Health services groundbreaking for Arkansas Schools for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Deaf

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Arkansas School for the Deaf in Little Rock will have a new wing by this time next year.

Tuesday saw the official groundbreaking for the new health services building that will serve both campuses.

The 10,000-square-foot center will offer students services like general wellness and optometry, as well as audiology.

$30 million has been approved by the legislative committee for the Arkansas Schools for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Deaf.

To accommodate the demands of the pupils, it will also include textured flooring and broader passageways.

Gov. Hutchinson claims that the addition to the structure has been long overdue.

“I’m delighted that this will be the first major construction project since the 1970s,” Hutchinson said. “Which is actually embarrassing that it’s been that long, but we are doing it now we are moving forward with it.”

The Arkansas Legislative Committee recommended spending more than $30 million on the project, which will be paid for out of the state’s restricted reserve fund.