 1942, the New York State Education
Department recognized the quality of education
provided by the Lavelle School for the Blind.
Since that time, the Lavelle School for the Blind
has been designated as a private state supported
school of New York State. Our school is regulated
by the New York State Education Department receiving
financial support as prescribed by New York State
Law.
During the period from the 1970’s
to the 1990’s students who were only blind
and visually impaired were being successfully
integrated and mainstreamed into their local community
school districts. Lavelle School then changed
its programs to meet the education and life skills
needs of a new population of students who have
many challenges in addition to blindness and visual
impairment.
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(718)
882-1212