Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) has received a $395,000 grant from the Emil and Emma Lang Fund for the Visually Impaired, awarded through Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia. The grant, the second-largest approved by the Community Foundation, will be used to enhance the education and independence of students with visual impairments through the purchase of specialized equipment and resources.

The grant was presented to RCPS leaders at a press conference with the Community Foundation on Thursday, October 3, 2024.

"This generous grant from the Emil and Emma Lang Fund will have a transformative impact on the lives of our students with visual impairments," said RCPS Superintendent Dr. Verletta White. "In Roanoke City Public Schools, we know each student by their name, need, and strength. This is another example of how we are able to provide our students with what they need to succeed, thanks to our community’s support."

The funds will allow RCPS to improve accessibility and provide cutting-edge technology for visually impaired students across all grade levels, including vision screening devices, white canes to support independence, and related assistive technology and devices to support instruction and independence. 

 “We are thrilled to partner with Roanoke City Public Schools in awarding this milestone grant,” said Alan Ronk, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “It represents our beginning efforts to put this community ‘on the map’ over time as a leader in how it supports and values its visually impaired citizens. Focusing on our youth was the natural point to begin this work, and engaging with RCPS leadership and staff offers us, as a grantmaker, the perfect opportunity.”