Left to right : Photo credit FCTC Photo credit : FSDB Photo credit FCTC
FROM SCHOOL TO CAREER : Breaking Barriers for Deaf and Blind Students
by Patrick Evans-Hylton
With spring break coming up , a spate of graduations won ’ t be far behind , and with that , a new wave of job seekers .
For many Deaf and Blind students , these milestones have often been met with difficulties . But across the region , there are shining examples of education and career paths that help open many doors .
Specialized institutions and partnerships with companies provide meaningful opportunities for students who are deaf and blind , and the skills they need to succeed in both academic and professional settings .
One such institution is the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind ( FSDB ), with its main campus in St . Augustine . It has been part of the community since 1885 .
“ We are the only school of our kind in the state of Florida that serves only students who are deaf , hard of hearing , blind , visually impaired and deafblind ,” said FSDB President Tracie C . Snow .
Snow has been at the school for 30 years , starting as a classroom teacher .
“ We serve about 1,700 children across the state , and on our campus , we have a little over 500 .” Some students board overnight at the main campus .
FSDB is a public school that serves students ages 3 to 22 with an Early Learning Center and elementary , middle and high school programs . It is fully accredited and tuition-free .
The school ’ s approach to educating this population of students addresses the needs of the ‘ whole child .’ “ It ’ s not just about the academic day in the classroom , but we ’ re really working on ensuring that our students have opportunities to engage in athletics , performing arts , different clubs , recreation and career experiences ,” Snow said . Opportunities extend into the
Tracie C . Snow
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