Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Independent Living Program

Individuals with visual disabilities, who are 55 years of age or older or who do not wish to work, may receive independent living services from the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) and our partners based around the state. People who do not feel able to do the normal activities of daily life because of their vision loss can call on DSB’s Independent Living (IL) Program for help.

Our IL specialists can assess the needs of the participant and provide counseling to help with adjustment to vision loss. The specialists can provide information about eye conditions that affect vision and help participants to acquire the skills (e.g. reading and writing, effective use of any remaining vision, and home management and mobility skills) that lead to an independent or fuller life.

Our IL specialists help people to return to the full lives they had before vision loss and to do those things they thought they could not do.

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