State shuts School for the Blind

Eugene (KMTR) - Dozens of blind students in Oregon will go to new schools this year. The Oregon School for the Blind is shutting its doors in less than a week after 136 years in operation. State lawmakers made the decision to close the school two months ago. It cost the state $125,000 per student per year to run the school. Legislators claimed students will get a better education for less money in their home districts. But supporters of the school argue that it offers a unique opportunity for students who are blind. A Eugene family says there's no way the local district can match the care offered at the state school. Jen Canaday's son Zane is blind and has severe autism. For years, Canaday tried to find a place where her son could fit in, but nothing worked until he was enrolled in the Oregon School for the Blind. She says he made more progress there in a few months then he made in years at other public schools. She can't believe the school is closing. “I’m devastated. Not just for Zane, but for all of the blind students in Oregon that could benefit from the Oregon School for the Blind—scared and worried about the future,” she said. The legislation that is closing the school has a provision for transitioning students back to their local school districts, so that they can receive the same care and services. But Jen Canaday says she has not seen anything even close to that. She says she doesn't blame the school district. She blames the state for not coming through with what it promised in the bill.

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