Residential Services
Residential Services is a key component to the 24-hour educational opportunities for students who attend MSAB. Our ‘mission’ has many dimensions:
To provide a safe, supportive, homelike environment 
where students can experience healthy peer and adult relationships in a group-living setting; to help students grow and mature into confident, capable individuals. Residential staff do not replace parents or families but provide students the needed direction, support, and nurturing while living away from home. A cheerful greeting when returning from school, assistance with homework, snacks, bedtime stories and a number of other activities are regular parts of the dormitory routine.
To provide opportunities for continued learning, exploration and practice of skills. Self care and daily living skills are two areas of focus for skill development in the after school program. Instruction in independent living skills is of particular importance in the education of blind/visually impaired students and the residential setting provides MSAB the additional time and home-living environment to teach these skills. In addition to the general dormitory setting, the Semi-Independent Living Program, Academy-Plus Program, and Independent Living apartment provide facilities and instruction for students transitioning into adulthood. Students’ functioning at their highest possible level of independence in these areas is a primary goal.
To develop social skills and leisure time interests and involvement. Having friends, working on appropriate interaction and relationship skills as well as manners and other social behaviors are a part of daily activities and learning in the dormitory. In addition, there is a recreation program which is coordinated by a recreation therapist in conjunction with residential staff. Students are encouraged to try new activities and practice a lifestyle that includes a variety of meaningful leisure time pursuits.
Dormitories open on Sunday evenings at 5:00P and are closed on weekends at the conclusion of the school week. Dormitory rules and guidelines can be found in the MSAB Student Handbook [PDF]. Questions or inquiries regarding the residential program can be directed to , Residential Director at, (507) 384-6703
