According to the CDC, approximately 3% of U.S. children under 18 experience blindness or visual impairment, translating to nearly 600,000 children. For these students, navigating the world of education comes with unique challenges.
From learning Braille to mastering adaptive technology, students with visual impairments require specialized support to thrive in the classroom and beyond. After all, education is about more than just grades; it’s about creating a foundation for independence, confidence, and lifelong success. For children with visual impairments, having access to the right resources—like skilled teachers, accessible materials, and supportive policies—can be life-changing.
However, not all states are created equal when it comes to providing the resources and programs the children need. That’s why Soliant set out to uncover which education systems are leading the way in supporting children with visual impairments—and which ones have room for improvement.
This report examines support for children with visual impairments across the 48 continental states, highlighting the best states for visually impaired students based on key factors like teacher support, Braille literacy, and graduation rates. But more importantly, it shines a light on what these states are doing right and why those practices matter.
It’s not just about learning curriculum—it’s about preparing them for fulfilling careers and lives as adults. Explore how different states rank for students with visual impairments in Soliant’s report below.
Best States for Children with Visual Impairments
Of the 48 states analyzed in the index, the following ten states emerged as the best for children with visual impairments:
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Maine
- Delaware
- Kansas
- West Virginia
- Rhode Island
- Kentucky
- Iowa
The Top 3 States
1. New Hampshire
As the best state for children with visual impairments to receive an education, New Hampshire stands out with a balanced approach to supporting students:
- Graduation Rate: With a commendable 73% graduation rate, New Hampshire ties with Maine for 15th place.
- State Spending: Ranks seventh, investing $1,588 per pupil in support services.
- Teacher-to-student Ratio: Fifth best ratio, with 47 children per visually impaired teacher.
- Braille Literacy: Enforces legislation promoting Braille literacy.
- Employment: Leads the nation with the overall highest employment rate of people with visual disabilities, at 98.6%.
2. Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks second, particularly excelling in student support services funding and employment rates:
- Graduation Rate: Ninth highest, at 78%.
- State Spending: Fourth highest, allocating $1,841 per pupil.
- Teacher-to-student Ratio: A weaker area at 194 students per teacher—but counterbalanced by other strengths.
- Braille Literacy: Implements supportive legislation.
- Employment: Second highest employment rate in the nation, at 98.1%.
3. Montana
Montana combines legislative support with adequate teacher staffing to ensure strong education and employment outcomes for students with visual impairments:
- Graduation Rate: Ranks 11th in the nation, at 76%.
- State Spending: 20th for highest spending, at $876 per pupil.
- Teacher-to-student Ratio: Eighth best in the nation, with 63 children per teacher.
- Braille Literacy: Has legislative measures in place.
- Employment: Sixth highest employment rate, at 95.7%.
Full Ranking: Where Students with Visual Impairments Get the Best Education
While the top-performing states set a high bar for supporting children with visual impairments, it’s essential to see how the nation compares. Whether you’re looking to understand how your state measures up or identifying areas for improvement, this full breakdown highlights the strengths and opportunities offered to students with visual impairments across the country:
| Rank | State | Total Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 83.8 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 79.5 |
| 3 | Montana | 76.9 |
| 4 | Maine | 74.2 |
| 5 | Delaware | 72.7 |
| 6 | Kansas | 70.4 |
| 7 | West Virginia | 69.4 |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 67.9 |
| 9 | Kentucky | 67.8 |
| 10 | Iowa | 67.2 |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 65.2 |
| 12 | Oregon | 64.7 |
| 13 | Washington | 64.5 |
| 14 | Indiana | 64.4 |
| 15 | Virginia | 64.4 |
| 16 | Illinois | 63.2 |
| 17 | Missouri | 62.7 |
| 18 | Florida | 61.9 |
| 19 | Connecticut | 61.6 |
| 20 | Texas | 61.5 |
| 21 | Utah | 61.4 |
| 22 | New Mexico | 61.2 |
| 23 | Minnesota | 60.4 |
| 24 | Arizona | 60.1 |
| 25 | Colorado | 60.0 |
| 26 | Wyoming | 59.5 |
| 27 | Georgia | 59.2 |
| 28 | Maryland | 58.8 |
| 29 | Vermont | 56.6 |
| 30 | California | 56.0 |
| 31 | Pennsylvania | 54.2 |
| 32 | South Carolina | 53.3 |
| 33 | Tennessee | 52.9 |
| 34 | Oklahoma | 52.3 |
| 35 | New York | 52.2 |
| 36 | North Carolina | 51.2 |
| 37 | Nebraska | 51.0 |
| 38 | South Dakota | 51.0 |
| 39 | Alabama | 48.7 |
| 40 | Michigan | 46.2 |
| 41 | Nevada | 45.7 |
| 42 | Idaho | 45.5 |
| 43 | Ohio | 45.4 |
| 44 | New Jersey | 44.3 |
| 45 | Louisiana | 43.2 |
| 46 | Arkansas | 41.6 |
| 47 | North Dakota | 39.1 |
| 48 | Mississippi | 35.1 |
Measuring Support for Students with Visual Impairments
The index measures the following categories, each playing a pivotal role in creating an optimal environment for these students:
Graduation Rates for Students with Disabilities
High graduation rates for students with disabilities indicate that a state’s education system is effectively supporting these students in achieving academic success and preparing them for future opportunities. States with high graduation rates for these students showcase dedication to providing equitable education and fostering an environment where all students, including those with disabilities, can reach their full potential.
State Spending Per Pupil on Support Services
Support services comprise a diverse range of interventions, activities, and strategies designed to address non-academic challenges that can hinder students’ ability to learn effectively. Investment in these services ensures that students with visual impairments receive the necessary resources they need to thrive.
TVI-to-Student with Visual Impairment Ratio
Teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) provide specialized support that goes beyond standard academic instruction. A low TVI-to-student with visual impairment ratio is essential for more personalized and targeted instruction tailored to the unique needs of each student.
Braille Literacy Legislation
A “Braille literacy bill” is a piece of legislation that aims to ensure access to Braille education for blind and visually impaired individuals, typically by requiring schools to assess the need for Braille instruction and incorporate it into a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
This legislation essentially guarantees the right of blind children to learn Braille, meaning states with such laws prioritize essential literacy tools and empower students to gain independence.
Employment Rate of People with Visual Disabilities
A high employment rate of people with visual disabilities reflects positively on a state’s education system for children with visual impairments, signaling its effectiveness in preparing students for long-term success.
This outcome suggests that the state’s schools provide comprehensive education tailored to the unique needs of visually impaired students, equipping them with the life skills, assistive technology, and confidence they need to thrive outside of the classroom and embark on a successful future.
Conclusion
Education is a cornerstone for all children, but for students with visual impairments, the right support can transform their future. States like New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Montana set a high standard, proving that targeted policies, adequate funding, and inclusive practices can make a significant difference.
Teachers of the visually impaired play an indispensable role in fostering these environments, providing both academic instruction and life skills. By recognizing the leaders in this field, Soliant hopes to inspire positive change nationwide, ensuring every child with a visual impairment receives the tools and opportunities they deserve.
If you’re passionate about working with children and looking for a career in education where you can have a meaningful impact on the lives of students, then becoming a teacher for the visually impaired may be the perfect career for you.
Explore our exciting opportunities for teachers of the visually impaired here and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Prefer working from home? We’re hiring for remote TVI roles and teletherapy positions nationwide here. Discover how you can help students thrive—start your journey today!
Methodology
This report is based on an index that ranks all 48 continental states according to seven key factors. The factors include:
- Graduation Rate for Students with Disabilities (25% weight): The 2020-21 public high school 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for students with disabilities. Graduation rates for New Mexico and Oklahoma are based on 2020-21 data. 2021-22 data is not available for these states. Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.
- State Spending on Student Support Services (20% weight): The state’s 2020-21 expenditures per pupil on services such as interventions, guidance, health, and speech pathology. Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.
- Braille Literacy Legislation (10% weight): States that have adopted Braille literacy bills that aim to ensure blind students receive adequate instruction in Braille reading and writing to achieve proficiency. Most Braille literacy bills across states are based on a model legislation prepared by the National Federation of the Blind. Source: National Federation of the Blind.
- TVI-to-Student with Visual Impairments Ratio (25%): The number of children (ages 0-17) with visual impairments in the state (crude prevalence) for every teacher of the visually impaired employed in the state. Sources: Vision & Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vision Health Initiative. “Estimating the Number of Teachers of Students With Visual Impairments in the United States” (2022) from the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness.
- Employment Rate of Individuals with Visual Disabilities (20%): The employment rate of the civilian noninstitutionalized population (ages 18 to 64) in the labor force and with a visual-related disability. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 1-Year Estimates Detailed Tables (2023).