Superintendent's Letter

Greetings,

The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) serves students with a disability of deafness, hearing impairment, or visual impairment including blindness. Primary consideration is given to those students from a school division that does not have the resources to provide the special education and related service needs of the student.

In order to receive services, a student must be 2 years of age on or before September 30 or have not reached their 22nd birthday by September 30 of the current school year. Students who are younger than 5 years of age may receive early childhood special education and early intervention services on a case-by-case basis. The VSDB offers preschool services to eligible students within the region where the schools are located. Students are not considered for residential placement until they are 5 years of age and in kindergarten.

The VSDB provides special education and related services, diagnostic evaluations, transportation, dormitory services, community experiences, vocational training, work experience and other support services, according to the student’s IEP, for students with sensory impairments. Outreach services are available for students attending other schools.

The VSDB curriculum is tailored to meet the unique needs of each student’s disability. The curriculum is based on the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs). All students participate in Virginia Assessments according to their program of studies. Students pursue various diploma options based on credits earned for an Advanced Studies Diploma, a Standard Diploma, a Modified Standard Diploma, and a Special Diploma. The student’s placement as a day student or a residential student is dependent on the student’s educational needs as determined by the student’s IEP. Additionally, the location of the parent’s residence is a factor in placement when distance prohibits a student from being considered as a day student. The VSDB follows a standard of a 35 mile radius for determination of eligibility for placement in the dormitory. The VSDB coordinates services for deaf and hard of hearing and blind or vision impaired with the Departments for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Blind and Vision Impaired as part of each student’s transition plan.

The VSDB provides health services by the Health Services staff in cooperation with the student’s parent or guardian. Health services include emergency medical/dental care (including rescue squad and hospital services), dispensing of medication, first aid, and consultative services through health care professionals at the school. Emergency services are also provided for any resident experiencing or showing signs of suicidal or homicidal thoughts, symptoms of mood or thought disorders, or other mental health problems.

The VSDB reviews and revises placements annually through the IEP process. The VSDB informs the parent(s) and designated representatives of the placing school division of the student’s progress, disciplinary actions taken with the student, investigations involving the student, and all other matters considered important to the student’s well being.

Last year the Staunton campus welcomed students from our sister school the Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind and Multi-handicapped program in Hampton, Virginia. As of July 1, 2009 the Hampton School officially closed its doors. The Staunton campus serves all children with sensory impairments as well as other disabilities that meet the VSDB admission criteria.

As we start the 2009 school year, the VSDB will face construction on campus as progress moves forward on the $71.3 million dollar building project. Already a maintenance building at the lower entrance of the school is under construction, the Stuart Building is being renovated for a new consolidated media center and student center, and Carter Hall Dormitory is ready for demolition. During the next three years the campus will add two new dormitories, a new middle and high school educational building and a renovated elementary building. While building is going on a safe environment for students and staff will be of utmost importance; therefore, frequent meetings with construction site management and VSDB staff will be ongoing.

During the Virginia General Assembly in 2009, VSDB was declared a separate state agency to be operationally controlled by an eleven member Board of Visitors. The appointed eleven member board shall consist of four legislative members and seven non-legislative members. Names of board members will be shared as soon as appointments have been confirmed.

The school year starts on August 24th with a new theme, “Continuing Together” as we fully integrate students with significant support needs in the deaf and blind departments. A highly qualified staff is eager to welcome students on the first day of school.

We welcome your inquires about VSDB and we look forward to serving students with sensory needs in the Commonwealth.

Sincerely,
Dr. Nancy C. Armstrong, Superintendent