Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Overview of the Department of Services for the Blind Vocational Rehabilitation Program*

Purpose

The goal of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services is employment for our participants. Employment services are the foundation of the VR process. Provision of services leading to employment is the primary responsibility, function and focus of the Service Delivery Team. The recipients of employment services are participants and employers.

Philosophy

The Department of Services for the Blind is committed to provide an array of services which create a pathway to employment.

We will promote and support the employment goals of people who are blind or visually impaired by:

• Providing information to participants, their families, and employers about the wide range of jobs performed by people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Emphasizing employment throughout the VR process, from the initial interview to closure.
• Emphasizing employment in other agency programs (Child and Family and the Orientation and Training Center) serving participants who plan to work.
• Providing opportunities for participants to learn from and be supported by employed individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
• Continuing to build and nurture strong relationships with employers.
• Developing services to employers which encourage and facilitate hiring people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Incorporating information and feedback from employers in planning and developing employment services.
• Providing essential training and support(s) which assist participants in achieving their employment goals.
• Helping families and friends to support participants in achieving their employment goals.

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