​​​Who is Eligible for Services at the McDowell Center for the Blind?

In order to be eligible for admission to the Center, an individual must:

  • ​Be referred by a Vocational Rehabilitation and/or Independent Living Counselor who has provided all necessary medical documentation and application for the McDowell Center.
  • Be medically stable and able to administer all medication, as the McDowell Center is not a medical facility.
  • Be independent with all levels of self-care including feeding, bathing, toileting, hygiene, and dressing.
  • Be able to attend and participate in all scheduled classes​

How Does the Admissions Process Work?​

A Vocational Rehabilitation counselor or Independent Living counselor will refer you to the McDowell Center. They will work with you to gather the necessary medical documentation and any other information needed to complete an application. Once your application is received and reviewed by an admissions committee, our student services coordinator will contact you to provide more detailed information. 

Please note: we are not a medical facility, and participants must be medically stable and able to administer all medications; be independent with all levels of self-care including feeding, bathing, toileting, hygiene and dressing.

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If you are interested in touring the Center, please reach out to the Student Services Coordinator.

Student Services Coordinator:

Hope LaVertu

​Hope.LaVertu​@ky.gov​

502-420-5929

Updated: August 2025

​​​​​​ Charles W. McDowell Center for the Blind

8412 Westport Road
Louisville, KY 40242
502-429-4460 - Phone
502-429-7101 - Fax
1-800-346-2115 - Toll Free (Only in KY)
1-866-761-0818 - Deaf Services (Video Phone)