Welcome to Our Site

Brian Darcy, Agency Administrator As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring emerge, I am reminded of the season’s promise of renewal, growth, and hope. Spring is a time of transformation—when the world around us awakens with new possibilities, and we, too, embrace change with open hearts and minds.

At Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind, we welcome this season as an opportunity to continue fostering learning, connection, and discovery. For our students who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have low vision, spring offers fresh opportunities to explore, create, and reach new milestones. Families, your unwavering support continues to be the foundation upon which our students flourish. And to our dedicated staff, your passion and perseverance breathe life into every lesson, every challenge, and every triumph – big or small.

This season, however, also brings a moment of reflection and remembrance. We mourn the loss of a beloved member of our IESDB family, Suszan Cadwell. A colleague, a mentor, a friend, and an unwavering advocate for our students, Suszan’s dedication touched countless lives. Her warmth, wisdom, and commitment to empowering others will remain an enduring part of our community. As we move forward, we carry her spirit with us—her passion for education, her kindness, and her belief in the potential of every student.

Spring teaches us that from loss, new growth emerges. As we honor Suszan’s legacy, we also look ahead with hope. Our classrooms and Outreach Services continue to expand, ensuring that every student, no matter where they are, has access to the tools and support they need to thrive. We remain steadfast in our mission to create an environment where learning is not just about knowledge, but about resilience, creativity, access, advocacy and the courage to embrace change. May this spring be a season of inspiration and renewal for us all. Together, let’s nurture the seeds of possibility, celebrate the beauty of learning, and continue to build a community where every student’s potential can blossom.

Warmest regards,

Brian Darcy, Administrator

Early Childhood Intervention

consultant and toddler doing activity

The IESDB Outreach Program provides early intervention services at no cost to the families of birth to three with a permanent hearing and/or vision loss who reside in the state of Idaho. The IESDB Educational Specialists work side-by-side with parents to screen, assess, and provide parent education and support services. They assist parents as diagnosis and treatment options are explored

Our Educational Specialists are highly educated professionals who partner with parents and other team members to:

  1. Establish a stimulating home learning environment.
  2. Facilitate linkage with parents and professionals.
  3. Maximize each child’s use of residual audition, sight, tactile, and sensory skills.
  4. Access and learn to use assistive technology devices.
  5. Promote age appropriate skill development in all domains.

These early intervention services are provided in the child’s natural environment, including their home, community, and other culturally relevant settings. The IESDB Educational Specialists work with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare - Infant Toddler Program (DHW-ITP) to promote family-oriented services through:

  1. Assessments and support in various developmental areas
  2. Individualized family service plans (IFSP)
  3. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly home visits
This partnership ensures each child is provided the assistance needed for a successful transition to the most appropriate preschool program available to optimize the child’s capabilities. The preschool placement is an IEP team decision that supports the child’s communication and academic needs.