Darcy to Retire after 15 Years

Brian Darcy, Agency AdministratorAfter 15 years of dedicated service to the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind, Agency Administrator Brian Darcy has announced his retirement. Here is a final message from Mr. Darcy to the school's staff, students, parents, and community.

Welcome to Our Site

As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring emerge, I am reminded of the season’s promise of renewal, growth, and hope. Spring is a time of transformation—when the world around us awakens with new possibilities, and we, too, embrace change with open hearts and minds.

At Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind, we welcome this season as an opportunity to continue fostering learning, connection, and discovery. For our students who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have low vision, spring offers fresh opportunities to explore, create, and reach new milestones. Families, your unwavering support continues to be the foundation upon which our students flourish. And to our dedicated staff, your passion and perseverance breathe life into every lesson, every challenge, and every triumph – big or small.

This season, however, also brings a moment of reflection and remembrance. We mourn the loss of a beloved member of our IESDB family, Suszan Cadwell. A colleague, a mentor, a friend, and an unwavering advocate for our students, Suszan’s dedication touched countless lives. Her warmth, wisdom, and commitment to empowering others will remain an enduring part of our community. As we move forward, we carry her spirit with us—her passion for education, her kindness, and her belief in the potential of every student.

Spring teaches us that from loss, new growth emerges. As we honor Suszan’s legacy, we also look ahead with hope. Our classrooms and Outreach Services continue to expand, ensuring that every student, no matter where they are, has access to the tools and support they need to thrive. We remain steadfast in our mission to create an environment where learning is not just about knowledge, but about resilience, creativity, access, advocacy and the courage to embrace change. May this spring be a season of inspiration and renewal for us all. Together, let’s nurture the seeds of possibility, celebrate the beauty of learning, and continue to build a community where every student’s potential can blossom.

Matthew's Christmas List

santa waves and holds a christmas list with a student on his lap

Santa came to the Region 5 Christmas get-together held on the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls….and Matthew was ready! Matthew brought his 7-page Christmas list, handwritten in dark marker. Jill Andrus, IESDB Consulting Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired, reported that during his braille instruction time, he practiced writing items from his list.

Matthew, along with his mom, dad, and sister, were one of seven families that attended, with 40 people in all. Children with a hearing and/or vision loss and their families were invited. Santa (a.k.a. John Philips who works at Seastroms) chatted with children using sign language. Matthew asked about Mrs. Clause and types of cookies Santa preferred (chocolate chip) with Kristy Buffington, Elf, interpreting (she is also the IESDB Post-Transition Coordinator). Matthew listened closely, asking follow-up questions as needed (is warm or cold milk the best?).

santa and his elf talk with student

Lorna Irwin, Hands and Voices Coordinator, oversaw a popular craft activity: making ornaments with plastic beads and a heated iron. Other crafts were cookie decorating and coloring Winter pictures with our IESDB Consulting Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Heather Burgen and Tammy Wilhoite. Jenny Hirai (IESDB Consulting Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired) had a table of pipe cleaners, fruit loops, noodles and string for original creations.

Happy Holidays to all! Matthew, we look forward to hearing what Santa left under your Christmas tree this year!