Our Past

In 1893, Emily Wells Foster had formed the nation’s first nursery for blind children in her home in Hartford. Through Foster’s efforts an institution grew and changed forever the lives of hundreds of blind Americans and their families. In time, it would become known as the Connecticut Institution and Industrial Home for the Blind, then the Connecticut Institute for the Blind.

By the mid 1960’s, important changes in federal law concerning the education of children with disabilities (Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act) freed up considerable grant money for expanded special education curriculum. In 1976, Oak Hill began providing services for people with multiple disabilities (Public Law 94-142, Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act) which guaranteed all children free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment possible. In 1978, Oak Hill opened its first group home in the community. By 1986, Oak Hill School amended its articles of incorporation and bylaws to enable the school to officially serve people with disabilities which did not necessarily include visual impairment. Expanding the school’s mission more accurately reflected the changing needs of society.

Our Present

Today, it is simply known as Oak Hill, a recognized leader in providing community-based programs: housing, employment training, education, assistive technology, healthy relationships; early intervention (link), and recreation to children and adults with multiple disabilities (including visual impairments)  in Connecticut. Oak Hill has 11 distinct programs; 120 program sites located in 59 towns. Oak Hill employs over 1,200 professionals to successfully meet the changing needs of thousands of people with disabilities each year.

"Oak Hill had an excellent national reputation as a school for the blind, but we must admit that we were nervous when we looked at the challenge our son Peter presented. Peter's disabilities were extensive and his progress would be measured in very small steps. We soon realized that Oak Hill was able to provide a much more complete and consistent program for Peter than we could ever offer him at home. We've always felt quite comfortable with the people who've taken care of him. This is probably the number one hope that parents have and we feel fortunate that Oak Hill encouraged this. Oak Hill is his home."

- Robert and Barbara Cloonan, parents of Peter (a severely disabled young man and resident of Oak Hill since 1976.)

Our Future

Future, Oak Hill will continue to be a leader in the community by providing quality programs and services for people with disabilities. Program and services will expand to meet the changing needs of society. 

Oak Hill is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation

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