Speech-language pathologist Brittany Videll, who also serves as an assistive technology specialist with the Office of Programs for Exceptional Children (OPEC), is a finalist for citywide Teacher of the Year.
Although the students she primarily serves are at Princess Anne High, she supports over 30 schools, helping students with disabilities build their speech and language skills and access the equipment they need to learn and thrive.
Videll’s passion for speech-language pathology was shaped by personal experience. As a child, she received speech therapy for a lisp and her younger brother received speech services for hearing loss. As she attended therapy sessions with her brother, she realized she wanted to be a part of that life-changing work — helping children find their voice.
“When I provide communication tools, whether a low-tech book or a high-tech eye gaze device, and see a student express themselves, it is humbling, powerful and deeply gratifying,” she said.
Videll is a relentless advocate for children, said Jill Robinson, OPEC’s coordinator for Medicaid programs and related services.
“She skillfully integrates augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to increase student engagement and participation in the curriculum,” Robinson said. “Through these tools, she not only enhances academic access but also fosters meaningful peer relationships, empowering students to communicate with confidence and independence.”
Videll is a 2008 graduate of Cox High School. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Old Dominion University. Before working in the assistive technology office, she served students at Strawbridge and Ocean Lakes elementary schools and fulfilled a personal goal by working in the Oral Preschool Program for children with hearing loss. The program integrates signing, gestures, visuals and spoken language to support early language development.
In 2021, Videll worked with special education teachers at Trantwood Elementary to install a playground communication board – a visual language system to help students with complex communication needs during play.
She provides training to parents and professionals across the district so that students with disabilities have a knowledgeable team supporting them. She also mentors new speech-language pathologists and guest lectures once a semester at Old Dominion University for students on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Videll says she teaches because every student deserves to be heard, understood and empowered.
“Communication is a human right, and I am committed to helping students find their voice, whether through words, devices, signs or symbols,” said Videll, who has worked at VBCPS since 2014. “My passion for this work is fueled by the joy, connection, and transformation that happen when we believe in every child’s potential.”
