Who We Are
The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind provides superior education for students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/vision impaired, deafblind, and deaf or blind with other disabilities. Our welcoming, fully-accessible learning environment fosters self-confident students who are contributing citizens and life-long learners. At VSDB, students share equal experiences and challenges and, often for the first time, feel equal to their peers, make friends, and become leaders.
At no cost to families, our comprehensive, state-aligned education programs serve students from birth through 21 or until they “age out” of Special Education Services. Students in grades 1 through 12 and beyond may attend as residential or day students. We offer PreK-12 education with both residential and day options. VSDB’s multi-year high school program expands on the traditional four-year high school program to provide students access to a full array of transition services that prepares them for life after graduation. We are an important resource for communities throughout Virginia who draw upon our expertise and services.
Established in 1839, VSDB is an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is accredited by AdvancEd under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).
To enroll, a student must be referred by a public school system in Virginia.
GROW
DO
Interactive educational and social experiences encourage students to reach their greatest potential in a safe, positive, and fully-accessible learning environment. Learning extends beyond the classroom into sports, social activities, clubs, and other extracurricular activities.
The result: students gain confidence, build well-founded self-esteem, and develop crucial life skills.
BECOME
Students build their capacity at VSDB and leave with confidence in themselves and a greater sense of self-worth. Peer and adult role models encourage them to establish their own identity and independence.
The result: our graduates succeed in post-secondary education, in the workforce, and in their communities.
VSDB Leadership
Pat Trice
Superintendent
Keith Van Fossen
Principal
keith.vanfossen@vsdb.k12.va.us
540-332-9014
Becky Watson
Director of Student Life
becky.watson@vsdb.k12.va.us
540-332-9046
OUR VISION
VSDB provides an environment that fosters self-confident students who are contributing citizens and lifelong learners and serves as a resource of excellence for the communities of Virginia who serve students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/vision impaired, deaf blind, or sensory impaired with other disabilities.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide educational and residential services that promote:
- Value for each person and their unique abilities
- Success in meeting each student’s academic goals
- Diversity in instruction to meet the needs of all students
- Building opportunities that foster expertise in technology and its integration, communication, and achievement for all staff and students and their families.