Changes are being made at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Staunton.

School Superintendent Dr. Nancy Armstrong says, "This is the first time that this type of project has come to our campus in a long, long time."

Armstrong welcomed more than 100 students, legislators and educators Wednesday for the groundbreaking of a new consolidated middle and high school on campus.

"We're specialists in this field and we are support to local school divisions. That is why we are here. It's a continuum of services," adds Armstrong.

The VSDB absorbed the only other school of its kind in the Commonwealth in 2008.

This new construction is expected to provide better services for the students.

Sen. Emmett Hanger adds, "This residential school serves an important function for preparing children with disabilities to function adequately in life."

Hanger believes there are students across the state that do not have access to the school's unique services.

He says, "We need to pay attention to that so we do not short change our children that need these types of training facilities."

The more than $70 million worth of construction planned for the school could improve the outreach for which many are looking.

Armstrong says, "I feel like it's not one person coming to the table. It's all of us as partners taking place in this very important event."

Officials also cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Stuart building, which will serve as a media and student center.