Outreach Services - Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind

09/23/2026

We are excited to kick off the fourth year of our Virtual Pals Group for students who are Deaf and hard of hearing across Virginia!
This student-led virtual program gives students an opportunity to connect with other Deaf and hard of hearing students from across the state, build confidence, develop friendships, and strengthen their sense of community.

Elementary students will be matched with middle or high school students for monthly virtual meet-ups beginning in October 2026 and continuing through April 2027. All communication modalities are welcome!

Participation is voluntary, and parent/guardian consent is required. Scan the QR code on the flyer for more information and registration.

The Virtual Pals Group is sponsored by the Technical Assistance Center for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TAC-DHH), Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Virginia Hands & Voices, and the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind Outreach Program.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

Image Description
Flyer titled “Virtual Pals Group.” A photo shows a young student sitting at a table using a laptop and raising one hand during a virtual conversation. The flyer promotes the fourth year of the Virtual Pals Group, a student-led program for students who are Deaf and hard of hearing in Virginia. Elementary students are matched with middle or high school students for monthly virtual meet-ups from October 2026 through April 2027. The program provides opportunities to build confidence, make new friendships, and develop positive attitudes. All communication modalities are welcome. Participation is voluntary and requires parental consent. A QR code is included for information and registration. Questions can be sent to [email protected].

08/11/2026

📣 **Virginia Public School Divisions — we need your help!**

We are working to create stronger connections across Virginia for professionals supporting students who are **Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Blind/Visually Impaired, and DeafBlind**.

Our goal is simple: **representation from every public school division in Virginia.**

We’re asking each division to identify a representative and complete this brief form. The information will help us better coordinate statewide communication, resources, professional learning, technical assistance, and other supports related to sensory disabilities.

And yes — **we want to hear from you even if your division serves only a small number of students with sensory disabilities.** Those voices are just as important in helping us understand needs across the Commonwealth.

👉 **Complete the form here:**
https://forms.gle/Q54UHF2wDbp3vBgS9

Please share this post with the person or people in your division who help coordinate services for students with sensory disabilities.

💙 **Low Incidence ≠ Low Impact.**



[**Image Description:** A blue, teal, and gold graphic titled “Attention Virginia School Divisions!” asks public school divisions to help strengthen support for students with sensory disabilities. The graphic explains that statewide partners are working to improve coordination and collaboration for students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Blind/Visually Impaired, and DeafBlind and asks for a representative from each Virginia public school division to complete a brief form. Responses will help strengthen communication across divisions, connect divisions with statewide resources and supports, coordinate services, professional learning, and technical assistance, build professional networks, and identify statewide needs and gaps. The graphic emphasizes, “Low Incidence ≠ Low Impact” and notes that participation is important even for divisions serving a small number of students with sensory disabilities.]

07/20/2026

📚 Professional Learning Opportunity for Virginia Educators!
Opportunities for Language Instruction and Practice
🗓️ Thursday, August 20, 2026
🕚 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. EDT
💻 Live on Zoom

The VSDB Public School Partnerships team is excited to partner with CID Professional Development to bring this engaging webinar to educators and service providers supporting students with hearing loss, vision loss, or combined vision and hearing loss in Virginia public schools.

This intermediate-level session will focus on practical strategies for increasing meaningful language instruction throughout the school day. Participants will explore how to:
✨ Embed language practice into daily routines
✨ Strengthen collaboration among educational team members
✨ Connect syntax development to academic success
✨ Develop effective language lessons for students with varying language abilities

This webinar is open to anyone serving students ages 2–22 with hearing, vision, or combined vision and hearing loss in Virginia public schools, including teachers, related service providers, administrators, and other educational staff.

📌 Important Information

Hosted by VSDB Public School Partnerships
Presented by CID Professional Development
Live Zoom webinar
This session will not be recorded.
Certificate of participation available for attendees who complete the session requirements.
CEUs are available upon request. If you plan to request CEUs, you must register by August 10, 2026.
🔗 Register today:
https://forms.gle/TrpyveopFtXDBjrC7
Please share with colleagues who support students with sensory disabilities across Virginia!

Image Description:
A professional flyer from VSDB Public School Partnerships promoting the webinar "Opportunities for Language Instruction and Practice." The flyer features navy blue, orange, and white branding with a classroom photo of a teacher reading to two elementary-aged students engaged in a language lesson. The flyer lists the event date (August 20, 2026), time (11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. EDT), learning outcomes, and notes that the session is presented by CID Professional Development. An orange callout highlights that the training is open to anyone serving students with hearing loss, vision loss, or combined vision and hearing loss in Virginia public schools, ages 2–22. The registration link is displayed prominently at the bottom.

06/29/2026

By popular demand, we are opening a second cohort of our lunch bunch group to anyone interested in learning more about the education of DHH, VI, or DB learners in Virginia Public Schools! Grab your lunch and join us to learn together ONLINE for free!

Register here: https://forms.gle/CNUdTNBdaYmo7R4j6

[Image Description]
Promotional flyer titled "Education for the Sensory Disabled Learner: Summer Learning Series." The flyer uses a white background with navy, teal, purple, and gold accents and includes icons representing hearing, vision, and touch.
The series is described as a virtual learning series open to anyone interested in learning more about supporting students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Blind/Low Vision, or DeafBlind in Virginia public schools. Each one-hour session includes practical strategies, real-world examples, and time for questions.
The series consists of three virtual sessions, all held Wednesdays from 12:00–1:00 p.m.:
Wednesday, July 8: Eligibility & Access – Getting It Right from the Start (eligibility and service determination, creating the right environment, building language, and expanding tactile access)
Wednesday, July 15: Service Delivery Models That Actually Work (direct and consultative services, itinerant and related services, staffing, and capacity considerations)
Wednesday, July 22: LRE, FAPE, and the Placement Conversation (placement decisions, specialized programs, statewide resources, and legally defensible practices)
A note states that the same topics are covered as the leadership series, each session stands on its own, and participants may attend any or all sessions. All sessions are virtual. The flyer encourages attendees to come with questions and leave with ideas. Contact information is listed for Robin Bliven at [email protected]]

06/04/2026

Join our friends at the Sensory Disabilities Family Summit! Wonderful and FREE opportunity for Virginia families!

**UPDATED QR CODE IN THE IMAGE** (Link is correct and has not changed)

Save the Date: Sensory Disabilities Family Summit!

We’re excited to welcome families of children/youth (birth-21 years old) who are blind/ Vision impaired, Deaf/ Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind to connect with one another and resources!

✨ Richmond, VA: Sunday, August 30th, 12:00-4:00 PM

✨ Roanoke, VA: Sunday, September 13th, 12:00-4:00 PM

This is a FREE event!

Sign up for more information here: tinyurl.com/EdHubEvent

If you have questions or would like to connect over the summer, send us an email at [email protected]

05/18/2026

Join us this summer for the Sensory Disabilities Leadership Summer Lunch Bunch!
Calling all special education directors, program supervisors, administrators, coordinators, and leaders supporting students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Blind/Visually Impaired, and DeafBlind.
Learn alongside colleagues from across Virginia and connect with experts and resources from VSDB, VCU TAC-DHH, Va Deaf Blind Project and VDOE. This 4-part virtual series focuses on real conversations around eligibility, access, service delivery, and placement decisions.
Attend all 4 sessions and receive FREE registration to Opening Doors, Unlocking Potential: Virginia’s annual virtual Deaf Education conference.
TODs and TVIs: Before school lets out, please share with your supervisors and leadership teams!
Register here: https://forms.gle/2d4ZLuTWAhPWo5ZQA

[Colorful flyer titled "Sensory Disabilities Leadership Summer Lunch Bunch" with the tagline "Learn. Collaborate. Lead." The flyer advertises a virtual four-part summer leadership series for supervisors and leaders supporting students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Blind/Visually Impaired, and DeafBlind. Sessions focus on eligibility and service determination, access and language, service delivery models, and LRE/FAPE conversations. Sessions occur virtually on June 30, July 7, July 14, and July 21 from 12:00–1:00 PM. Participants attending all four sessions receive free registration to the Opening Doors, Unlocking Potential virtual conference. A QR code and registration link are included at the bottom.]

04/06/2026

Join VSDB Public School Partnerships for a fascinating webinar on Remote O&M Instruction with Chris Tabb, COMS!

April 27, 5-6pm, ZOOM

What does remote instruction look like for orientation and mobility? What can be done safely? Are there ways to determine what acceptable risks are? What can be done to improve the quality of remote and distance education for learners? There There are lots of questions surrounding the provision of remote services, and for orientation and mobility, they seem to multiply quickly. This presentation will look at ways of providing safe and effective remote instruction, considerations of risk in determining what can be done with reasonable safety, and ways of increasing effectiveness and follow through with your instruction. We will also look at position papers on the subjects of remote instruction and role release from AER. So, bring your questions, bring your experience, and let’s dive into remote instruction and what it can look like for you and the learners you serve.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learners will explore risk assessment in the area of provision of services using remote instruction
2. Learners will review position papers that represent best practice in the field of orientation and mobility
3. Learners will consider strategies for increasing effectiveness and collaboration when using remote instruction strategies

Register here: https://forms.gle/UzhsB4ZqTvk6fKRJA

[Image Description: the tip of a white cane is shown with feet behind it. A white man with buzzed hair, a beard, and glasses in a headshot.]

02/06/2026

You are invited to attend the Virginia TODHH Statewide Virtual Meeting on March 11, 2026, from 4:00–5:30 PM.

This virtual meeting will include statewide agency updates and partner presentations.

Registration is required; Zoom link will be shared after registration.

Please see the attached flyer for full details and the registration link.

Register here: https://airtable.com/appbhRFvLhN2Yeq3e/shr0NFQNyf5U39INi

Please note: This meeting will not be recorded.

We hope you can join us.

02/05/2026

Registration closes tonight!

Registration for the Unconference closes on Sunday- grab your spot today!

The Unconference is an unconventional one day professional development event designed to generate discussions, ideas and share strategies for participants to take back to their students and teams. Professionals and parents supporting students with vision loss, hearing loss, and combined vision and hearing loss will come together with questions to spark ideas, expand rigor, and create connections. This year's Unconference will focus on collaboration across the team- come with ideas to build the 2026 agenda!

➡️ Register today: https://cvent.me/xgP7PZ

02/03/2026

VSDB Public School Partnerships is excited to bring a FREE virtual training opportunity to TVIs serving public school students with blindness or visual impairments in Virginia ages 2-22.

Screen Reader Instruction for Learning Platforms
A 6-Session Professional Development Cohort

Instructor: Cody LaPlante from https://eyetvision.org

Introduction

This six-part professional development program is built for TVIs and assistive technology professionals who want to feel confident teaching students to independently access learning platforms like Google Classroom, Canvas, and Schoology. Participants will engage in live instruction, breakout practice, and guided project development—all using a proven curriculum and teaching framework designed for real classrooms.
By the end of the program, participants will be able to navigate a web app or website of their choosing with the screen reader of their choice.

Each session is one hour, virtual, and recorded, with follow-up activities and instructor support between sessions. Participants will need to spend 1-2 hours weekly between sessions in order to take full advantage of the program.

Curriculum license not needed if you already have an active license for The Screen Reader Curriculum / Wayfinder.

Dates:
Feb 12, 19, 26 AND March 5, 12, 19
5pm-6pm

Limited to 15 participants.
Please only register if you can commit to attending all sessions.

REGISTER HERE:
https://forms.gle/ujcp5byL8Y25g1ow8