He had graduated from the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind and knew he wanted to make education for children his life's work.

Florida was one of the few states that had not made provision for the education of children who were deaf/hard of hearing or who had visual impairments.

Contractor William A. MacDuff erected the original first three wooden buildings at $12,749; they were completed in December 1884.

Although the school had both black and white children in its early years, social opposition to racial integration was rampant, and the Florida Institute for the Blind, Deaf and Dumb, Colored Department was created in 1895.

Students are transported to the school and back home from all over the state, residing in dormitories during the week.

In addition, outreach programs provide support to parents, teachers, and other staff in small and rural school districts in the state of Florida.

Students have the opportunity to compete in 11 team sports with public and private schools across the state and nation.

The Copeland Center is the site of the annual USABA (United States Association of Blind Athletes) Youth National Goalball Tournament.