🎭✨ Lights, Camera… Action at VSDB! ✨🎭
On Friday, our students got a standing ovation experience thanks to the amazing team from the Wayne Theatre! From improv and dance to makeup (those wounds were frighteningly realistic 👀💄) and lighting and sound design, students got a backstage pass to the magic of theater.
Our students jumped into every role—actors, dancers, designers, and even special effects artists—and left raving about how much fun they had. 🌟
This workshop is just Act I of a new partnership with the Wayne, and we can’t wait for the encore! 💙
#VSDB #TogetherWeEmpower #GrowDoBecome #TheaterMagic #WayneTheatre #SpotlightOnStudents
#GoDefenders #VSDBVolleyball
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here:https://web.gc.com/teams/9gC4087SQw9d?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
We’re thrilled to host Cane Quest again this year at VSDB—a unique, fun, and challenging orientation & mobility competition for students who are blind or visually impaired. Participants will show off their travel skills, learn new techniques, and celebrate independence!
📅 Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
📍 Location: VSDB Student Center, 97 New Hope Road, Staunton, VA
🕘 Time: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
➡️ Register now: http://bit.ly/4mtUC5B
Don’t miss this exciting day of skills, confidence, and community. Let’s cheer on our Cane Quest explorers as they navigate their way to success! 💙
#CaneQuest #VSDBStrong #BlindEd #OrientationAndMobility #StudentSuccess #GrowDoBecome #TogetherWeEmpower #VSDB
This weekend, Gallaudet University’s football team faced off against Roanoke College! Fans went to support and cheer on Gallaudet University, and we had a great time supporting the team!
📸 Highlights:
• Daphne Cox welcomed everyone as the event host and reminded us that September is Deaf Awareness Month and a time to celebrate Deaf culture, raise awareness, and recognize the contributions in our communities!
• A warm welcome from Senator Chris Head, Chairman of VSDB’s Board of Visitors, who reminded us of the school’s mission to prepare Deaf, Blind, and DeafBlind students to live, learn, and succeed.
• Our very own Charity Reedy Warigon shared some fun Deaf trivia, and showed that VA has always lead the way in Deaf education!
• Thelma Schroeder, GUAA Regional Two Rep, shared Gallaudet updates and Homecoming news with fans
• Gallaudet squared off against Roanoke as fans filled the stands — including some of our own VSDB students, family, and staff!
We hope everyone had as much fun as we did at this event!
#TogetherWeEmpower #VSDB # Gallaudet #Football
#HomeFieldAdvantage #VSDBPride
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here: https://web.gc.com/teams/K3ghvbsE8tnp?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
#VSDBAthletics #DefendersStrong
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here:https://web.gc.com/teams/9gC4087SQw9d?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
VSDB Blind Soccer travels to face Maryland School for the Blind. Let’s send all our strength and pride with them as they battle on the road!
Drop a ⚽ in the comments to show your support!
#GoDefenders #DefendersStrong #VSDBPride
The game can be live streamed or live-scoring by viewing the teams page on the gamechanger app here; https://web.gc.com/teams/nJNuzTUaQUeh?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
#VSDBSoccer #DefendersStrong
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here: https://web.gc.com/teams/K3ghvbsE8tnp?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
✨ Every Connection Begins with Communication ✨
Celebrate Communication 2025!
Come connect with us at Celebrate Communication 2025! Explore the latest in hearing assistive technologies, apps, captioning, local agency services, hearing aids, tinnitus, cochlear implants, ASL, and much more. Find ENTs and audiologists. Meet Deaf crafters. Facepainting (11 am to 2 pm) and Yellow Dog make it fun for the family.
📅 Join us Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕙 10 am to 3 pm
📍 Springfield Town Center!
(Main entrance, between the Yard House and Maggiano’s restaurant. Lower level, next to the Lego store and Starbucks.)
Thanks to our sponsors and donors!
InnoCaption | ServiceSource | NCRF National Court Reporters Foundation | HLAA Hearing Loss Association of America | Otolaryngology Associates | Blossom Hearing Center | Virginia Relay | Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing | CapTel | ClearCaptions | Cochlear
Hosted by: NVRC – Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons
#DefendThisHouse #GoDefenders
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here: https://web.gc.com/teams/K3ghvbsE8tnp?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
#GoDefenders #VSDBPride
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here:https://web.gc.com/teams/9gC4087SQw9d?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
✨ VSDB EXCLUSIVE SCREENING TONIGHT: Moonlight on Water ✨
Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating Deaf talent and resilience!
When: TODAY, 9/22 at 6:00 PM
Where: VSDB Healy Auditorium
Cost: FREE and open to the community!
Register at: bit.ly/46PK3oD
See a powerful Deaf-led performance and journey of triumph.
Meet VSDB alum Michael Krysiewicz, who will be present in person! Victoria Covell will join via Zoom if possible.
Stick around afterward for a live Talkback & Q&A session
#TogetherWeEmpower #VSDB
Michael Krysiewicz – Class of 2006
The only Deaf person in his family, Michael Krysiewicz was born in 1988 and discovered he was Deaf at the age of one, when his grandfather noticed he did not respond to sound. His family embraced American Sign Language, with parents, grandparents, stepparents, and siblings all learning to communicate with him. Home visits from Deaf education specialists helped ensure he had language access and support from an early age. He learned ASL from Mary Beth Miller.
When Michael enrolled at VSDB, he immersed himself in both academics and student life. He played JV basketball, managed the team and kept statistics after a knee injury, played soccer as a defender, and joined yearbook, technology, and dramatic clubs. One of his favorite memories is producing a 30-minute student film, TV Blender, with classmates — a project that took two weeks of acting, shooting, and editing before its premiere to an audience. Influential mentors included Rhonda Jennings-Arey, Marianne Durham, and Harry Wood.
After graduating in 2006 from VSDB, Michael attended Gallaudet University and Palm Beach State College. His career has taken him through a wide variety of jobs. Alongside this, Michael pursued his passion for acting and filmmaking, becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible.
His acting credits include commercials (True Value, Comcast Accessibility), and several short films such as Sick Love, A Tale of Abraham Lincoln, Carter, Flipping the Script, Moonlight on Water, and Ari. He has also appeared in feature films including Never Give Up, The Forest Hills, Coofintooth, A Hard Place, Blood and Breakfast, Bloody Summer Camp 2: Red Horizon, and Dear Stranger. On stage, he performed in My Fair Lady as the Prince of Transylvania and as part of the ensemble. Michael has also worked behind the camera as a production assistant and photographer for films like 500 Fireflies and The Forest Hills.
Michael is equally committed to service. Since 2018, he has been a volunteer firefighter with the Weyers Cave Volunteer Fire Station, responding to emergencies, assisting in rescues, and working side by side with fellow firefighters. He has also been active in his church, children’s sports programs, and community gatherings — including chairing Deaf Social events at the Valley Pike Farmer’s Market, producing his son’s podcast - Celebrity Chatter and Things That Matter with Elijah - that always considers Deaf access, and managing the Famous Hands Flying Facebook group, which highlights celebrities using ASL.
Michael continues with work towards his dreams. “Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams. Prove to them that Deaf CAN.”
Michael will be joining us for tonight's showing of Moonlight on the Water, and we hope you all can join us too!
#VSDBAlumni #TogetherWeEmpower #MoonlightOnTheWater
Neil Sprouse, a 2009 graduate, returned to the VSDB campus this week to spend time with students of all ages. He shared his story with high school students, spoke with middle schoolers, and read stories to our elementary school children.
Neil’s message to high school students was clear: VSDB prepared him for LIFE. He reflected on the many teachers who influenced him, including Ms. Linda Blehm, and emphasized that the lessons learned at school go far beyond the classroom. Respect, time management, discipline, problem solving, accountability, negotiation, and even keeping your room clean all shape how you present yourself to others — because first impressions matter.
He encouraged students to step forward, try, and most importantly, ASK!
#TogetherWeEmpower
#DefendThisHouse #TogetherWeWin
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here:https://web.gc.com/teams/9gC4087SQw9d?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
Virginia Cane Quest 2025 is almost here! Cane Quest is a fun and challenging program designed to inspire Blind and Visually Impaired students in grades 3–12 to strengthen their Orientation & Mobility skills, boost confidence, and build true independence with their white cane.
📍 Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind
Wednesday, October 15 | 🕘 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Register at https://forms.gle/w1XRMpsd9ASgetWv7
Students will team up with sighted volunteers, put their skills to the test, and compete in groups from Scouts to Trailblazers.
Join us for a day of confidence, connection, and cane skills! #CaneQuest #OrientationAndMobility #Independence
#GoDefenders #VSDBStrong
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here: https://web.gc.com/teams/K3ghvbsE8tnp?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
#VSDBVolleyball #GoDefenders
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here:https://web.gc.com/teams/9gC4087SQw9d?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
Neil Sprouse, a 2009 VSDB graduate, is visiting on September 17 to present to current students in celebration of Deaf Awareness Month! Students will learn about how his experience at VSDB shaped his life and work for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in Virginia, as well as the wonderful tradition of Deaf alumni from VSDB who have gone to work in the arts. We are grateful to Neil for "returning home" to VSDB while he is in town for a workshop at the American Shakespeare Center, starting with an ASL interpreted performance of “ Romeo and Juliet” on September 19th at 7:30 pm.
