The Technology Services Department at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) serves the full campus. Areas of the department include:

Distance Learning & Media Productions

As the newest addition to the department, Distance Learning Services, maintains and supports a range of tools to benefit students, staff, parents, and others throughout the state. We use online collaborative tools so parents, professionals and other stakeholders can participate in school activities from their home or work. We present content via webinars, online courses, and broadcast events live through web streaming technologies. We also collaborate with others, bringing new ideas back to our campus and sharing our expertise with others. Visit the Distance Learning page to learn more about our projects.

Instructional and Assistive Technology

FSDB is a campus comprised of seven school programs and our Early Learning Center. Modern and innovative instructional and assistive technologies are available throughout every program for both staff and students. We provide an array of assistive technologies to ensure our students become confident and independent users of technology which will allow them more opportunities once they graduate and leave our campus. In addition to the 21st Century tools available in our classrooms, a variety of digital curricular resources are also available including Discovery Education, netTrekker, BrainPop, Safari Montage, and Atomic Learning.

Web and Network Services

This area of the department manages the School’s Web site and the campus network. The Network Administrator oversees equipment and processes and a team of individuals who support our computers, peripherals, and the network. Some of the projects and components of our network include:

  • A sophisticated secure network allows innovative communication tools, such as videophones in the Deaf Department.
  • Multiple services and support for teachers and other staff in Web publishing enhance the School’s Web presence.
  • Training, support and policy development specific to Acceptable User, Internet Safety, and Social Networking.

Information Systems

FSDB is a unique state agency functioning as a school district. We report to the State of Florida Department of Education and also must report to the Department of Management Services. FSDB is part of the North East Florida Educational Consortium (NEFEC) and has recently transitioned to a new Student Information System called Skyward. In addition, we have designed and implemented custom programs which aid communication campus-wide and give our teachers and support staff local tools for student monitoring.

Library and Media Services

FSDB has a library in both the Deaf Department and in the Blind/CET Department. Staff and students are able to visit either library since both house a wealth of educational and professional materials. Both libraries provide services not only throughout each school day, but they host Night Library two nights a week. Another project offered in both library programs is Family Reading Night, which is a monthly event for parents to come and learn strategies for reading with their child who is blind/visually impaired or deaf/hard of hearing. Visit each library website to learn more about their programs and services:

Statewide School-Aged Outreach

The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is committed to providing outreach services to children, their families, and the teachers and staff who serve them. Two statewide discretionary projects, funded by the Florida Department of Education are housed here at FSDB.

  • The Outreach Services for Blind/Visually Impaired and Deaf/Hard of Hearing (OSBD) Program provides training, evaluations, technical assistance, and support to districts serving children who are deaf or hard of hearing, or blind or visually impaired. Visit the OSBD Web site to learn more about services.
  • The Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RMTC) provides accessible materials and videos, on-site training and consultation, and technical assistance. The RMTC Web site is a resource for hands-on activities, curriculum starters, and classroom suggestions for teachers of the Deaf or hard of hearing.