The mission of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is to provide educational programs and services to students ages 0 through 21 who are deaf, blind, deafblind, deaf or blind with other disabilities. Educational and residential services shall promote:

V - Value for each person and his/her unique abilities

S - Success in meeting each student's academic goals

D - Diversity in instruction to meet the needs of all students

B - Building opportunities that foster expertise in technology and its integration, communication, and achievement for all staff and students and their families.

VSDB exists to provide an environment which fosters self-confident students who are contributing citizens and life-long learners and to be a resource of excellence for the communities of Virginia who serve students who are deaf, blind, deafblind, or who are deaf or blind with other disabilities.

Students learn best when actively engaged in the learning process and learn best when VSDB staff maintain high expectations for student learning. All students deserve an equal and appropriate opportunity to learn. Curriculum needs to incorporate a variety of learning activities to accommodate differences in student learning. Motivation to learn is influenced by a student’s emotional state, beliefs, interests, goals and habits of thinking. Teachers, administrators, parents and the community share the responsibility for helping students learn. All students benefit from frequent and positive interactions with peers and others. Students need positive role models throughout the school community.

The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind was established in 1839.  Virginia students ages 0-21 who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/vision impaired, deafblind, and deaf or blind with other disabilities who meet admission criteria are potential candidates for admission.

As of July 1, 2009, § 22.1-346 of the Code of Virginia, was established by the General Assembly transferring the property; rights and duties to the Board of Visitors of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind; supervision of school; appointment and removal of officers and faculty; and certain funding initiatives.

§ 22.1-346.2 established the Board of Visitors of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (Board) as a policy agency in the executive branch of state government under the name of the "Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind" for the purpose of governing the educational programs and services to deaf, blind, and multi-disabled students enrolled at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind.

 

Over the past few years, VSDB has made great strides in establishing a more effective and sustainable foundation for its future.  Financially, VSDB is stable and operates consistently within its budgetary guidelines.  Services have been reviewed, expanded, and enhanced with the addition of many new programs.  VSDB offers many programs that are unique to the Commonwealth, including but not limited to the following:

• Independent Living Apartments- located on campus and offering students a nine-week experience of supervised independent living. This program is supported by a VSDB designed curriculum to address the needs of its complex student population.


• Residential Program for students who are 18 years and older- allows adult students  to live more independently within a supervised residential setting.


• Multi-year High School Program- allows high school students the opportunity to expand their education beyond the typical four-year program. Students are encouraged to continue their high school program until they age out of special education services at age 21 years old. This allows them to take advantage of the multiple programs and services that VSDB has to offer in order to be better prepared for life after graduation.


• Work Experience Program- provides opportunities for high school students to explore and experience various career fields both on and off campus.  Work site placements are fully accessible and are designated and supported  to meet the interests and the needs of the student.


• The VSDB CROPS Program- consists of the VSDB Educational Urban Farm and the VSDB Greenhouse components. The VSDB Educational Urban Farm is the largest in the Commonwealth and provides opportunities for students to be involved in every aspect of the growing process. The CROPS program exposes students to a healthier lifestyle including healthy food choices.  Produce from the farm supplies the VSDB cafeteria where students can enjoy the “fruit of their labor”.   


• Nationally Certified Interveners- VSDB offers the most experienced and largest  Intervener program in the Commonwealth.   VSDB’s Interveners are nationally credentialed  and provide unique support services for students who are Deafblind.  The support of an Intervener for a student who is Deafblind has proven to have a significant  impact on the student’s  educational progress.

The VSDB Foundation has provided critical and effective support to VSDB in its efforts to establish a sustainable and prosperous future for VSDB.   With support from the VSDB Foundation, the agency has made significant gains in its efforts to increase awareness of its unique and prescriptive programs and services throughout the Commonwealth as well as throughout the nation. As a result,  VSDB enrollment trends have increased and its quality education and residential programs have received attention throughout the United States and abroad. With continued VSDB Foundation support over the next two year, 2022-2024, efforts will  continue to focus on marketing its programs and services throughout the Commonwealth.  

VSDB’s updated marketing plan consists of:

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  the implementation of a mobile app that functions in sync with a high tech redesigned website;

  
  


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  informational marketing materials that highlight specialty programs and services, including the unique sports programs at VSDB such as Blind Soccer;

  
  


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  swag bags with VSDB branded items for prospective students and their parents, school system partners, and  visiting VIPs;

  
  


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  Public Service Announcements and strategically placed marketing spots within social media venues

  
  

VSDB has worked to increase its community partnerships as well as its partnerships with other agencies of the Commonwealth.  VSDB collaborates with its partners in the development and implementation of its programs and services. Community partnerships are critical to the workforce aspect of VSDB’s ACHIEVE Transition Program. Community sites serve as essential off-campus  job placement sites for VSDB students as they explore various careers, develop effective communication and interpersonal  skills, an understanding of customer services, and  job a strong work ethic. 

VSDB’s IT infrastructure has challenged its IT capacity and effective delivery of services for years. COVID highlighted this area of concern to an extent that operations of all departments were impacted significantly. As a result, the General Assembly approved two moves in order to support VSDB’s ability to redesign and to enhance its internal IT structure and to enable the agency to move forward with a procurement process much like Higher Education entities.  As a result, VSDB was approved for a one time FY23 appropriation of $545,000 and a one time FY24 appropriation of $100,000 in order to replace its current IT infrastructure. In addition, VSDB was moved under the Governor, allowing it to enter into an increased education-friendly procurement process much like Higher Education. During the 2022-2024 period, VSDB will focus on replacing its current IT infrastructure, including the expansion of its bandwidth.  VSDB will continue to follow VITA agency guidelines and partner with VITA in the same manner as Higher Education.

The retention of employees in the educational and residential programs has been extremely challenging.  A key factor is the level of specialized skills required for all staff who provide direct student services and VSDB's inability to compensate them at a competitive rate for those skills.  In addition, the increased workload due to staffing shortages creates a fast rate of burnout among direct care professionals.  VSDB is unable to maintain competitive salaries with the private sector. In the past, VSDB has implemented several internal alignment increases.  However, the agency has reached its limit in what it is able to do internally within its current budget.

VSDB has an ongoing capital project for the renovation of the exterior of Main Hall, an original building built in 1839.   The building serves as VSDB's Central Office, housing administrative staff.  The capital project to renovate Bradford Hall will be closed  this calendar year.  Bradford Hall houses the infirmary.  VSDB is in the process of completing the capital project to Expand Emergency Generator Systems.  In FY23, VSDB received 2 new capital projects.  One is to Renovate Lewellyn Gym and the other is for Storm Shelters/Safe Rooms for new Buildings.   Through Maintenance Reserve, VSDB is completing electrical work, IT fiber cabling, door replacements, and fire alarm replacements.

The most significant key risk factor is VSDB’s inability to maintain competitive pay levels for current and future employees.  This factor spans all pay band levels but is especially evident in the lower pay bands where many employees are earning significantly below a substantial living wage.  VSDB’s current budget restricts the agency’s ability to implement internal alignments or increases across pay band levels. As a result, VSDB has lost qualified applicants and current employees who are seeking higher pay than VSDB is able to offer. 

VSDB strives to meet the needs of a complex student population with over 85% of its students served through special education services for more than one disability. With approximately 90% of its high school student population preparing to enter the workforce,  VSDB’s Achieve Transition Program is one of the most effective workforce and independent living  programs in the Commonwealth. However, VSDB continues to be  challenged to maintain both an academic and a functional/life skills program. As a result, VSDB teachers are tasked with multi-grade, multi-skill level classrooms.  In addition, due to the specialized skill set required and non-competitive salaries, VSDB faces barriers to recruitment and retention of highly trained and skilled staff to provide direct services within the school and the residential programs.

VSDB administers a budget of approximately $13.7 million dollars which includes general and non-general funds. VSDB receives federal grants that are managed under the specified mandates for each grant.

VSDB's main source of funding is state general funds.  The agency receives federal funds from ESSA and IDEA grants.  A portion of the revenue comes from Medicaid reimbursement for services performed by our clinical staff for students.

The following statistics provide a breakdown of the students VSDB is serving as of August 2022.  

VSDB is expecting an increase in students this school year. 

VSDB serves students who are ages 0-21 and who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, deafblind, and sensory impaired with other disabilities. Students are referred through their local school division and must participate in the admission process for considered enrollment. VSDB works closely with the school divisions to ensure a smooth application process.  VSDB has a rolling admission policy and currently serves 58 students in grades preschool through 12.   Admission criteria are established by the Board of Visitors and are in compliance with the Code of Virginia.  Students who qualify to apply to VSDB for enrollment must be served through special education services with deafness or blindness as their primary disability category.  VSDB serves students on the vision continuum from low vision to blind. In addition, VSDB serves students who are deaf or hard of hearing and supports students who utilize American Sign Language, cochlear implants, and/or are more oral.    In the multiple disabilities area, students are served who are deafblind or sensory impaired with other disabilities and who are able to function at a participatory level within the classroom.

Students are admitted as day or residential students.  Residential students live on campus Sunday evening through Friday at noon and return home every weekend.  As an Agency of the Commonwealth, there is no cost to families for their child to attend VSDB.  Therefore, all transportation for residential students is provided by VSDB.  All transportation for day students is provided by their local school system.  In recent years, VSDB is identifying the need for additional supports for students in the areas of mental health and autism.   VSDB is seeing an increase in the need of services for students with emotional issues, students who are sensory impaired with autism, students who are multi-disabled and students who are more oral and want to learn American Sign Language as a communication option.

VSDB offers comprehensive educational programs and support services to students with sensory impairments as specified on each child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  VSDB provides the following services/programs:

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  TEMP program that allows prospective students to try VSDB for a week

  
  


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  Opportunities for social and emotional skills development

  
  


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  Educational opportunities for students to gain access to all diploma options

  
  


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  24/7 learning environment supported by collaboration between the Education and Residential programs to ensure consistency

  
  


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  Successful adults who are either deaf or blind/visually impaired 

  
  


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  Prescriptive and unique programs and services that prepare students for life

  
  


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  Opportunities to develop positive social skills and peer relations. At VSDB students are not the only one but one of many. 

  
  


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  Students who are deaf/hard of hearing enjoy direct instruction and communication through American Sign Language with peers and adults

  
  


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  Braille instruction and literacy supported across all content areas

  
  


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  Career and technical training

  
  


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  Weekly orientation and mobility instruction for all students who are visually impaired

  
  


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  Daily Independent Living Skills instruction

  
  


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  VSDB’s Achieve Transition and Workforce Program with on/off site work experiences

  
  


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  Partnerships with Adult Service Agencies- Department of Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI)

  
  


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  VSDB’s CROPS program- Virginia’s largest educational Urban Farm and Greenhouse program

  
  


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  24/7 Health Care Services

  
  


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  Nutritional meals that meet dietary requirements developed with student’s input

  
  


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  Residential living in a nurturing residential setting for students starting at 5 years of age

  
  


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  Fully accessible sports programs for students who are deaf and /or blind, including Blind Soccer, Goalball, Basketball, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track and Field, Walking Club, Disc Golf, and more

  
  


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  Transportation for residential students

  
  


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  Extracurricular clubs

  
  


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  Deaf/Blind services including nationally certified Interveners

  
  


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  Outreach Services 

  
  


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  Family Engagement Specialist

  
  


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  Interpreters to support accessible communication

  
  

VSDB will provide programs and services that prepare students for the workforce or post-secondary education upon graduation.

VSDB ILA's are its flagship program. Students are prepared through coursework prior to participating in the ILA program. While in the program, students gain experience in apartment living, budgeting, paying bills, planning, shopping and cooking meals, home safety, home maintenance, the use of public transportation, and overall independent skills. Data is collected throughout the nine weeks and is utilized to inform the student's transition plan.

• Students who are eligible for the ILA's will participate in a semester course based on a specifically designed ILA curriculum with a focus on independent living skills prior to the nine week ILA experience.

DARS and DBVI serve as the adult services agencies for VSDB students as they transition from VSDB into the workforce or post-secondary education or workforce training.

• VSDB will work collaboratively with DARS, DBVI, the student, and their family to support successful student transitions into the workforce or post-secondary options.

VSDB participates in all state required assessments.

• VSDB will work collaboratively with each student's IEP team to determine the appropriate state assessment options and accommodations for each student at the appropriate testing grade level.

VDOE Indicator #14 is completed annually and is a follow up survey to each student of the prior year's graduating class one year after graduation. The goal of the survey is to obtain information on the graduate's current status whether it be that they are employed, in a workforce training program, or attending a post-secondary entity.

• VSDB's Transition Specialist will follow up with each graduate after one year in order to determine their work or educational status.

VSDB partners with Mary Baldwin University, James Madison University, the University of Virginia, Radford University, Kent State University, Gallaudet University, Rochester School for the Deaf, George Mason University, and other higher education facilities to support intern and practicum placements at VSDB. VSDB also serves as an intern site for private sector entities offering related services. Student teachers are housed on campus during their practicum/student teaching experience free of charge during their placement at VSDB. VSDB offers practicum placements in the areas of speech pathology, audiology, deaf education, education of the visually impaired, occupational therapy, physical therapy, orientation and mobility, and psychology.

VDSB will maintain and explore additional partnerships that support VSDB as a preferred site for practicum students.

• VSDB will reach out to Higher Education Institutions who offer training in areas related to VSDB programs and services and the needs of VSDB's student population.

• VSDB will reach out to community private sector entities who offer training in areas related to VSDB programs and services and the needs of VSDB's student population.

VSDB’s residential program extends learning beyond the classroom. VSDB provides residential services Monday through Friday for any student who may live too far to commute on a daily basis or to any local student who demonstrates the need for continuous program support to facilitate skill development in the areas of academics, social/emotional, and independent living skills. The residential program is fully accessible and provides students with a nurturing and safe learning environment. An array of extra-curricular activities that focus on sports, team building, student interest, and independent living skills are planned on a daily basis during residential hours.

VSDB residential hall staff plan and develop a monthly calendar of activities that are age appropriate for each level of student, elementary, middle and high school. Activities may include on campus activities or off campus activities. Many activities are educationally based and align with educational concepts and skills taught in school. Activities focus on various areas including but not limited to emotional, social, and communication skill development as well as the areas of self-advocacy and independent living skills.

• VSDB will review and revise the residential program offerings to meet the needs and interests of all students served.

• VSDB will collaborate with and align programs offered with the education program to ensure consistency.

Classroom instruction is provided to students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, deafblind, and deaf or blind with other disabilities through age 21.  All services are provided to students as prescribed in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Teachers are licensed and endorsed in their content area as well as in the area of special education. Support services such as speech language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, audiology, and medical services are provided by licensed providers. Teaching assistants helping in classrooms must have either an associate degree or pass a para-professional exam.  Interveners are nationally credentialed and are provided for those students who are deafblind and qualify for this level of support services.

The mission of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is to provide educational programs and services to students ages 0 through 21 who are deaf, blind and multi-disabled. Educational and residential services shall promote:

V - Value for each person and their unique abilities

S - Success in meeting each student's academic goals

D - Diversity in instruction to meet the needs of all students

B - Building opportunities that foster expertise in technology and its integration, communication, and achievement for all staff and students and their families.

The school provides a quality day and residential instructional program to children referred by local school divisions and serves as a resource for children with similar disabilities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, the school's educational philosophy is to provide students with many opportunities to learn in an environment that recognizes individual differences, challenges students to do their best, and actively involves the student in the learning process.

Instructional and support services to students who are deaf, blind, deaf/blind, and sensory impaired with other disabilities ages 0-21 in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Classroom Instruction has $4,759,403 in general funds and $942,906 in non general funds. This is 42% of the total budget appropriation.

VSDB provides all students transition services starting at age 14.  Transition services include exploration and real life experiences in a variety of areas and includes,  career exploration, post-secondary educational options,  and on/off site fully accessible work experiences.  VSDB partners with adult service agencies such as the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and the Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) to support successful transitions after graduation.  VSDB also partners with the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center for additional services to support workforce and independent living skills development.  Students wishing to explore a vocational track are served off site by the ValleyTechnical and Vocational Center (VTVC).  For students attending VTVC, VSDB provides the support services to meet each student’s needs  as required by the student’s IEP.

Transition services supports the agency's mission in that VSDB provides quality career and technical training to its students.

The amount of general funds budgeted for this area is $158,065 which is 1% of the total appropriation.

VSDB Outreach Services strives to provide a variety of services throughout Virginia to students, families, and professionals in related fields.  VSDB Outreach programs include but are not limited to webinars, consultations, assessments, and support materials.  VSDB’s Outreach Director often partners with VSDB’s Family Engagement Specialist to take services to the next level with not only information but with interactive activities for students and families in Virginia and beyond. 

As the expert in sensory impairments in Virginia,  VSDB’s Outreach is a critical part of the mission. Outreach services are provided at no cost and are primarily funded through a VDOE grant.

VSDB’s Outreach Program provides extensive services to school divisions across the state to include but not limited to evaluations and consultations regarding students and programs. VSDB’s expertise in the area of sensory impairment typically is beyond the resources of public school divisions.  Therefore, VSDB provides essential insight and guidance to school divisions in the development and delivery of programs and services.   In addition, VSDB’s Outreach program provides trainings statewide related to serving students with sensory impairments for families and professionals working with students who are sensory impaired.  Often, these activities are done in collaboration with other state agencies and organizations serving students with sensory impairments.  Activities may include activities that promote interaction and networking for families with children who are deaf or blind. These activities may include beeping Easter Egg hunts, accessible museum trips, accessible theater experiences or workshops, or accessible nature tours and excursions.  

Outreach services are provided by faculty and staff.  As of FY15, the Department of Education funded an Outreach Director for the school.

Residential students are provided three nutritious meals that meet the state and federal food nutritional guidelines. Day students receive two meals a day.  The Nutrition Program Manager trains food service staff in proper management techniques.

Students who attend VSDB must receive nutritious meals while in school and in the residential halls.  The Nutrition Program Manager works with students who have special dietary needs in order to meet any medical or religious requirements. The licensed infirmary staff and Nutrition Program Manager ensure that all meals meet state and federal guidelines.

Nutritious meals provided three times daily to students.

This amount includes the salaries for the Nutrition Program Manager and food service providers as well as supplies. The amount of general funds budgeted is $426,447 and nongeneral funds is $38,493 which is 3% of the total appropriation.

VSDB's nursing staff provides daily medical needs to the students. Staff are on campus from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm and on call during 11:00 pm to 7:00 am.   Doctors are contracted to provide medical assistance when needed. Students are transported to the local hospital by ambulance with a VSDB staff member in attendance for emergency care when needed.

Students must be healthy to participate in school and residential activities. Medical care is provided according to the agency's policies and doctor's orders.

Qualified medical personnel are hired to provide for the medical needs of the students.

Medical and clinical services include VSDB nursing staff and contracted physician services, medical supplies, and miscellaneous needs of the infirmary. The amount budgeted is $416,197 in general funds and is 3% of the total appropriation.  

The campus at VSDB is well maintained with respect to the limited number of staff. A full-time maintenance and cleaning staff administer daily care to the buildings. Work orders are completed in a timely manner. Public Safety/security personnel monitor the campus on a 24-hour 7-day a week basis to keep students, staff, and the grounds safe. Care is given to following all environmental regulations.

Buildings must be safely maintained to house students in the educational and residential setting. The educational and residential buildings are close together for better supervision and accessibility.

Buildings must meet standards for ADA compliance and fire safety rules. 

Physical plant services include staff salaries, maintenance costs, housekeeping, public safety and utilities. The general fund amount is $2,073,852 and the nongeneral fund amount is $99,820 which is 16% of the total appropriation.

Residential living is available to all students. Like school staff, residential staff are trained in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Virginia Tiered System of Supports (VTSS), CPR, First Aid, and Medicine Management.  The Residential program  provides a supportive and fully accessible environment for all students. A high percentage of the residential staff in the Deaf Department are Deaf and serve as successful role models.  Those staff are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and serve as language models for students in the Deaf Department, who are typically language deprived or delayed.

VSDB provides residential services to students who prefer to live on campus due to commute time or to students who demonstrate a need for intensive support and programming beyond the school day to support progress.

Residential halls provide housing for students to stay on campus and attend classes daily.

Residential services include staff salaries and miscellaneous needs for the dormitories. The amount of general funds is $1,886,448 and the amount of nongeneral funds is $4,400 which is 14% of the total appropriation.

Daily transportation is available for students who travel off campus for vocational programs, community based instruction, work experiences, extra curricular activities, support services or leisure activities. VSDB contracts with a charter bus service to provide weekly transportation to residential students who live throughout the Commonwealth. VSDB also provides weekly transportation to residential students for homegoing. Local school systems provide transportation for day students.

Students are transported to and from school on a weekly basis at no cost to families or local school divisions. Local school divisions provide daily transportation for day students.

Bus and car transportation for staff and students.

Vehicles for use in maintaining the VSDB campus.

Transportation services include staff salary, vehicle maintenance, and bus services on and off campus for recreational and educational needs. In addition, this amount includes chartered bus service on home going weekends to transport students on Fridays and Sundays. The amount of general funds is $358,725 which is 3% of the total appropriation.

Qualified staff oversee daily operations in all departments.  The Superintendent, as Agency Head, oversees all operations to ensure consistency and compliance with federal and state regulations and laws and to ensure the safety and security of the students, employees, and the campus.  There are 12 direct reports to the Superintendent.

The business functions of the agency must run smoothly and efficiently to meet budget and mission goals.

General and fiscal management of the agency.

General management services includes staff salaries, office supplies, and equipment. The amount of general funds is $2,264,324 and nongeneral funds is $263,707 which is 18% of the total budget appropriation.  VSDB received an additional $545,00 in general funds to assist with implementing a new IT system infrastructure.  In FY24, VSDB will receive an additional $100,000 to assist with the implementation.