Since its humble beginnings in a rented house in Jersey City, St. Joseph’s School for the Blind has answered the call of those who have had nowhere else to turn. Founded in 1891 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, the School responded to the growing need to provide critical services to individuals who are blind in New Jersey. Today, St. Joseph’s continues as the only school for the blind in the State and has emerged as the pre-eminent provider of programs for blind, visually impaired and multiply-disabled individuals from birth through adulthood. St. Joseph’s unparalleled resources are dedicated to helping this underserved population live their lives as independently and productively as possible.
St. Joseph’s Home for the Blind opens
St. Joseph’s Home for the Blind opens in a rented house in Jersey City, New Jersey by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace.
St. Joseph’s School for the Blind
The Home is split into St. Joseph’s School for the Blind to accommodate the growing number of children enrolled in the program, while the Home continues to only serve adults.
SJSB Expands
The School moves to 253 Baldwin Avenue, Jersey City to meet the increased enrollment and expand their programs.
SJSB begins accepting multiply-disabled students
St. Joseph’s School for the Blind begins accepting students who are blind/visually impaired with multiple disabilities as a result of increased need for services not provided by any other agency in New Jersey at that time.
SJSB launches EIP Program
St. Joseph’s implements its Early Intervention Program which provides special educators to teach infants and toddlers who are blind/visually impaired and their families in natural settings.
SJSB expands to 75,000 sq. ft. facility
In response to increased need, Concordia House, opens for students to further develop their independent living skills in a residential setting. 2007 – St. Joseph’s School for the Blind moves to its new 75,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility at 761 Summit Avenue, Jersey City.
SJSB launches Adult Services program
St. Joseph’s opens a self-directed Adult Services program serving individuals with developmental and multiple disabilities 21 years of age and over.
