Every legally blind child in Missouri deserves equal access to education. MCB's Youth Services Program ensures that vision impairment is never a barrier to learning — from infancy through the end of high school.
Through the Youth Services Program, the Missouri Council of the Blind provides grants for adapted educational materials to legally blind Missouri children from birth through 12th grade. We help families access the tools their children need to participate equally alongside sighted peers in any educational setting.
MCB supports not only the children themselves, but also the parents, guardians, and teachers who navigate the unique challenges of visual impairment in a classroom environment.
Program at a Glance
- Eligible ages:
- Birth through 12th grade
- Maximum grant:
- $225 per child per year
- Membership required:
- No — open to all eligible children
- Eye report:
- Required annually from licensed ophthalmologist
- Coverage:
- Adapted educational materials not provided by school
- Eligibility:
- Legally blind Missouri residents, birth–grade 12
Eligibility
The MCB Youth Services Program is open to any legally blind Missouri child from birth through the end of 12th grade. MCB membership is not required — this program is available to all qualifying children regardless of whether the family is an MCB member.
Eligibility Requirements
- Child is a Missouri resident
- Child is legally blind as documented by a licensed ophthalmologist or qualifying certifying organization (e.g., St. Louis Society for the Blind)
- Child is currently enrolled in school (or receiving early intervention services from birth)
- Child has not completed 12th grade
- A current eye report is on file — reports must be from a licensed ophthalmologist and renewed each school year
A current eye report from a licensed ophthalmologist (or a qualifying organization such as the St. Louis Society for the Blind) must accompany every application. Eye reports must be dated within the current school year — they do not carry over from previous years. A new report is required for each annual application.
Open to all legally blind Missouri children
from birth through 12th grade.
MCB membership not required.
What the Grant Covers
The Youth Services grant pays for adapted educational materials that are not readily available in standard formats — items that the school system does not provide and that are specifically designed for use by legally blind students.
Examples of Qualifying Items
Braille textbooks, braille workbooks, and tactile maps or diagrams needed for classroom curriculum.
Specialized writing tools, tactile rulers, adapted scissors, and other supplies specifically designed for legally blind students.
Devices or software specifically adapted for classroom use by legally blind students that are not provided by the school district.
Three-dimensional models, tactile graphics, and other hands-on adapted materials for science, math, and other subjects.
How Grants Are Paid
MCB pays vendors directly by check, mailed to the applicant's address, who then forwards payment to the vendor. This ensures grant funds are applied directly to qualifying educational materials only.
Does Not Qualify
- Standard (non-adapted) school supplies
- Items the school district is required to provide
- Non-educational or recreational items
- Items already purchased before application approval
Not Sure If an Item Qualifies?
Contact the MCB office before applying. Staff can help you determine whether the materials you need qualify for Youth Services funding.
(314) 832-7172 (800) 342-5632 (toll-free) moblind@moblind.orgHow to Apply
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Download the Application Form
Get the MCB Youth Services Application from the link below or by contacting the MCB office directly. MCB-Youth-Services-Application.pdf -
Complete the Application for Each Child
A separate application must be filed for each legally blind child in the household. Gather the following required documents for each child:- Current eye report from a licensed ophthalmologist or qualifying organization — dated within the current school year
- Description or itemized list of the adapted educational materials needed
- Vendor information for the items requested (name, address, cost)
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Submit Your Application to the MCB Office
Mail the completed application and all supporting documents to: Missouri Council of the Blind
5453 Chippewa Street
St. Louis, MO 63109 Or call the office to arrange an alternative submission method.
Youth Services Committee Contact
Mike Hopper
MCB Office
(314) 832-7172 (800) 342-5632 (toll-free) moblind@moblind.orgFrequently Asked Questions
The Youth Services Program is open to any legally blind Missouri child from birth through the end of 12th grade. Legal blindness must be documented by a current eye report from a licensed ophthalmologist or qualifying certifying organization. MCB membership is not required — this program is available to all qualifying children.
The maximum grant is $225 per child per year. If you have more than one legally blind child, a separate application must be submitted for each child. Grants are paid by MCB check directly to the vendor, mailed to the applicant's address.
The grant covers adapted educational materials not otherwise available through the school system — items specifically designed for use by legally blind students. Examples include braille textbooks, tactile learning materials, adapted school supplies, and specialized educational technology.
Standard school supplies, non-adapted items, and materials the school district is required to provide do not qualify. If you are unsure whether an item qualifies, contact the MCB office before applying.
No. MCB membership is not required to receive Youth Services funding. The program is open to all legally blind Missouri children from birth through 12th grade, regardless of MCB membership status.
If your application is denied, you may file a written appeal with the MCB Board of Directors for consideration at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. Submit your appeal in writing to the MCB office at moblind@moblind.org or by mail to 5453 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109. You will be notified in writing of the Board's decision.
Related Programs
Educational Scholarships
Is your child graduating high school and heading to college, trade school, or a certified training program?
MCB's Educational Scholarship offers up to $2,000 per year for legally blind Missouri residents of any age in post-secondary programs — with no age limit.
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MCB Summer Camp offers accessible outdoor experiences for blind youth with 50 years of history.
Learn About Summer CampJoin MCB
MCB membership connects blind Missourians and their families with advocacy, community, programs, and resources across the state.
Join MCBReady to Apply for Youth Services?
Download the application, gather your child's current eye report and the adapted materials list, and submit to the MCB office. Our team is here to help with any questions.