Back home again! Defenders host Appalachian Christian in a rematch. Let’s be LOUD and PROUD!
#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
2 months ago, David Owens
8
🚍 On the road again — VSDB travels to Mt. Carmel Christian for a tough rematch. Let’s fight hard, Defenders!
#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
2 months ago, David Owens
9
🚍 The Defenders hit the road!
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
2 months ago, David Owens
16
🚍 Long road trip! VSDB travels to face ENCSD. Send good vibes for a big win!
#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
2 months ago, David Owens
7
Our blind soccer game scheduled for today at the Maryland School for the Blind has been canceled due to weather.
2 months ago, VSDB
game day flyer with a “canceled” stamp across it
VSDB had such a great time at Celebrate Communication 2024 and we’re excited to join again this year for Celebrate Communication 2025! 💙✨

✨ 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
2 months ago, Mikayla Freimuth
visual with graphics about event
🏠 Home Game Alert! Defenders defend their turf vs. Mount View Christian. Pack the field and cheer your hearts out!
#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
2 months ago, David Owens
6
💪 Another home battle! Lady Defenders vs Legacy Christian. Let’s bring the noise and support!
#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
2 months ago, David Owens
8

✨ 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

2 months ago, VSDB
Moonlight On Water Screening Flyer at VSDB with Blue and Yellow content
We are excited to kick off Deaf Awareness Week with this Alumni Spotlight!

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
2 months ago, VSDB
Michael is standing outside and smiling with a blazer slung over his shoulder.

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

2 months ago, VSDB
Neil is signing in front a room while students watch from a couch on the right.
Lindsay on the left, Neil in the middle, and Heather on the right smiling together in front  of a heart- themed artwrork.
🔥 Round 2! The Defenders take on Mt. Carmel Christian again, this time at home. Let’s pack the gym!
#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
2 months ago, David Owens
7

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

3 months ago, VSDB
Cane Quest flyer  with superhero themed decorations
💥 Rivalry Match! VSDB battles WVSDB on their home turf. Let’s show them the meaning of Defender spirit!
#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
3 months ago, David Owens
4
⚡ Rematch time! The Lady Defenders are ready to defend home court against Faith Christian.
#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
3 months ago, David Owens
6

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.

3 months ago, VSDB
flyer featuring Neil sprouse. blue background with ed and white accents and text. two photos of neil, one current and one from his 2009 Yearbook/senior photo.

Our friends at the American Shakespeare Center are providing an ASL interpreted performance of Romeo and Juliet, featuring guest artist Neil Sprouse, a VSDB graduate and passionate Shakespeare lover. We hope you will join us for Shakespeare’s iconic story of passion, defiance, and connection that can’t be stopped.

📅 September 19, 2025 | 7:30 PM
📍 10 S Market St, Staunton, VA
Tickets available on the American Shakespeare Center website
For more information, please contact education@americanshakespearecenter.com

#AmericanShakespeareCenter #Shakespeare #InclusiveTheatre #InterpretedEvent

3 months ago, VSDB
Upcoming Event Flyer for Shakespere Interpreted Event

✨ VSDB EXCLUSIVE SCREENING: Moonlight on Water ✨
Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating Deaf talent and resilience!

When: Monday, 9/22 at 6:00 PM
Where: VSDB Healy Auditorium
Cost: FREE and open to the community!
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.

3 months ago, VSDB
Moonlight On Water Screening Flyer at VSDB with Blue and Yellow content

Come experience Moonlight on Water — the inspiring story of a young ballerina who refuses to let hearing loss stop her dreams.

🎬 Featuring Deaf actress Victoria Covell (joining via Zoom if possible) and VSDB alum Michael Krysiewicz, who will be here in person for a post-film Talkback + Q&A!

📅 Monday, September 22 | 6:00 PM
📍 Healy Auditorium, VSDB
💲 Free & open to the community

Let’s pack the house and celebrate Deaf talent, storytelling, and the power of chasing your dreams! 💛 To help us plan for visitors to our campus and to ensure accessibility, please complete a brief registration form at http://bit.ly/46k3Mvp

#MoonlightOnWater #DeafTalent #VSDB #InclusiveCinema

3 months ago, Mikayla Freimuth
Moonlight On Water Screening Flyer at VSDB with stills from the film of a young woman on a stage in ballerina outfits
🚍 Road Test! Our Defenders travel to face Appalachian Christian. Drop your cheers below to send energy with them!
#VSDBSoccer #DefendersPride

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
3 months ago, David Owens
3