For the first time, Iowa Education for Deaf & Blind is seeking unified accreditation as an education service agency. In the past, both Iowa School for the Deaf and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired sought accreditation as special schools. The result? Official determination on accreditation status won’t be until June, but […]
Read Moreabout “Powerfully strong” score achieved for accreditationNews
We have a lot of exciting happenings at IESBVI. Learn more about recent news below and be on the lookout for our newsletter.

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Interim superintendent update
John Cool was named interim superintendent at Iowa School for the Deaf (ISD) and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IESBVI) by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa approval at its April 6-7 meeting. Cool, a long-time former senior administrator at ISD/IESBVI, will begin serving as senior advisor on May 2 […]
Read Moreabout Interim superintendent updateSixteen compete in Braille Challenge
The regional preliminary national Braille Challenge was hosted by the Iowa Department for the Blind in late February. IESBVI staff work with students interested in the competition, to prepare them for the in-person or virtual challenge options. Sixteen IESBVI students competed and 12 earned first, second or third places. The Braille Challenge is the only […]
Read Moreabout Sixteen compete in Braille ChallengeIowa Deaflind Project Family First Session
Do you have questions about communication and assistive technology? The Iowa DeafBlind Project is offering answers during a free, live presentation on Tuesday, March 8th at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Registration will be closing soon. Please register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W97NQ2B
Read Moreabout Iowa Deaflind Project Family First SessionIESBVI staff named NCASB vice president
Congratulations to Crystal Beighley, IESBVI Extended Learning Program Coordinator and athletic director, on being appointed the vice president of North Central Association of Schools for the Blind (NCASB). The nomination was made during NCASB’s athletic director business meeting, and the confirmation occurred in early February. She was chosen from nominees representing NCASB’s 12 member schools. […]
Read Moreabout IESBVI staff named NCASB vice presidentSummer Camps 2022
It might be cold outside now, but warmer weather will soon be here which means it will be camp time. Registration for our summer camps are now open. We have several residential and day camps available across the state. Click the links below for our camp brochure and registration request:
Read Moreabout Summer Camps 2022Iowa Rams Place 1st at Conference Forensics Meet
The Iowa Rams Forensics team competed in the NCASB (North Central Association of Schools for the Blind) conference meet in December. For the second year, in a row the Rams took home the first place trophy! Below you will find a note from Coach Sheryl Thomsen and a summary on each team member. “I am […]
Read Moreabout Iowa Rams Place 1st at Conference Forensics MeetWinter Issue of Connecting with Families
This one-page newsletter is a quick read!
Read Moreabout Winter Issue of Connecting with FamiliesBreakfast with Santa 2021
Santa arrived for breakfast and a busy day last Saturday in Des Moines! Eighteen families along with several IESBVI staff came out to enjoy breakfast with Santa, spend some time telling him their Christmas wishes, getting pictures taken and having lots of fun creating gingerbread men and ornaments. Santa and his elf enjoyed visiting with […]
Read Moreabout Breakfast with Santa 2021