Public Notice

Notice: The IESDB Board of Directors will be holding a Special Board Meeting Thursday, May 8th at 3:30 pm.

Welcome to Our Site

Brian Darcy, Agency Administrator

As the winter season blankets Idaho with its serene beauty, I am delighted to welcome you to a new chapter at the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind. This time of year reminds us of the warmth found in community and the strength we gain when we come together, even amidst the chill of the season.

Winter is a time of reflection and renewal—a perfect opportunity to celebrate the progress we’ve made and to set our sights on the goals ahead. For our students who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have low vision, this season offers a chance to embrace learning with fresh energy, discover new strengths, and share in the joy of achievements, big and small. Families, your unwavering support remains the foundation of our students' success. We cherish your involvement and invite you to continue walking this journey with us, hand in hand. To our staff, your dedication is the flame that keeps our community thriving. Your creativity and commitment bring light to our students’ paths and inspire them to reach new heights.

This winter, we are excited to expand opportunities both within our classrooms and through our Outreach Services, ensuring that every student, no matter where they are, has access to the resources and encouragement needed to thrive. Whether it’s exploring new technologies, fostering social connections, or deepening academic knowledge, we are steadfast in our mission to empower every learner. Let’s embrace this winter as a season of growth and unity. Like the snowflakes that join to create a beautiful landscape, our collective efforts make our school a place where every student’s potential can shine brightly.

On behalf of the entire Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind community, I wish you a joyful, productive, and inspiring winter season. Together, we’ll make this a time of resilience, learning, and celebration.

Warmest regards,

Brian Darcy, Administrator

Educational Interpreting Support and Training

Interpreter's hands signing

The Idaho State Department of Education (SDE) and the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind (IESDB) support the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act, as defined by Title 33, Chapter 13, of the Idaho Code. This Act sets forth a minimum standard of skill for educational interpreters employed by public schools, grades K-12. It also established the position of Idaho Interpreter Education Training Coordinator to oversee support and training activities.

IESDB and SDE support continued professional development throughout Idaho for all educational interpreters, including Sign Language Interpreters, Oral Transliterators, and Cued Speech Transliterators.

This supports deaf and hard of hearing students who use educational interpreters to access education, for classroom participation and social communication in K-12 settings.

The Idaho Interpreter Education Training Coordinator provides interpreters across the state with:

  • Information and resources
  • Education and awareness
  • Interpreter training and development
  • Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)
  • Guidance and Support

IESDB Educational Specialists, working from our Regional Education Centers throughout the State, provide support, information and resources to the parents, school districts, and educational interpreters. Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind Library has various sign language resources (videos, books, materials) for those who are interested in improving their signing skills and passing the EIPA and/or other certification requirements. Contact the ISDB Librarian at (208) 934-4457 for inquiries and assistance.