Educational Vision Services (EVS) is the largest education program in the world serving students who are blind and visually impaired from 5 to 21 years of age. It serves children who live in New York City. It is an organization within the New York City Department of Education, District 75 Citywide Programs. EVS programs are designed for any child whose vision is so impaired that functioning within the classroom cannot take place without the use of assistive materials and adaptive approaches. Over 200 staff members serve more than 1,100 students throughout NYC.

EVS programs have a dual curriculum:
* the regular curriculum for sighted students
* the Core Curriculum for students with visual impairments

The goal of EVS is to provide specialized services for students who are blind and visually impaired, in preparation for independent functioning in school and the larger community. EVS programs are designed for children whose visual impairment limits the ability to learn without assistive materials and adaptive approaches.

EVS teachers are licensed in the area of educating children who are blind or visually impaired. Specialized training includes instruction in braille, assistive technology for persons who are blind and visually impaired, and orientation and mobility. Students who are blind and visually impaired may participate in all areas of school life including clubs, teams, trips, and work experience programs. 

EVS works collaboratively with more than one dozen agencies and community organizations to ensure that students develop skills that promote productivity, independence, and dignity.

A Message From the EVS Director