why choose VSDB

Expert Teaching

VSDB’s faculty and staff are simply the best — highly qualified and caring, they dedicate their careers to teaching students with hearing and vision impairments. They have the expertise and the passion to make the difference for your child.

Hands-on learning

Interactive, experiential learning builds skills, knowledge, and confidence that translate into lifelong success — in post-secondary education, in the workforce, and in their communities.

Community of peers

At VSDB, students are “one of many” instead of being the “only one” … often for the first time.
Teenage boy wearing running jersey with VSDB's "V" emblem

Life and career skills

No matter a child’s age upon enrollment, VSDB lays the foundation for lifelong independence and success. Students can access our unique services and programs from birth until “aging out” of Special Education Services at 21.

Engaged student life

Fun can be beneficial! Participation in athletics, social events, and extracurricular activities extend capabilities and enrich daily experience. Weekends at home allow family time, too.

No cost to families

As a state agency, we cover all costs for education, services, transportation, room, and board.

Latest news and events

State superintendent impressed with VSDB, Staunton’s ‘hidden gem’

“I call VSDB the ‘hidden gem’ in Virginia,” said Patricia Trice, superintendent at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind in Staunton. “People still don’t know what we do or that we’re here.” Click to read more https://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/state-superintendent-impressed-with-vsdb-staunton-s-hidden-gem/article_cf217b56-2579-57e5-bdd0-e37cf44a8c8f.html Photo Credit: Shannon Kelley at The News Virginian...
October 15, 2019
Read more
White Cane Day Proclaimation

Recognizing “White Cane Day”

The Staunton City Council recently made the proclamation that Oct. 15, 2019 will be recognized as White Cane Day.  This was made official on Oct. 10 during a City Council meeting.  In attendance were VSDB, The Department of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Staunton Library's Talking Book Center....
October 15, 2019
Read more

VSDB’s Julie Connor Receives National Award

One of our incredible teachers, Julie Conner, was recognized and awarded as the National Teacher of the Year for students who are visually impaired with multiple disabilities. Last week, Julie had her big night at the awards ceremony to officially recognize all of her efforts and achievements. Thank you to...
October 15, 2019
Read more

EDUCATION

Department for the Blind

VSDB is in a unique position to provide educational benefits, including assistive technologies and daily living skills taught by expert teachers who are highly qualified to teach blind and visually impaired students, with and without additional disabilities … in addition to academic content that meets Virginia’s statewide standards. LEARN MORE

Department for the Deaf

We use a bilingual approach with direct instruction in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, and provide many benefits that are generally not available in local public schools. Our deaf and hard of hearing students benefit from VSDB’s well-rounded academic program that builds on the gifts, strengths, and interests of the individual. LEARN MORE

Preschool

Young children are capable, curious, active, and hungry for knowledge about their world. At VSDB we provide a developmentally-appropriate, language- and literacy-rich learning environment that will nurture and stimulate them as they grow in their important early years.  LEARN MORE

CROPS: Educational Urban Farm

VSDB’s educational farm is located right on our campus so students can take full advantage of our innovative CROPS curriculum in which students learn to plant, grow, and harvest produce … building skills, strengthening academics, and learning entrepreneurship.  LEARN MORE

Independent Living

Students learn the skills and realities of managing their lives as adults while in a safe environment — setting up an apartment, preparing meals, managing finances, and maintaining a clean and orderly home — paving the way for a smooth transition after graduation.  LEARN MORE

1ST

School for The Deaf & The Blind

180

Years Continued Service

6,400+

Students Served Since 1839

175

Dedicated Employees

$0

Cost to Families

WHAT PARENTS AND STUDENTS ARE SAYING

“We love VSDB… VSDB is a wonderful place for [my children] to be. I love that they have direct instruction in sign language, that they don’t have to go through an interpreter, and that they have peers who are deaf and can socialize directly. I’d love to talk more to anyone who wants to ask me about VSDB.”

Christine Ogden,
Parent

“I like that I can communicate with friends and my teachers and we understand each other. My education has helped me grow.”

Brian,
VSDB High School Student

 

“I have nothing but good things to say about this school…(my son) has made a complete 180 change with his attitude, socially, and with academics. The staff here is great, phenomenal, they really, really love and embrace and bring you in as a family.”

Darren Maxwell,
Parent

 

Read more comments from VSDB parents and students