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

Three long time teachers are retiring.

VSDB is saying goodbye to three of its long time teachers who are retiring. In the Deaf Department, Marianne Dunham with 21 years at VSDB and Paula Cash with 20 years at VSDB. In the Blind department, best wishes to Nancy Meeks with 25 years at VSDB. They have touched...
June 22, 2021
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Great job VSDB grads!

The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind ended the year with an in-person graduation for its 11 graduates and their families. Students were recognized for outstanding achievements and scholarships. Great job VSDB grads! End of the year activities also included a summer program for its students from June...
June 17, 2021
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*2021 Summer Camps*

Technical Assistance Center for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University Improving outcomes for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. *2021 Summer Camps* Below you will find a list of summer camps that are held daily,...
May 21, 2021
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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

“The biggest benefit about me having a visual impairment is that I am able to attend the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind where the teachers understand how to teach kids with all sorts of different needs. I can learn! It’s a place where everybody can feel welcome and everyone fits in. It’s a place that makes me feel safe and makes me realize I am not the only one with differences. They help me learn how to be independent and teach me the skills I will need to become a successful adult.”

Brianna E., High School

“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