The Minnesota State Academy for the Blind Foundation was established in 1992. The Foundation was conceived and nurtured by a small but dedicated group consisting of an Academy student’s parent, and several alumni and staff members. These special individuals were committed to helping the students increase their chances of achieving their full potential. Today, the Foundation upholds this undertaking by providing for enhancements to the education process, ranging from areas of independent living skills and athletics to recreation, technology and academics.

The Board members of this not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization are volunteers who have supported the original vision and mission statement. Several key principles have guided the actions and decisions of the Board throughout the Foundation’s history:

• The majority of Board members are blind, visually impaired, or educators of students who are blind or visually impaired.
• The Board accepts proposal requests from the Academy for equipment, programs, events and scholarships that the Academy believes will enhance the education of the students and help them develop to their full potential.
• The Board then follows a review and decision process that respects the knowledge and integrity of the requestors.
• Board members are committed to acting as Foundation ambassadors, engaging friends, businesses and associates in the quest for funding.

Testimonials

Over the years, students, alumni, parents and teachers have offered testimonials regarding the important role that the Foundation has played in the lives of its stakeholders.

“My daughter, who is in college, left the Academy a competent young woman. I applaud the Foundation in striving to both create and improve educational opportunities for students who are visually impaired.”  - Parent

“The MSAB Foundation helped us get money so we could have the Wrestling and Cheerleading Tournament here. That was really cool to have all the other schools come here. I hope we can do it again.”  - Student

“I really like this playground. All the stuff to hide in and under. I like to use the tire swing. We get the tire going so fast it is like being in a tornado. I like to use the digging thing. I like to pretend to dig for treasure.”  - Student

“Please accept my thanks for the generous gift of assistive technology and equipment for the students at the Academy. It will be used and appreciated by all of us.”  - Teacher

“Adaptive spoons for some of the students were acquired for their feeding needs. Having the right tools is important to meet the needs and challenges to help increase self-confidence and independence.”  - Alumni

“The playground is an extension of the Physical and Occupational Therapy areas of our school. With this playground we are able to challenge our students with uneven walking surfaces, climbing areas, moveable play equipment and hand manipulated cause and effect activities.”  - Teacher