The Virginia School
for the Deaf and the Blind

Contact VSDB
VSDB 9 Home 9 Resources 9 Resources for Special Education Professionals

Resources for Special Education Professionals

Quick Links

VSDB Fast Facts
Outreach Services
Admissions Guidelines
Careers and Training
Working With Blind Students
Working With Deaf-Blind Students
Working With Deaf Students
Staff Directory

Specialized Resources

There are many excellent resources and tools available online for parents and educators. We’ve compiled a set of links to those we think may be most valuable to you, or a sample of some of the many resources from larger websites, in hopes that you’ll explore them more.

Working With Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

Virginia Dept. of Education
Unified English Braille
Additional Resources

Working With Students with Deaf-Blindness

Virginia Dept. of Education
Transition Resources
State & National Organizations
Additional Resources

Working With Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Virginia Dept. of Education
Transition Resources
State & National Organizations
Additional Resources

All About VSDB

This document discusses the 180 years of education innovation showcased by the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB). The first section of this page details the history of how VSDB began. This section includes text that reads. “The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) was established by the Virginia General Assembly on March 31, 1838. The school is located in historic Staunton, Virginia, a vibrant small town that is regularly cited for its beauty and quality of life.” To the right of the text, is a graphic that says “Established in 1838” with silhouettes of three individuals. The second section of this page details how VSDB accommodates both blind and deaf students. This section includes text that reads. “As the first school in Virginia to cater to both the deaf and the blind community, VSDB strives to remain at the forefront of educational technology. VSDB utilizes some of the latest and most advanced audiovisual equipment and disability-tailored computer applications in our classrooms to provide your child with the best education.” To the left of the text, is a graphic that says “Virginia School to Serve Deaf & Blind Students” with a first-place medal. The third section of this page details how students of VSDB are one of many individuals with variations of blindness or deafness. This section includes text that reads. “On November 15, 1839, the first student enrolled at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind. The arms of VSDB continue to be wide open and ready to serve Virginia’s children.” To the right of the text, is a graphic that says “First Student Enrolled In 1839” with an individual handing over a pencil. The fourth section of this page details how VSDB became a state agency. This section includes text that reads. “2009, the Virginia General Assembly established the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) as a state agency with its own Board of Visitors independent of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). The legislature directed the Superintendent of Public Instruction to designate a VDOE staff member to serve as a consultant to the VSDB Board of Visitors on matters pertaining to instruction, federal and state special education requirements, and school accreditation.” To the left of the text, is a graphic that says “VSDB Became A State Agency In 2009” with a column building.
This document discusses the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB). The first question on the document is “Who can consider enrollment at VSDB?” and below the question, the answer states, “Students must have been found eligible for Special Education Services at their local school systems prior to enrolling in VSDB.” The second question on the document is “Is VSDB a public school?” and below the question the answer states, “VSDB is not a public school but rather, it is a state agency funded by the General Assembly. VSDB collaborates closely with the Virginia Department of Education to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations regarding the provision of Special Education Services.” The third question on the document is “What transition services does VSDB offer?” and below the question, the answer states, “VSDB provides an array of transition services to prepare students for life after graduation. VSDB offers fully accessible transition programs that are unique to Virginia.” The fourth question on the document is “How many students are in the typical classroom?” and below the question, the answer states, “A typical classroom size consists of approximately five students. Depending on specific student and/or classroom needs, there may also be a teacher aide to support instruction.” The fifth question on the document is “How does the Special Education process work at VSDB?” and below the question, the answer states, “We work collaboratively with the referring school system to ensure that the needs of the student and the family are met.”
This document discusses the admissions process of how to attend the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB). The top of the document states “VSDB provides an integrated, holistic approach to education and personal development with a full array of services and programs that are simply not available at any other school in Virginia. Students GROW in every aspect, DO to expand capabilities and gain confidence, and BECOME capable adults who succeed in post-secondary education, in the workforce, and as citizens in their communities.” The first step in the admissions process is “Referral Through Your Local School System.” Under this section, the text reads, “It’s a good idea to contact the Special Education Director at your local school division early in the process since referral through your school system is required for admission.” The second step in the admissions process is “Complete The Application Package” Under this section the text reads, “The parent/legal guardian must complete the entire application packet and submit it along with the following documentation: Documentation of applicant’s residence in Virginia, Copy of birth certificate, Medical records and immunization certificate, Educational records including evaluations, transcripts, current signed IEP, and disciplinary records if applicable, Release of informed consent, Permission for emergency/routine medical care” The third step in the admissions process is “Admissions Overview” Under this section the text reads, “Once VSDB has received a complete application packet and school system referral, the Admissions Coordinator will contact you to schedule a pre-placement interview with both the applicant and parent(s) or legal guardian. For applicants who are identified as multi-disabled with a disability or sensory impairment, a visit to the applicant’s current educational site may be conducted as well.” The fourth step in the admissions process is “The TEMP Program” Under this section the text reads, “All prospective students must attend a TEMP week before a final admission decision can be made. The TEMP Program allows students to attend VSDB for one or two weeks on a trial basis. Students attend classes and experience residential living if applicable.” The fifth step in the admissions process is “Admission Notification” Under this section the text reads, “bullet point: Availability of space; bullet point: Applicant’s eligibility as outlined in the Admissions Criteria; bullet point: Applicant’s academic, behavioral, therapeutic, emotional, physical, and medical needs, and VSDB’s capacity to provide for them; bullet point: The applicant’s level of independence and daily living skills (for applicants considering living on campus); bullet point: Insights obtained through the student’s participation in TEMP; bullet point: You will be notified in writing within 10 days following the pre-admission interview.”
This document discusses student programs at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB). The top of the document states, “Our programs give students the opportunity to build life skills in an accessible environment among a community of peers. At VSDB, each student is one of many - not the only one. Check out our "Educational Programs" page under "Academics" for more, or read about our Program Stars in the VSDB Connection Newsletter!” The first program in this document is the “ACHIEVE Work-Based Program.” Under this section, the text reads, “While exploring a variety of jobs and potential career paths both on campus and in the broader community, students develop life and job skills and get the opportunity to try out, in the real world, what they’ve learned in school.” To the left of this text, is a graphic of three individuals surrounding a computer. The second program in this document is “TEMP Program” Under this section the text reads, “Give VSDB a try! Let your child experience VSDB and all it has to offer during a TEMP week.” To the right of the text, is a graphic of two individuals reading a book. The third program in this document is “CROPS program” Under this section, the text reads, “VSDB’s CROPS program and its Educational Urban Farm foster a culture of responsibility, independence, community, and wellness through outdoor experiential learning.” To the right of the text, is a graphic of two individuals watering a plant. The fourth program in this document is “Independent living Apartment Program” Under this section the text reads, “Our ILA (Independent Living Apartments) program is designed to help older students build the skills and confidence they need to optimize their potential through bullet point: Fostering highest level of independence possible for the individual; bullet point: Real-world apartment living experience in a safe environment AND MORE.” To the right of the text, is a graphic of an individual sweeping with a broom.

Careers and Employee Links

Work With Us!

Here at VSDB we are committed to excellence in educating children who are deaf, blind, and deaf and/or blind with other disabilities. We share a passion to help our students GROW in every aspect, DO to expand their capabilities and gain confidence, and BECOME capable adults

Learn More About Careers at VSDB