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Building communication: VSDB hopes to encourage natural interaction | newsleader.com | The News Leader
When 17-year-old LaQuincy Ferrell gathers with his friends in the cafeteria of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, he speaks and signs at the same time — signs he cannot see.
Although he was sitting with only other visually impaired and blind students, his habit of using sign language while talking has become automatic.
LaQuincy learned to sign when he came to the school seven years ago because he wanted to be able to talk to everyone. And a four-year, $71 million construction project under way at the state school aims for the same thing. Renovations, new construction and additions include 18 buildings.
LaQuincy, who graduates in May, won't be there when the project is finished in 2012, but is on board with the basic aim: more interaction and integration of the deaf students and the blind students. He has friends in both the blind and deaf departments.
"They come up to me in the hallways, shake my hand, say hi," he said. "And we get to hang out in the student center and the cafeteria."
Nancy Armstrong, superintendent of the school, said the interaction between the students is encouraged but also something that has come naturally.
"The blind students love learning sign language," Armstrong said. "And the deaf children look out for our blind students."
Although the students have different needs based on their particular handicap, Armstrong feels this shouldn't keep them from socializing.
Making sure architecture didn't get in the way was at play when plans for the school's construction project began in 2006.
With the closing and consolidation of the deaf and blind school in Hampton, the board knew major renovations would be necessary to accommodate the additional students. Armstrong saw it as an opportunity to change how the school operates.
The newly renovated student center is one example. It is complete with TVs, couches, a Wii and a mini-café. Before its completion this year, students would often go back to their dorms after dinner, but now they spend their evenings socializing and relaxing.
A new building, which will house much of the teaching area, will be built to meet the needs of deaf, blind and multi-handicapped students.
Although the students might not be in the same classes, they will be taught on the same wing. Changes have been made to most buildings to allow that.
The emergency alert system has been modified. In the case of a fire, both sirens and multi-colored flashing lights will alert students and teachers of the situation, so the blind students can hear it, and the deaf students can see it.
Dorms have also been renovated or rebuilt to meet these requirements. Although middle and high school students will still be separated by building depending on their disability, younger pupils will be together.
Sandy Russell, one of the dorm's resident advisers, said she's excited about the opportunities the construction is providing. She added that students get excited about any chance to socialize with one another.
Currently the cafeteria is one of the major social scenes on campus. Group field trips are also popular. This month, students have gone to a local apple orchard together and a skate night. Each spring they have a school-wide prom.
"It's just a positive atmosphere for all students involved," Russell said.
Deaf and blind students have also come together to serve on the school's safety committee, which was created when construction began.
Student representatives from both departments meet regularly with members of the construction company, Kjellstrom + Lee, and are briefed on any changes that might alter routes students take between buildings. When this happens students alert their peers and then are stationed to guide blind students through the construction maze.
Living and learning at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind presents students with a unique opportunity, said Nancy Armstrong. With only 111 students, everyone becomes close. "It's like having a lot of brothers and sisters," she said.
LaQuincy agreed. "We're like a family here. It's like being at home after awhile."
When 17-year-old LaQuincy Ferrell gathers with his friends in the cafeteria of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, he speaks and signs at the same time — signs he cannot see.
Although he was sitting with only other visually impaired and blind students, his habit of using sign language while talking has become automatic.
LaQuincy learned to sign when he came to the school seven years ago because he wanted to be able to talk to everyone. And a four-year, $71 million construction project under way at the state school aims for the same thing. Renovations, new construction and additions include 18 buildings.
LaQuincy, who graduates in May, won't be there when the project is finished in 2012, but is on board with the basic aim: more interaction and integration of the deaf students and the blind students. He has friends in both the blind and deaf departments.
"They come up to me in the hallways, shake my hand, say hi," he said. "And we get to hang out in the student center and the cafeteria."
Nancy Armstrong, superintendent of the school, said the interaction between the students is encouraged but also something that has come naturally.
"The blind students love learning sign language," Armstrong said. "And the deaf children look out for our blind students."
Although the students have different needs based on their particular handicap, Armstrong feels this shouldn't keep them from socializing.
Making sure architecture didn't get in the way was at play when plans for the school's construction project began in 2006.
With the closing and consolidation of the deaf and blind school in Hampton, the board knew major renovations would be necessary to accommodate the additional students. Armstrong saw it as an opportunity to change how the school operates.
The newly renovated student center is one example. It is complete with TVs, couches, a Wii and a mini-café. Before its completion this year, students would often go back to their dorms after dinner, but now they spend their evenings socializing and relaxing.
A new building, which will house much of the teaching area, will be built to meet the needs of deaf, blind and multi-handicapped students.
Although the students might not be in the same classes, they will be taught on the same wing. Changes have been made to most buildings to allow that.
The emergency alert system has been modified. In the case of a fire, both sirens and multi-colored flashing lights will alert students and teachers of the situation, so the blind students can hear it, and the deaf students can see it.
Dorms have also been renovated or rebuilt to meet these requirements. Although middle and high school students will still be separated by building depending on their disability, younger pupils will be together.
Sandy Russell, one of the dorm's resident advisers, said she's excited about the opportunities the construction is providing. She added that students get excited about any chance to socialize with one another.
Currently the cafeteria is one of the major social scenes on campus. Group field trips are also popular. This month, students have gone to a local apple orchard together and a skate night. Each spring they have a school-wide prom.
"It's just a positive atmosphere for all students involved," Russell said.
Deaf and blind students have also come together to serve on the school's safety committee, which was created when construction began.
Student representatives from both departments meet regularly with members of the construction company, Kjellstrom + Lee, and are briefed on any changes that might alter routes students take between buildings. When this happens students alert their peers and then are stationed to guide blind students through the construction maze.
Living and learning at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind presents students with a unique opportunity, said Nancy Armstrong. With only 111 students, everyone becomes close. "It's like having a lot of brothers and sisters," she said.
LaQuincy agreed. "We're like a family here. It's like being at home after awhile."