In January of 2008 a partnership between Utah State University and The Hadley School for the Blind was officially created to provide preservice education in the area of blindness. Although the Hadley School for the Blind has been offering courses to blind students, their parents, and professionals since 1920, they have been unable to offer degree programs that carry university credit. This will now be possible as a result of the collaborative work being done between Linda Alsop of the SKI-HI Institute and Chuck Young, President of the Hadley School.

As a result of this new partnership, a new online program of study is being developed which will lead to a USU Associates Degree in General Studies with a Focus in Blindness or a Certificate in Blindness. The coursework will be designed for paraprofessionals who work with children and youth who are blind or visually impaired, but it will also be available to parents, professionals, and blind consumers.