Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

History of Austine School and Vermont Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Thanks to a generous bequest by Colonel William Austine, a retired army officer who spent his final years in Brattleboro, the Austine School opened its doors to both Deaf and Blind students in the Fall of 1912. In 1917, it was decided to devote Austine’s resources exclusively to the education of the Deaf. Holton Hall, the original building and now a historic landmark, became a home away from home for growing numbers of Deaf students. As the student population increased, additional facilities were constructed resulting in the beautiful campus now known as Austine School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

In the mid-1990s, it became evident that a broadening of services was necessary in order to ensure that all Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in the state of Vermont receive the best possible education. Thus, the Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was created. Encompassing the Austine School, several regional classrooms, consultant services for mainstreamed students, a parent-infant program, a family mentoring program, adult services and numerous other support options, the Vermont Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides an array of quality services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, youth and adults statewide.