The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind

Throughout the summer, I was concerned about Tanner's education. I knew he had a legal right to education, no matter what his disability, but it's quite another thing to know how to go about it. I had contacted the local school system, but they were moving slowly to get him the services he needed.

I heard about the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Augustine. This is a 100 + year-old school that is the model for teaching children with hearing or visual disabilities. It is a public school, so the education is free, but the services they provide are far beyond anything we have  been acquainted with here in our area. 

The school comprises two separate campuses, one for the deaf, one for the blind. Class sizes are no more than 10 students to a teacher, most teachers are nationally certified. They have sports, including the wrestling that Tanner loves. There is a two-lane bowling alley in one of the common areas, three gyms, including a heated indoor pool and a rock-climbing wall. And on and on.

The downside to this is that Tanner would be gone Sunday afternoon through Friday afternoon. He would live in the boys' dorm, with one or two other roommates. This would initially suck for Tanner, and although I am convinced this is the right place for Tanner to be, I am afraid he will hate me forever. He does not want to leave his friends, his school, or his sports teams.

I understand, I really do. I am praying for guidance and God's peace, but my gut right now is telling me that he needs to go to this school.

Last night, Tanner told me: "Mom, the only thing I want for Christmas is to not go to that school." He was half-serious, but he looked at me with those big green eyes and I wanted to melt. I said, "Tanner, don't even try to play me like that."