Landon Godwin and classmates enjoy a story using an interactive whiteboard at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind. The teacher is Becky Beheler. The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind continues to accept applications for the fall 2009 semester. Parents are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time for admissions review.

SCSDB is the state's only specialized school for individuals who are deaf, blind, or sensory multidisabled.

The Spartanburg- based school offers educational programs to meet academic goals as well as goals for employment, use of technology, self- sufficiency, physical fitness, and community involvement.

As a state- supported school similar to the Gover- nor's Schools, SCSDB offers free tuition and housing.

SCSDB teachers are certified in sensory disabilities and are experienced in working with students who are deaf or blind. Specialists who work with the students are experts in assistive technology, physical and occupational therapy, speech, sign language, braille, and meeting the special needs of sensory disabled students.

Students look through books at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind's main campus in Spartanburg. Pictured are Scott Williams of Lyman, Derrick Good of Gaf fney, Tommy Fernandes of Greer, Drequan Cheeks of Spartanburg, and Gerri Morton of North Augusta. A comprehensive after- school program offers tutoring as well as opportunities to participate in sports and recreation; music, drama, dance and art; horseback riding; library programs, and more. Dormitory as well as day student options are available and statewide bus transportation is provided.

SCSDB is accredited by the SC Department of Education, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf. The SC Department of Education has named SCSDB a Palmetto Gold School for its academic accomplishments and a Red Carpet School for its outstanding customer service.

South Carolina residents who are deaf, blind or sensory multidisabled, ages 2 ½- 21, are eligible to apply.

To find out more or to schedule a tour of SCSDB's main campus in Spartanburg, please contact Joan Dudgeon, admissions coordinator, at 1-888-447- 2732 toll free or (864) 577- 7579 V/TTY direct. Her email address is jdudgeon@ scsdb.org.

SCSDB serves individuals who are deaf, blind or sensory multidisabled through its main campus in Spartanburg, public school districts, early intervention programs in the homes of infants and toddlers, and five regional outreach centers. The school's Web site address is www.scsdb.org, and its toll- free telephone number is 1-888-447-2732.