Welcome to the
THE MARYLAND SCHOOL OF THE BLIND VIRTUAL TOUR
CAMPUS:
Aerial View of Campus East Side
This is an aerial view of the east side of Maryland School for the Blind campus and surrounding neighborhoods. The campus is located on 93 acres in northeast Baltimore. This birds-eye view shows the main campus buildings including Newcomer Hall, Case and Campbell Halls, Learning Activity Centers, Residential Cottages, Playground, Pavilion, the Blanton Student Activity Center at Russo Hall and the athletic fields and track in the distance.
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Aerial View of Campus West Side
This is an aerial view of the west side of the Maryland School for the Blind campus and surrounding neighborhood. From this view you can see the athletic fields and track, Knefely Gymnasium, Sippel Pool, Maryland Instructional Resource Center, Early Learning and Outreach Center and the student independent living houses.
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Newcomer Hall Exterior
Welcome to The Maryland School for the Blind (MSB). Newcomer Hall is the main instructional building on our 95 acre campus and has been welcoming students who are blind or low-vision since its original construction in 1907. The impressive entrance has 6 tall columns, a wide staircase leading to the three main entrance doors of the building. Added during its 2020 renovation, both sides of the main stairs are long gently sloping accessible ramps that also lead to the main doors of the building. The roof is adorned with a concrete replica of the Maryland State Coat of Arms. The American Flag flies on a large flagpole in the middle of the grassy traffic and parking circle that runs in front of the building. The side entrance on the right includes the restored accessible portico. Newcomer Hall is also the main visitor entrance.
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Newcomer Hall Interior
is is the lower level hallway of Newcomer Hall. It has high contrast, color coded and directional floor tiles, tactile walls and smooth handrails on both sides of every hallway to help students who are blind and low-vision navigate their surroundings. The colorful glass window art at the top of the staircase displays symbols representing the history of The Maryland School for the Blind, which was founded in 1853. (This special window is one of the original windows which were completely replaced during the 2020 renovation.) This hallway is connected to the newly renovated educational buildings, Case and Campbell Halls, to the rear.
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Weinberg Library
The Weinberg Library has windows on all four sides with blackout and filtering shades to control the light. The cheerfully designed, open space features colorful wall art with high contrast images on two walls, running along the top of every library wall is the phrase Welcome to the Library written in multiple languages and representational braille. Near the main entrance are two semicircle cushioned benches that make an open reading circle with a contrasting rug hung above the reading circle is a large butterfly spiral hanging mobile designed by an artist specifically for our library. The room contains low bookcases all accessible by wheelchair and tables and chairs with outlets for devices on the top of the table. The library is used for many different lessons and activities. The Weinberg Library at MSB has a large collection of large print, braille, tactile materials, audio books, and videos.
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Weinberg Library
The Weinberg Library has windows on all four sides with blackout and filtering shades to control the light. The cheerfully designed, open space features colorful wall art with high cowntrast images on two walls, running along the top of every library wall is the phrase Welcome to the Library written in multiple languages and representational braille. Near the main entrance are two semicircle cushioned benches that make an open reading circle with a contrasting rug hung above the reading circle is a large butterfly spiral hanging mobile designed by an artist specifically for our library. The room contains low bookcases all accessible by wheelchair and tables and chairs with outlets for devices on the top of the table. The library is used for many different lessons and activities. The Weinberg Library at MSB has a large collection of large print, braille, tactile materials, audio books, and videos.
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Blanton Health Center
The Blanton Health Center is open and staffed by professional healthcare and medical staff 24 hours a day/5 days per week or anytime students are on campus. The small reception and waiting area features two chairs and leads to a wide hallway that opens to the rest of the clinic. The treatment room contains medical equipment, a ceiling lift, sink, an exam table, desk, chair and computer. The health center is equipped to treat illnesses, provide first aid and dispense medications to the students we serve, many of whom have additional health issues and/or receive medication on a daily basis.
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Blanton Health Center Ophthalmology Clinic
As a leader in the education of blind and low-vision students in Maryland, we provide a full spectrum of vision services to our students, including vision evaluations in the ophthalmology clinic located in our health center and low-vision clinic. In this room we have a large adjustable full-body chair attached to a full suite of equipment to examine students' eyes. We have a low-vision specialist on staff and partner with leading Ophthalmologists in the state who come to campus to serve our students' vision needs.
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Blanton Health Center
The Blanton Health Center is open and staffed by professional healthcare and medical staff 24 hours a day/5 days per week or anytime students are on campus. The small reception and waiting area features two chairs and leads to a wide hallway that opens to the rest of the clinic. The treatment room contains medical equipment, a ceiling lift, sink, an exam table, desk, chair and computer. The health center is equipped to treat illnesses, provide first aid and dispense medications to the students we serve, many of whom have additional health issues and/or receive medication on a daily basis.
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Campus Buildings Exterior
Several academic buildings, cottages, the Blanton Health center, the Weinberg Library patio and a parking area can be seen from this vantage point on the east side of the MSB campus. This is one of several school bus drop off and pick up points. Buses exit onto Taylor Avenue which can be seen beyond the fence.
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Open Lawn Area
This large open rectangular grassy area is framed by sidewalks. The buildings are designed to reduce noise and stimuli. The relaxing green space echoes the calming effect of the accessible classroom building, dorms, and Newcomer Hall to the west. Between the buildings students enjoy playing on the accessible playground areas, using the picnic tables or sitting on the low benches. From this vantage point, you can see the east side of Newcomer Hall, Campbell Hall, and a long academic building.
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Independent Living Home
What student wouldn’t want to live in this rancher style house with a deck and porch surrounded by nature on our beautiful campus? This one-level accessible house has an open kitchen, combined dining and living room area, four single bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Students learn independent living skills alongside their peers as they manage the household chores like cooking and cleaning, and can socialize in the living area which features a television, games, and computer stations.
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Campbell Gym Interior
One of three gyms available to students, the Campbell Gym is used for adapted physical education classes. The 4’ high nets, which stretch the entire width of the gym on both sides, are used to play goalball, a sport invented for blind adults during World War II. The gym features padded walls and soft seating so our students can participate with safety and freedom of movement. Sports equipment like the adjustable basketball hoops and oversized soccer ball can be relocated and stored in the adjacent storage area along with other PE equipment.
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Athletic Fields
Students use our athletic fields for physical education classes as well as recreational purposes, competitive athletic events, and summer programming. There is an outdoor hard-surface basketball court and wide grassy fields used for various sports like lacrosse. The colorful mural on the side of the gym depicts fans cheering on athletes and their teams.
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Outdoor Athletic Sports Complex
Sports and recreational activities are an essential part of our curriculum and we take pride in our outstanding accessible facilities. On the three regulation-sized fields and running track that make up our outdoor portion of the complex, students of all ages learn to hit, run, kick, and throw their way through the many blind sports and athletic events offered at MSB.
The professionally designed and engineered athletic fields are used year round. The Baseball infield is artificial turf and hosts exciting games of Beep Baseball. The Blind Soccer Pitch features ABA approved Blind Soccer walls and a regulation pitch. The two athletic fields and a compact basketball court are surrounded by a springy latex, accessible track loop and attached guidewire racing lanes.
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The Student Activity and Career Center Cafe
The Russo building is host to two unique spaces: a 1950’s themed Rock and Roll Cafe, the main hub of the student activity center and a game room Students in MSB’s career education program learn job skills by running all aspects of the Cafe including: food preparation, housekeeping, customer service, and money management. Inside the expansive dining room are dinner style semicircle booths and tables and tables and chairs as well as a jukebox and a retractable movie screen. Attached to the dining room of the Cafe you will find two additional student run enterprises: the Clothes Boutique; a used clothing store and the official MSB School Store which sells MSB branded apparel and general merchandise.
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Student Activity and Career Center Recreation (Stage Area)
Students can relax in the upper level of the Blanton Student Activity and Career Center. Fun is always waiting in this area with large scale games, including the power showdown table, basketball hoop, floor piano mat and lego building table. This is the place for students to hang out with friends, practice their piano skills, or participate in arts and crafts and after school activities.
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Playground - Main Campus
Students let their imaginations run free on this fully accessible playground that promotes physical activity, building dexterity and flexibility as well as creativity. Playground features include challenging activities like the 15 foot vertical rock climbing wall and ropes course, tactile and sensory obstacles and games, a large wheelchair accessible glide rocker, an interactive sound garden, high flying swings and supportive swings with seatbelts, and dizzying sit and spins, where blind students can push themselves to the limit.
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Lions Pavilion
The covered pavilion at the center of the campus provides shade and shelter from the weather and serves as a picnic and recreation area for students and staff. The round picnic tables are fully accessible for wheelchairs and can be moved to the grassy area if more open space is needed for an activity.
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CLASSROOMS:
Robotics Room
This classroom contains technology equipment including laptops, iPads, screen readers, braillenote takers, and magnifiers which can be seen on the tables and countertops, which students use to learn computer coding. The large table with raised sides is specially designed to allow blind and low vision students to navigate robots. On the table are trophies won by the school’s robotics teams.
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High School Classroom
This is a typical instructional classroom located in Case Hall. This classroom contains desks, chairs, a large scale tactile globe, multiple variations of tactile maps and braille books. Assistive technology is essential to MSB’s classrooms. In this room you see a projector and smart white board and a set of CCTVs to assist students in learning. MSB teachers get creative with history lessons through the use of two full scale mannequins and a wardrobe filled with changeable period costumes that students experience through the fabrics and textures.
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Accessible Classroom, Bathroom and Changing Area
This classroom is designed for easy wheelchair access. All the countertops, tables and even the sink are height adjustable. The large open room features independent and group learning areas with tables and chairs. Adapted equipment for holding and adjusting hand held materials like touchpad devices and magnifiers and communication devices can be found on the tables. At MSB we adapt materials to suit our students' needs. In this room you see each student has a unique set of Assistive Technology designed and provided to them at no cost. There is a sensory corner filled with lights, mirrored surfaces, and soft seating. There is a separate coat room for student belongings and storage and a private bathroom for student changing and toileting featuring a lift device, accessible toileting and washing equipment, and an adjustable sink.
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Accessible Classroom, Bathroom and Changing Area
This classroom is designed for easy wheelchair access. All the countertops, tables and even the sink are height adjustable. The large open room features independent and group learning areas with tables and chairs. Adapted equipment for holding and adjusting hand held materials like touchpad devices and magnifiers and communication devices can be found on the tables. At MSB we adapt materials to suit our students' needs. In this room you see each student has a unique set of Assistive Technology designed and provided to them at no cost. There is a sensory corner filled with lights, mirrored surfaces, and soft seating. There is a separate coat room for student belongings and storage and a private bathroom for student changing and toileting featuring a lift device, accessible toileting and washing equipment, and an adjustable sink.
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Elementary Classroom
The large open room features independent and group learning areas with tables and chairs and low bookcases to divide the space. Each Classroom has a sink, a refrigerator, and child sized tables and chairs. In this room there are many different communication and organization systems adapted to each student's individual needs. Each student has a unique set of Assistive Technology designed and provided to them at no cost. There is a separate coat room for student belongings and storage and a private bathroom for student changing and toileting.
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COTTAGES:
Accessible Dorm Common Area
The common area of our fully accessible dorms is an open area consisting of a kitchen, dining area with round tables and chairs, living and recreational area with a desk and computer, sofas and a television. Students are taught home living skills utilizing the accessible features of the dorm including adjustable height counters, tables and sinks, stoves and refrigerators in the kitchen. The laundry room has a washer and dryer. State of the art ceiling lifts are located in the common area and the bedrooms to safely move students from area to area. Students enjoy leisure time after school and in the evenings with their roommates, participating in activities like making dinner, playing games, or watching their favorite television shows.
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Accessible Dorm Bedroom & Bathroom
Directly off of the common area of the dorms are the student bedrooms, which can either be double or single, with a shared accessible bathroom located in between. The beds can be height adjusted. State of the art ceiling lifts are used by staff to safely move students from area to area. The bathrooms in the accessible dorms are equipped with adjustable sinks, shower safety and mobility equipment, changing tables, ceiling lifts and handrails. Many have bidet toilets with heated seats which are helpful for muscular relaxation and personal hygiene for students with multiple disabilities.
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Accessible Dorm Bedroom & Bathroom
Directly off of the common area of the dorms are the student bedrooms, which can either be double or single, with a shared accessible bathroom located in between. The beds can be height adjusted. State of the art ceiling lifts are used by staff to safely move students from area to area. The bathrooms in the accessible dorms are equipped with adjustable sinks, shower safety and mobility equipment, changing tables, ceiling lifts and handrails. Many have bidet toilets with heated seats which are helpful for muscular relaxation and personal hygiene for students with multiple disabilities.
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Single Dorm Bedroom & Bathroom
This standard single bedroom features a bed, desk, closet, display board, and an attached private bathroom. The bathroom is equipped with a tub and shower, accessible toilet, and a sink and vanity. The shelves in the closet are labeled to assist students with organization.
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Single Dorm Bedroom & Bathroom
This standard single bedroom features a bed, desk, closet, display board, and an attached private bathroom. The bathroom is equipped with a tub and shower, accessible toilet, and a sink and vanity. The shelves in the closet are labeled to assist students with organization.
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EARLY LEARNING CENTER:
Early Learning Center Town Center
Welcome to the neighborhood! The heart of the Early Learning Center is this spacious town square that sparks creativity and imaginative play and serves as the hub for activities. The award winning open design features a pint-sized town center complete with a grocery store, post office, theatre with box office, library, art gallery, construction zone, bank and playroom for students ages 3-5. In this area, our preschool and kindergarten students are immersed in real world experiences which they will encounter in everyday life as they play.
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Early Learning Center Classroom
This open space accessible classroom is designed for learning and interactive play. The room is filled with natural light from the large windows and vaulted ceiling and skylights. Classroom furniture is designed for younger students including desks made for wheelchair and walker access. In this classroom we have a Smartboard, a pint sized computer station, a brailler, a variety of desks and chairs, a sink, and many child safe cabinets. When kids get restless they can enjoy the two-level wooden playhouse with a chalkboard, slide, and staircase designed for imaginative play.
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Early Learning Center Sensory Room
Our sensory room is a therapeutic space with a variety of audio, visual and tactile equipment that provides our early learning students with personalized sensory input. This room helps students stay focused and calm by stimulating their senses so they can be better prepared for learning and interacting with others. Our young students are fascinated by the fiber optic light curtain above the waterbed base, and enjoy playing with the interactive photos and lights, tactile activity wall, light up bubble towers on a cushioned platform with fans and lights embedded in it’s base. The room is equipped with dimmable lights and lamps and a fully immersive sound system.
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Early Learning Lobby
Students and visitors feel welcome immediately as they enter the bright lobby of the Early Learning Center with the MSB hands logo with directional key on the floor. Photos of our students and a famous quote from Helen Keller adorn the wall behind the reception desk. Students' personal cubbies are built into the base of the large three dimensional tree near the floor to ceiling windows in the lobby. A sensory bubble machine near the reception area has a calming effect on students as well as visitors.
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Early Learning Hallways
The hallways of our Early Learning Center are vibrant and were designed to resemble a typical neighborhood. Colorful painted walls and floors with street names and crosswalks provide easy identification and navigation clues for students and visitors. The savings bank is complete with an ATM built into the window at child height, the school room, and the roll-up door garage can be seen in this corridor, along with several Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms.
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Early Learning Motor Room
This multi-purpose room is perfect for adapted physical education classes, therapy sessions, exercise, and recreational activities for our early learning students. Students in mobility equipment can move about freely in the open-spaced design. Playing in the corner ball pit is a favorite activity for students, along with swinging on the tire swing, and jumping on the trampolines.
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Early Learning Center Playground
Our early learning students have so much fun playing on the playground designed just for them, located right outside of the Early Learning Center building. The rubber surfacing provides a safe play environment and the colorful playground equipment is inviting for students with low-vision. Students enjoy the swings, slides, merry go round, bars, climbing equipment, seesaws and music stations located throughout the open-space.
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