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Utah School for the Blind

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Ogden, UT
Utah School for the Blind

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Providing exceptional, comprehensive, and research-based education and service programs for children

10/26/2026

We’re excited to share the October edition of the Utah School for the Blind newsletter!

This month’s stories highlight student success, meaningful learning experiences, staff spotlights, and the incredible work happening across USB programs statewide.

Take a look and see what access, growth, and connection look like in action:

10/01/2026

🎶 Finding the Rhythm of Belonging: Inclusion in Action at Dixie Middle

Music is a universal language, but in Mrs. Rick’s choir class at Dixie Middle School, it is being experienced in a whole new way, through touch, vibration, and joy.

When Harry, a new student who is deafblind, joined the class, Mrs. Rick welcomed him with open arms. With knowledge of tactile sign and a passion for inclusion, she began collaborating with Harry’s intervener to explore meaningful ways for him to experience music. Together, they have introduced tactile mats, balloons, and instrument vibrations to help Harry feel every beat.

During a recent class, Mrs. Rick invited Harry to feel the piano as she played. In the video, you can see him react to the music, reach for the instrument, and then become completely calm as he listens. Watching him closely, Mrs. Rick discovered that he especially connected with the deep vibrations of the lower notes.

“Look, Harry loves lower notes!”

The room grew quiet as Harry’s classmates shared the moment with him. Even when time in class is brief, every minute matters.

This is what true inclusion looks like: paying attention, adapting creatively, and giving every student the opportunity to connect, participate, and know they belong. 💛

Video description: Harry, a student seated in a mobility device, reacts to music being played on a piano. He reaches toward the instrument, places his hand on it to feel the vibrations, and becomes calm as he liste

09/24/2026

Learning Side by Side

Sixth grader Braxton is learning braille and orientation and mobility (O&M) skills as he adapts to progressive vision loss, and he has the perfect learning partner by his side: his best friend, Zach.

With their parents’ permission, the two learn together, continually challenging and encouraging one another. Whether they’re investigating how a brailler creates its dots or discovering what else it can do, their curiosity keeps every lesson lively and full of questions.

When Braxton was fitted for his white cane, Zach joined him and received a cane too. Now they practice their skills together, turning O&M lessons into something they both look forward to.

Their enthusiasm is contagious. When classmates spot Braxton and Zach brailling in the hallway, they want to join in, ask questions, and learn to braille their own names. Those moments give the boys a chance to become the teachers and share their growing knowledge with their friends.

Braxton and Zach have already talked about becoming O&M specialists or braille teachers someday. With this much curiosity, teamwork, and enthusiasm, we think they’re off to an incredible start! 💛

09/22/2026

Big things are ahead for June! 💛

As this soon-to-be 3-year-old, June, prepares to transition from the Parent Infant Program (PIP) to preschool, everyone is already excited to see what she will do next!

During an assessment with Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, USDB's Dr. Judkins, this little cutie, who has a dual sensory loss due to CHARGE syndrome, could not have been more delightful.

It was so much fun watching Dr. Judkins put his expertise to work with a medically complex little learner while also learning a few ASL signs along the way. Between reading books, doing puzzles, and matching paint swatches, we got to see just how bright, curious, and capable she is.

With her wonderfully supportive parents by her side, June is ready for all the learning, exploring, and fun preschool has to offer. We can’t wait to see her shine!

Dr. Judkins’ assessment and consultation services are available by referral. Visit our website to learn more or submit a referral. https://www.usdb.org/outreach-referral

09/03/2026

Some things are just kismet, like the powerful, once-in-a-lifetime friendship that Calvin and Claire developed while attending toddler class at the Utah School for the Blind. Inspired by their connection, they would like to invite their friends from the Parent Infant Program to a special event they have created: Toddler Prom!
This is an inclusive, celebratory event designed for all our little ones to enjoy. Please join us for the fun in Millcreek on Saturday, September 12th. We would be delighted to see you there for this wonderful celebration of friendship!

06/11/2026

It is National Accessibility Week!

Accessibility asks:
“Is the feature there?”

Usability asks:
“Is the feature installed in a way that actually works for the people who need it?”

Why accessibility is not always usability.

Have you ever noticed the rows of raised bumps at intersections, bus or train stations?

Those are called truncated domes.

For those of us who are blind or have low vision, they provide an important tactile warning that we are approaching a street crossing, curb edge, platform edge, or other potential hazard.

The bumps can be detected with a white cane and underfoot, helping us recognize that we are leaving the sidewalk and entering a roadway.

That is accessibility.

Usability is making sure they are installed correctly.

At some intersections, especially wider corners, the truncated domes are positioned at an angle that points people toward the middle of the intersection rather than directly across the street.

The warning surface is present, so technically the accessibility feature exists.

The challenge is that it may not provide clear directional information for the person using it.

When placement, size, colour contrast, spacing, and consistency vary from one intersection to another, it can create confusion instead of confidence.

Accessibility means the feature is there.

Usability means the feature works the way people expect it to work.

The goal should never be to simply check a box.

The goal should be creating environments that people can navigate safely, independently, and with confidence.

This is why lived experience matters.

People who use accessibility features every day can often identify the difference between something that is technically accessible and something that is truly usable.

Accessible is a word.

Usable is an experience.

“Having a disability does not change who we are, it changes our interactions with the world.,”- Gina Martin

If you were wanting to increase the useability of the space in your business , I can help.
Our aDAPT Accessibility and Usability workshop or our aDAPT Workplace Inclusion workshop can help shift your space to be more welcoming.

DiverseAbilities.ca

Image description
Text reads placement in colour matter.
Access accessible isn’t always usable. Truncated domes provide an important tactile warning for people who are blind or have low vision. They help identify the edge of a curb, stairs, platform, and other potential hazards. Placement makes all the difference.
Three images of a crosswalk, stairs, and a railway platform show the yellow trunk domes. These are incorrect placement. The second image is an example of. unsafe placement.

06/06/2026

These students, this race, what an accomplishment! Thank you to all those that made it possible.

05/30/2026

2026 seventy 48 finishers!!!! Under 21 hours!!

05/29/2026

🚣‍♀️ The countdown is over—Team USDB Makapo Wave Warriors launches tonight at 7:00 PM Pacific Time in the Seventy48 Race!

For the past two years, these students and staff have trained relentlessly for this incredible endurance challenge, putting in countless hours of gym workouts, practice paddles, and team-building experiences in all kinds of weather. Now it's time to put that preparation into action.

Follow their progress live throughout the race by visiting:
https://pro.yb.tl/seventy48_2026/

Once there, select Racer View and search for USDB to track the team's location and progress in real time.

Good luck, Team USDB! We are cheering you on every mile of the journey. 💙🚣‍♂️🌊

05/28/2026

Tiny caps. Big accomplishments. 💙🎓

USDB preschool students recently celebrated graduation across our Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Springville campuses with joyful, accessible family events honoring a year filled with growth, determination, and success.

From meaningful communication breakthroughs and mobility milestones to building friendships, confidence, and independence, these students have worked incredibly hard this year. Their teachers, related servers, and families have walked beside them every step of the way, creating supportive environments where every achievement could be celebrated.

The smiles, gowns, certificates, and proud moments captured during these celebrations are a reminder that success looks different for every child, and every milestone matters.

We are so proud of these amazing students and excited to see all they continue to accomplish! 🌟

Address

742 Harrison Boulevard
Ogden, UT
84404

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

(801) 629-4700

Website

http://www.usdb.org/

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