Public Notice

Notice: The IESDB Board of Directors will be holding a Regular Board Meeting Tuesday, October 8th at 2:00 PM.

Welcome to Our Site

Brian Darcy, Agency Administrator

Dear Students, Families, and Staff, Stakeholders and Community partners,

Welcome back to another exciting year at the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind! As we embark on this new academic journey, I am filled with immense pride and optimism for the exceptional opportunities that lie ahead. Our commitment to providing an inclusive and empowering education remains unwavering. Our dedicated educators, support staff, and administrators have spent countless hours preparing for this moment – a moment that symbolizes not just a return to school, but a return to growth, learning, and community.

For our students who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or low vision, this is a place where your unique talents are celebrated, and your dreams are nurtured. We understand that every individual's path is different, and we are here to guide and support you every step of the way to achieve your potential. Together, we will conquer challenges, discover new strengths, and achieve remarkable feats. Families, you are an integral part of our school community. Your partnership, insights, and involvement contribute significantly to the success of our students. We encourage open communication and collaboration to ensure that each student's needs are met comprehensively and effectively. As we navigate the current educational landscape, we remain adaptable and resourceful. We have integrated the latest technologies and teaching methodologies to enhance the learning experience, both in-person and through distance education. The partnerships we have developed only enhance the educational services we provide. Our goal is to provide a safe and conducive environment for all students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

In my 13 years in this position, I never tire of witnessing the growth of our students as they explore new subjects, engage in meaningful discussions, and form lasting friendships. Let us embrace the spirit of curiosity, empathy, and determination that defines our small community. I am also thrilled to highlight the important role of our Outreach Services. These services extend beyond the walls of our school and into local communities, into local school districts, and the sanctity of homes, ensuring that the valuable resources and support we offer are accessible to as many students and families as possible. Our commitment to outreach reflects our belief in the transformative power of education, empowerment, and inclusion.

On behalf of the entire Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind family, I extend a warm welcome to all – returning students, new students, families, and staff. Let us make this academic year one of resilience, learning, and joy. Here's to a successful and enriching school year! Cheers!

Costumes Coming To Life

cash cab costume with passenger, driver and two helpers

If you had stopped by ISDB on October 31, you would have seen the Elementary and Special Needs students thrilled to be dressed up in all sorts of creative costumes. Their teachers use the opportunity of this day to make the traditional Trick or Treat custom come alive in the school building, which includes teachers having goals for their students to stretch their skills to communicate with multiple adults in the school as they stop in offices to ask for “treats”. (None of them were really planning for any “tricks”!)

Before heading out from their own classrooms, the teachers intentionally practice the expectations for the communication needed for the typical Trick or Treat interaction-- with their students, some of whom are learning to use alternative modes of communication. The staff around the school gain great joy in supporting the students in these communication opportunities, as the students come in to show off their costumes and ask for that treat! This photo features a young preschooler whose desire was to be “a fish” for Halloween. His teacher, Jodie Hamilton, obliged him preparing a variety of details for the full costume--- she was the fisherwoman and he was the fish! Wherever they went in the school, staff and other students were treated to see them “act out” fisherwoman Jodie swooshing her fish net to “catch” her student. He was delighted every time!