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Oklahoma Foundation for the Education of Blind Children and Youth, Inc.
The Foundation was established in 1995 to support educational services, grants and scholarships for blind and visually-impaired children statewide. OFEBCYI hopes to bring awareness to resources that are available which will assist students with visual impairments to have greater access to their educational curriculum.
OFEBCYI’s mission is:
(1) To promote the acquisition of assistive technology for visually impaired and blind youth; for use of braille and other communications necessary to educate the visually impaired and blind youth.
(2) The enhancement of the social/emotional well-being of blind youth.
(3) The development of all related abilities which will enhance the possibilities of blind individuals to live independently.
(4) The development of vocational skills, attributes and attitudes necessary to effectively compete in the job market.
(5) The promotion of research activities which will serve to identify, analyze and disseminate strategies found useful in the total education of blind youth.
(6) To enhance educational opportunities when possible for blind and visually impaired youth.
For more information about our Mini Grant Program: Mini Grant Program
For more information about our Scholarship Program: Scholarship Program
Please email okfoundationebcy@gmail.com if you have additional questions.
Garold Conn receives citation from Senator Dewayne Pemberton.
In Loving Memory of Garold Conn
Founder, Oklahoma Foundation for the Education of Blind Children and Youth, Inc.
Superintendent, Oklahoma School for the Blind (1992–1999)
In Loving Memory of Garold Conn
Founder, Oklahoma Foundation for the Education of Blind Children and Youth, Inc.
Superintendent, Oklahoma School for the Blind (1992–1999)
A funeral service for Garold Conn will be held at Cornerstone Funeral Home, 1830 North York Street, Muskogee, OK 74403, on Wednesday, May 7 at 9:00 a.m. All who knew Garold and were touched by his commitment to students with visual impairments are welcome to attend and honor his life and legacy.
Garold Conn’s vision, passion, and leadership were the driving forces behind the founding in 1995 of the Oklahoma Foundation for the Education of Blind Children and Youth, Inc. As superintendent of the Oklahoma School for the Blind at the time, Garold recognized the need for a dedicated resource to support students with visual impairments—both at OSB and in public schools across Oklahoma. He created the Foundation to ensure that 100% of every donation would directly benefit students’ educational experiences. Thanks to his vision, the Foundation continues to provide mini-grants that equip classrooms with specialized materials and scholarships that help students pursue education beyond high school.
Garold began his career in public service after graduating from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, OK. He worked at the Helena State Training School for Boys for over 12 years before moving to Muskogee in 1978 with his wife, Jody, and daughter, Kelli. At OSB, he served first as principal and then as superintendent from 1992 to 1999. He was deeply committed to the students and their families. One of his most impactful initiatives was implementing a transportation program giving students the opportunity to spend weekends with their families—something he felt was vital to their emotional well-being and overall development.
After retiring, Garold pursued his love of cattle farming and the outdoors. He enjoyed countless days with his best friend, Gordon Lassiter, attending cattle sales, fishing, watching sports, and hunting quail. He especially loved bass fishing in the peaceful ponds of western Oklahoma.
Garold Conn will be remembered by the Foundation’s board and community as a visionary leader, a compassionate educator, and a champion for students with visual impairments. His legacy lives on in the continued work of the Foundation and in the lives of the students and families he so deeply cared for.
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