During the second week of July, Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind proudly hosted the National Student Life Conference for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing—and what an incredible week it was! Over 200 passionate representatives from 35 schools across the country came together to share ideas, learn, and celebrate student life programs.

We were thrilled to welcome 144 registrants who stayed right here in our dorms, making FSDB a buzzing hub of energy, connection, and inspiration all week long. Throughout the week, FSDB warmly welcomed everyone creating a vibrant community atmosphere filled with learning and connection. Participants engaged with a diverse lineup of outstanding presenters who delivered dynamic workshops designed to inspire, educate, and empower.

This conference was a monumental undertaking—and it truly showcased the strength of our FSDB community. From household staff to maintenance, campus police to administration, technology teams to the public relations office, and the dedicated volunteers and event staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes—every individual played a vital role in making this event an incredible success.

The positive feedback from attendees statewide has been overwhelming, with many expressing admiration for the excellence and hospitality demonstrated here at FSDB.

#ThisIsFSDB
8 days ago, FSDB
Group of student life representative from around the country wearing matching purple and blue shirts smile for a photo together outside in Palm Row.
Maddy Brady, an English teacher at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, was one of just 13 educators selected nationwide—and the only representative from Florida—for the 2025 Museum Teacher Fellowship Program through the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.

This highly competitive fellowship is designed to deepen educators’ understanding of Holocaust history and pedagogy while supporting their efforts to bring high-quality, accessible Holocaust education to students and communities. Fellows participate in an intensive summer institute at the Museum and commit to leading professional development in their local area.

Maddy began this journey as a teacher in Deaf Middle School and will continue to serve the Museum as she transitions into a new role in Deaf High School. She is proud to bring this important work to the Deaf and Blind community and beyond, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful.

#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
12 days ago, FSDB
Maddy is wearing a teal floral long sleeve shirt smiling for her photo.
Group of educators selected around the world smile for a photo together.
Photo of Maddy listening to the presenter inside the museum.
Group of educators listen to the presenter inside of the museum.
Photo of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.
Today was the final day of the Summer Quest Camps! The campers worked hard throughout the week, practicing for their Skit Day performance for their families. FSDB wishes everyone a fantastic summer! We look forward to seeing you this August!
about 1 month ago, FSDB
A Summer Quest camper wearing a tie-dye FSDB shirt smiling with her plate award and staff member on stage in Kirk.
Group of Summer Quest campers wearing tie-dye FSDB shirts pose on stage in Kirk.
A summer quest camper wearing tie-dye FSDB shirt smile holding his plate awards on stage in Kirk.
A summer quest camper wearing a tie dye FSDB shirt and orange Hawaiian lei dancing on stage in Kirk.
A Summer Quest camper smile with a counselor holding his plate award on stage in Kirk.
Summer Quest campers dancing on stage in Kirk.
The Summer Quest campers visited the Alligator Farm to see various alligators and went zip lining. In the evening, they will have a cookout, enjoy water slides, and spend time outdoors!
about 1 month ago, FSDB
Group photo of the summer quest camp that consists of campers and staff wearing matching brown "summer quest" shirts smiling for a photo at the Alligator Farm.
Photo of a camper holding peace signs before he ziplines at the Alligator Farm.
Photo of a camper smiling before he ziplines at the alligator farm.
Photo of a camper holding a peace sign before he ziplines at the Alligator Farm.
Photo of a camper smiling for her photo before she zip lines at the alligator farm.
Today, Summer Quest's theme was "Be a Dragon: FSDB Day." They began their day by kayaking in the waters surrounding our campus. Other activities included an escape room, a visit to the FSDB Museum, DB Designs, bowling, swimming, and cooking with Kevin. What a fantastic day to "Be a Dragon!"
about 1 month ago, FSDB
Summer Quest campers and staff smile for a photo outside by the water with a green kayak in front on the grass.
A camper sitting in a orange kayak wearing a red lifejacket and a staff holding peace signs for the photo out on the water.
A camper wearing a blue life jacket and a staff member kayaking in a green kayak out on the water.
Two campers wearing life jackets and bucket hats are sitting in a yellow kayak out on the water.
Two campers wearing life jackets sitting in a yellow kayak out on the water.
Two staff members sitting in a blue kayak in a shaded area out on the water.
Summer Quest Week 2 is underway! Yesterday, the campers engaged in exciting team-building games, showcased their talents in theater and dance, and enjoyed a fantastic time in the swimming pool.
about 1 month ago, FSDB
Two campers sitting on a float in the swimming pool.
Campers and staff on stage in Kirk playing the limbo game.
Two campers pose for a picture inside the swimming pool.
Campers and staff practice their performance for Friday on stage in Kirk.
Two campers pose for a picture inside the swimming pool.
Last week, the Deaf Department started its K-2 Academic Camp. The campers read several books, including Journey, Last Stop on Market Street, and Be a Tree. They played games to work on their "10 friend" skills, number recognition, and addition. The campers also created globes, practiced directions and continent identification, explored a food chain, made art featuring forests, and visited a planetarium. Not only did they learn, they also played games. Some of the favorites are Legos, Topple, Operation, Sorry Sliders, and Uno. FSDB staff around campus came to play a game with our campers. #ThisIsFSDB
about 1 month ago, FSDB
A group of students sit around the table with their teacher inside a classroom.
A student is holding a globe and smiling for a photo inside the classroom.
Five students sitting on the floor playing the game "Sorry Slider" inside the classroom.
Two students sitting at a table and working together on an activity with dominos inside a classroom.
Five students smile and hold peace signs at a table inside the classroom.
A student is pointing at the sky inside the planetarium.
Four students sitting at a table and working on a painting acitivity inside the classroom.
A student is holding her stuffed animal that she brought from home for the "Show and Tell" activity inside the classroom.
A student is sitting on a rock at the playground smiling for her photo.
A student is swinging on the monkey bars at the playground.
Yesterday, the Deaf STEAM Camp students designed a 1-foot-tall sign lit with a solar-powered light and paired it with their genetically engineered “monsters” after learning about dominant and recessive traits. Today, they took a nature walk and gathered specimens to cast shadows on solar paper.  The paper reacted with the sun’s UV rays to create unique works of art! 
about 1 month ago, FSDB
A camper is creating his solar moon tower inside a classroom before bringing it outside.
Two campers smile for a picture with their solar moon tower they have created.
Camper focused and working on her solar moon tower inside a classroom.
A solar moon tower created by a camper with a paper that says "Welcome back to Star Station"
A photo of a camper smiling with his solar moon tower that he created.
A photo of a student camper's solar moon tower outside.
A camper is holding his solar photosensitive paper after the sun.
The leaves and flowers on the solar photosensitive paper waiting to get the sun UV's ray to create an art work!
A camper smiling with her solar photosensitive paper after the sun.
The leaves and flowers on the solar photosensitive paper waiting to get the sun UV's ray to create an art work!
At the Blind STEAM Camp, students first learned about the physics of water and the concept of buoyancy. They then participated in team activities and races in the pool using noodles and various pool toys. While playing the games, students made observations about the buoyancy of different objects.
about 1 month ago, FSDB
A camper is floating on a blue pool noodle in the FSDB pool.
A camper is floating on a blue pool noodle in the FSDB pool.
A camper is floating on an orange pool noodle in the FSDB pool.
Group of campers are in the FSDB pool.
A camper is on a green pool noodle swimming in the FSDB pool.
A camper is wearing a red with pink flower scattered bathing suit in the FSDB pool.
On the fourth day of the Blind ECC Camp, the campers visited the Alligator Farm, had lunch at Drake's Bistro, and then enjoyed Dessert at Creme de La Cocoa. They continued working on their mixed-media projects with Ms. Lori. What a wonderful, exciting, and busy day!
about 1 month ago, FSDB
A camper is using binoculars to look out on the swamp full of alligators.
A camper is looking at an alligator statue inside a building at the Alligator Farm.
A camper has his arms wide open against a vulture sign to see how long their wings are at the alligator farm.
A camper is working on her clay sculpture of a yellow flower and pot inside a room at FSDB.
A camper is working on her clay sculpture inside a room at FSDB.
A camper smiling with blue paint all over his face inside a FSDB building.
Today, the blind ECC Camp took canoes out on the water, went fishing, and enjoyed a Water Day with a splash pad and water toys. It was the perfect weather for the activities!
about 1 month ago, FSDB
Two campers are sitting in the green canoe on the grass smiling for a photo.
Two campers sitting in a blue canoe sitting on the grass smiling for a photo.
A camper and staff member are fishing out on the water.
A camper is smiling with the fish that was caught.
A camper is smiling with his fishing pole out on the water.
Group of campers playing in the blue splash pad on the grass outside Copeland Gym.
A camper and staff member smiling in a yellow canoe on the water.
Camper and staff member smiling in a yellow canoe out on the water.
Two campers and a staff member smiles in a green canoe out on the water.
On the third day of the FSDB STEAM Camp, the theme for the blind department was "Universal," and all their activities revolved around this concept. One of the projects involved students experimenting with making bottle rockets to see how high they could launch them. They were provided with various materials to create a sturdy base for their rockets and had to decide the amount of vinegar and baking soda to use for the launch. After testing their rockets, many students modified different components to improve stability and adjusted the quantities of vinegar and baking soda to enhance the chemical reaction, allowing the rockets to fly higher.  Meanwhile, the deaf department campers got to visit the St. Augustine Aquarium and were able to see native Florida fish, nurse sharks, stingrays, and seahorses.  They got to pet a sea star (and learned that "starfish" is a misnomer since they are not fish!) as well as a horseshoe crab.  Later, they searched for sharks' teeth and got to keep one as a souvenir.
about 1 month ago, FSDB
A teacher helping a camper with her homemade rocket inside a classroom.
A camper is looking at the fish in a tank at the St. Augustine Aquarium.
A teacher helping a camper with her rocket inside a classroom.
Campers hold out a shark tooth in their hand at the St. Augustine Aquarium.
A camper working on her homemade rocket inside a classroom.
A camper is touching the starfish at the St. Augustine Aquarium.
A camper is smiling and proud of her homemade rocket.
The Blind ECC Summer Camp has been quite busy over the past few days. They went out on a boat with the Sailing Sisters, learned about and met Guide Dogs, worked on mixed media and sculptures, and made a delicious afternoon snack of tacos!
about 2 months ago, FSDB
A camper standing on the boat with an instructor out on sea in St Augustine.
Distance photo of the group of students and staff on the yacht on the water of St Augustine.
Two campers wear blue life jackets and smile for a photo on the boat.
A camper is petting a service dog inside a building.
A camper is petting a service dog who looks like he is enjoying being pet inside a building.
The group of campers smiling with the Cobra mascot inside the hallway.
A camper is painting his sculpture inside the art room.
A camper is opening the beef packet getting ready to make tacos inside the kitchen.
For the second day of FSDB STEAM Camp, in the deaf department, Students learned about household acids and bases and how to measure their acidity on a pH scale.   We used the color-changing properties of litmus paper to paint colorful “chem”eleons with a variety of acids and bases! Then they met a real chameleon!  In the blind department, students created ferris wheels after going over the mechanics of how a ferris wheel functions and how it needs to be built to be structurally sound.
about 2 months ago, FSDB
A camper is holding a piece of paper with different acid and bases on it for the photo.
A camper is smiling with his own carnival ferris wheel that he created.
A close-up photo of the chameleon inside the lab room.
A camper is smiling with her own carnival ferris wheel that she created.
The teacher is holding the chameleon helping the camper learn how to properly hold it.
Two campers are smiling with their own carnival ferris wheel that they created.
A camper is smiling and holding the chameleon inside the classroom.
The FSDB Summer Quest Summer Camp started today! These campers will have a fun-filled week with exciting adventures, including trips, kayaking, swimming, and even theater and dance! Here are some photos of our campers having fun in theater and dance, as well as playing games and even doing limbo!
about 2 months ago, Alexander Winogradow Ribeiro
Camper wearing a olive green Summer Quest Shirt and performing on stage
FSDB Staff leading the campers in a hawaiian dance
Camper wearing a red shirt laughing
Camper wearing a my little pony swim shirt and sitting on stage with other campers during theater and dance
Campers doing the limbo
Campers on stage raising their hands
Camper sitting on stage with his arms crossed
The FSDB STEAM Camp for both the Blind and Deaf Departments kicked off today! Students will learn and engage in fun and interactive experiments throughout the week. Some of the highlights of today were the Blind Campers creating and experimenting with different boat hull shapes. The Deaf Campers made and tested out their Solar Hot Air Balloons today. Stay tuned throughout the week for more fun STEAM experiments! [PD: Photo-1: Three Blind Department students grabbed materials to build their boat hulls. Photo-2: Blind Department Student connecting colorful straws to build boat hull. Photo-3: Two Blind Department Students are making their boat hulls out of aluminum foil. Photo-4: A blind department instructor helps two students build their boat. Photo-5: A blind department instructor explains the different types of boat hulls and how each shape works on the water. Photo-6: A group of Deaf students and instructors preparing a balloon for takeoff. Photo-7: Group of Deaf students preparing their balloons for lift-off. Photo-8: A deaf student is amused and claps his hands together as his balloon takes off inside the building. Photo-9: A Deaf Department instructor prepares a balloon for lift-off with students gathered around him. Photo-10: A multicolored balloon lifts off inside a school building with high ceilings.] #STEAM #ThisIsFSDB #DoMoreBeMoreAchieveMore
about 2 months ago, Alexander Winogradow Ribeiro
Three Blind Department students grabbing materials to build their boat hulls
Blind Department Student connecting colorful straws to build boat hull.
Two Blind Department Students making their boat hulls out of aluminum foil.
Blind Department Instructor helping two students with building their boat.
Blind Department Instructor explaining the different types of boat hulls and how each shape works on water.
Group of Deaf students and Instructor prepping a balloon for take-off.
Group of Deaf students preparing their ballons for lift off.
Deaf student amused and clapping hands together as his balloon takes off inside building.
Deaf Department Instructor preparing a balloon for lift off with students gathered around him.
Mult-colored balloon lifting off inside school building with high ceilings.
Homecoming 2025 Announcement! We’re excited to share that FSDB will host the 2025 Homecoming Games on Saturday, September 20, 2025, and we’ll be taking on the California School for the Deaf – Riverside. Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025 Location: FSDB Campus, Settles Gym, and Usina Field Highlights: Volleyball, Football, Cheerleading, halftime show, alumni events, and more! Let’s come together to celebrate our school spirit, cheer on the Dragons, and make this Homecoming one to remember! #FSDBHomecoming #FSDBHomecoming2025 #DragonPride #FSDBvsCSDR #FSDBAthletics
about 2 months ago, FSDB
Graphic with cheerleading, football, and volleyball members above the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind sign. Above the photo says "Homecoming, Saturday, September 20, 2025, Dragons vs. California Riverside. "
Congratulations, Kayla! We are thrilled to announce that Kayla Debrow has been selected as the NDIAA Female Athlete of the Year for 2024 - 2025! Kayla's dedication, perseverance, and outstanding performance have truly distinguished her. This honor is a testament to Kayla's hard work both on and off the field. Kayla inspired so many with her talent and leadership!   #NDIAA #AthleteOfTheYear #CongratulationsKayla #ProudMoment #GoDragons #ThisIsFSDB
about 2 months ago, Alexander Winogradow Ribeiro
NDIAA Female Athlete of the Year, Kayla Debrow, Class of 2025. Four Images of Kayla in the different sports she competed in; Track, Volleyball, Basketball and Flag Football.
Yesterday, June 4th, our DES held their annual end-of-year awards and 5th grade celebration! We are so proud of all our students' accomplishments. Watch out middle school, our upcoming freshmen are ready! To view the photos from the event, click the link shared below:  https://zenfolio.page.link/cfxvg #ThisIsFSDB
about 2 months ago, FSDB
DES 5th grader holds her awards and diploma and smiles with her family.
DES student hold her award and diploma and smiles for a photo.
FSDB student smiles with her two awards for a photo.
DES 5th grader holds his award and diploma and smiles for a photo with his family.
DES student holds her award and smiles for a photo.
Happy summer! We hope everyone enjoys a fantastic summer with friends and family. We already miss our students and look forward to welcoming them back this fall! #ThisIsFSDB
about 2 months ago, FSDB
FSDB students walking through staff members on the way to the bus.
Two FSDB students smile together for a picture before they go on the bus.
A FSDB student is waving goodbye as she walks towards the bus.
FSDB student signing "ILY" for the picture walking to the bus.
FSDB staff inside a blow-up unicorn and seahorse smile for a picture outside.
Two FSDB students walk together towards the bus.
FSDB student smile with two thumbs up as she walks towards the bus.
FSDB student smiling and walking towards the bus.