Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired "Friends of ASB"

2600 W. Markham Street • Little Rock, AR 72205 (501) 296-1810

Friends of ASB Mission

The Friends of ASB (FoASB), formerly known as the Parent Teacher Association, was re-organized in the fall of 2019. Our organization exists to provide support, and create and foster strong relationships among our parents, teachers, administrators, students, and the community at large. The FoASB strives to help students achieve academic and social success through activities and events. The FoASB is also working to help improve communication between the school and the families of our students, and to advocate for the children.

Since the re-organization, the FoASB has been able to provide awards to top students, athletes, and musicians. It has funded several $500 scholarships to deserving graduating seniors who have demonstrated that they are active in community service. The FoASB hosted a free school-wide picnic and play day events to show the students and faculty that they care about the ASBVI school community. In years past, to show its appreciation for the teachers and faculty at the school, the FoASB provided a teacher appreciation luncheon during in-service training. The FoASB is proud to be able to provide funding for the state's only annual Braille Challenge where blind and visually impaired students of all grades, statewide, compete in braille-related events at ASBVI for honors and prizes. While the FoASB's primary aim is not to raise funds, the fundraisers the PTA has sponsored over the years have been successful and all proceeds go directly to helping the school and students.

The Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired FoASB works closely with administrators and faculty members to provide support for the educational program. Even though students from all over the state attend ASBVI, our dedicated parents throughout the state find a means by which they are able to lend support to this worthwhile and hard-working organization. The FoASB is an organization which is frequently called upon by administrators and teachers to help where there is a need. The FoASB operates under a budget appropriated by the state legislature. However, the budget does not provide for awards and other amenities. If not for the work of the FoASB, many of the perks which motivate students and make ASBVI such a wonderful school would not be available to the students.