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.
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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 975+ 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.
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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.
Leadership
About the President
The FSDB Board of Trustees has initiated the process to select the 18th president of FSDB. The individual selected will lead the five-school campus and numerous other programs that serve children and their families across the state. Julia Mintzer is serving as interim president and is the administrator of business services.
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
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
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.
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
