VIDBE-Q 2025 Volume 70 Issue 1
Jeff Sanchez
The Maryland School for the Blind
Jeffs@mdschblind.org
For over 170 years, the Maryland School for the Blind (MSB) has been more
than just a school. Established in 1853, MSB has been a place of belonging,
growth, and opportunity for students who are blind or have low vision. Nestled on
96 acres in Northeast Baltimore, MSB's campus offers a safe and inclusive
environment where students can learn, play, and build relationships that last a
lifetime.
Building a Legacy
The journey of MSB is a story of resilience and innovation. In 1853, MSB
opened its doors as the Maryland Institution for the Education of the Blind,
supported by both private and state funds. A few years later, Frederick Douglas
Morrison began his four-decade tenure as Superintendent shaping the school with
his vision and dedication. Morrison's leadership paved the way for a more
formalized approach to blind education, a mission he took beyond MSB when he
The Maryland School for the Blind:
A Legacy of Empowerment and Innovation