INSIGHT Camp returns, empowering visually impaired students
Morehead State University once again hosts the 18th annual INSIGHT Camp; a week-long program helping blind and visually impaired high school students in Kentucky prepare for college and careers.
Designed to provide a hands-on collegiate experience, the camp readies students who have completed grades 10 through 12 for the transition to postsecondary education.
INSIGHT aims to foster self-advocacy and independent living skills, helping participants gain confidence and practical tools for navigating college life.
“This year we have five students from the INSIGHT program who will be attending MSU in the fall,” said INSIGHT Coordinator Connie Hill. “In 2024, we had two students who attended MSU, and in 2023 we had three students who started MSU.”
The students participating this year are:
- Abby Brewer – Frankfort
- Abri Sanders – Lexington
- Amiyah Laine – Versailles
- Audrie Lee – Mayfield
- Caleb Robinson – Louisville
- Cameron Jones – Louisville
- Cole LeBourhis – Nicholasville
- Emma Pierce – Louisville
- Gabriella Keene – Shelbiana
- JR Whobrey – Leitchfield
- Landan Smith – Radcliff
- Liz Apparcel – Lexington
- Max Yampolskiy – Prospect
- Norah Fenwick – Louisville
- Peyton Peskoe – Louisville
- Rebecca Ratliff – Waco
- Sadie Hardy – Louisville
- Sarah Boyd – Langley
- Taylor Marcum – Somerset
- Weston Reynolds – Weeksbury
- Xavier Morgan – Essie
The program also serves a broader regional purpose: educating the campus and local community about the unique challenges and aspirations of students who are blind or visually impaired.
“A summer program like INSIGHT doesn't just impact a particular region; it has the ability to impact the whole world," said Coordinator of Summer Camps Randy Manis (Class of 2006, 2008). “INSIGHT actively breaks down barriers to education, independence, and opportunity for students who are blind or visually impaired. Students are empowered with the skills, confidence, and resources they need to pursue higher education and meaningful employment.”
The immersive nature of the camp allows participants to familiarize themselves with college life firsthand.
“Participating in this program at Morehead State University allows these students to familiarize themselves with our campus, understand what it's like to live in a residence hall with a roommate, and experience the collegiate classroom environment. Perhaps most importantly, students learn how to advocate for themselves,” Manis added.
This year marks a milestone for the INSIGHT program, as staff and participants became the first residents to live inside the newly renovated Cooper Hall. Students returning for their third year also gained valuable work experience through work-study assignments with the Office of Student Housing, providing practical skills alongside their academic preparation.
For more information about INSIGHT, contact Hill at connie.hill@ksb.kyschools.us.
To learn more about Disability Services at MSU, contact Assistant Director Misty Litton at m.litton@moreheadstate.edu or by calling 606-783-5188.
Photo Caption: Participants in the 2025 INSIGHT Camp at MSU.
Front row, left to right: Landan Smith from Radcliff, Abri Sanders from Lexington, Max Yampolskiy from Prospect, Audrie Lee from Mayfield, Norah Fenwick from Louisville, Gabriella Keene from Shelbiana, Taylor Marcum from Somerset, and Sarah Boyd from Langley.
Second row, left to right: Liz Apparcel from Lexington, Xavier Morgan from Essie, Weston Reynolds from Weeksbury, Cole LeBourhis from Nicholasville, Emma Pierce from Louisville, Rebecca Ratliff from Waco, Sadie Hardy from Louisville, Amiyah Laine from Versailles, JR Whobrey from Leitchfield, Abby Brewer from Frankfort, Cameron Jones from Louisville, Caleb Robinson from Louisville, and Peyton Peskoe from Louisville.
