About
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) was established in 1885 with support of the State of Florida and private contributions.
Based in St. Augustine, we are recognized as one of the top schools for the deaf and blind in the nation and the only one of its kind in Florida.
FSDB is a fully accredited, tuition-free state public school for eligible Pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, or deafblind.
The school serves approximately 1,000+ students each year through statewide parent-infant/family programs as well as a Montessori Pre-K early learning center and K-12 elementary, middle, and high schools on its campus.
1885
School Founded
by Thomas C. Coleman
1,000+
Deaf/HH & Blind/VI Children
Served Campus & Statewide
80+
Acre Campus located
in Historic St. Augustine
53
of 67 Florida
Counties Served
Vision
FSDB will prepare each student for a lifetime of success.
Mission
The mission of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is to utilize all available talent, energy, and resources to provide free appropriate public education for eligible sensory-impaired students of Florida. As a school of academic excellence, the school shall strive to provide students an opportunity to access education services in a caring, safe, unique learning environment to prepare them to be literate, employable, and independent lifelong learners. The school shall provide outreach services that include collaboration with district school boards and shall encourage input from students, staff, parents, and the community. As a diverse organization, the school shall foster respect and understanding for each individual. (Florida Statute 1002.36)
FSDB Values
High Quality Education — We pledge to provide a high quality education for our students utilizing rigorous curriculum, evidence based effective teaching practices, and cutting edge technology.
Diversity — To meet the needs of our diverse student population, we pledge to provide highly trained certified educators and specialists to bring all students to their next level of achievement.
Integrity & Respect — We cultivate an atmosphere of integrity and respect by basing our decisions and actions on fair, ethical, and honest standards, treating others in a fair and courteous manner and giving open-minded consideration to ideas expressed by others.
Safety & Security — We pledge to provide the highest possible level of security for our students and staff utilizing up to date methods while maintaining a positive, safe, constructive learning, living, and working environment.
Innovation — We value creativity and innovation in education and seek best practices and new instructional techniques to improve and enhance services to stakeholders through responsible risk taking.
Strategic Plan
The FSDB Strategic Plan 2017-2022 identifies five priority goals that will focus the work of FSDB staff members in the coming years. In addition, the plan identifies four secondary goals that are carried forward from the previous strategic plan due to their strategic importance.
Strategic Oversight
Board of Trustees
The FSDB Board of Trustees works closely with the President and the FSDB administrative team to ensure top-notch educational opportunities for students who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired.
Leadership
About the President
Tracie Cascio Snow is the 19th president of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB). With over 25 years of experience working with deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired and deafblind students, Snow provides innovative, inspirational and visionary leadership with extensive experience in strategic planning, workforce development, cross-departmental collaboration and stakeholder relations.
Health & Related Services
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Audiologists
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Health Care Specialists
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Occupational Therapists
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Physical Therapists
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Psychologists
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School Counselors
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Social Workers
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Speech-Language Therapists
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Vision Specialists
24
Hour Health
Care Center
Specialized Academic SERVICES
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Adaptive Physical Education Specialists
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American Sign Language (ASL) Specialists
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ASL-English Specialists
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Assistive Technology Specialists
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Braille Specialists
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English Language Learner (ELL) Specialists
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Interpreter Service Providers
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Mathematics Specialists
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Orientation and Mobility Specialists
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Reading Specialists
Transportation
FSDB provides transportation services free of charge for day and boarding students. Local students who live in St. Augustine and surrounding areas are transported daily. Students who live throughout the state go home every Friday and return to school on Sunday.
Boarding Services
FSDB provides boarding services free of charge in a homelike environment for enrolled Florida students.
Safety & Security
The FSDB Campus Police Department provides 24/7 security and access control for the campus. The sworn law enforcement officers are also all trained and certified as School Resource Officers. The Department’s mission is to provide a safe, crime free and drug free environment for the education of sensory impaired students and to help equip students with the tools and responsibilities needed to live productive, law abiding, and rewarding lives.
9
Sworn Police
Officers
DINING SERVICES
FSDB Culinary Services provides quality, nutritious meals to students free of charge.
We operate three kitchens and three dining rooms serving students and staff members approximately 1,400 meals each day,
prepared mostly from scratch.
