Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

The Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) is a state rehabilitation agency that offers assistance to persons who are blind or visually impaired. We also provide various services for employers interested in accommodating or hiring workers with vision loss.

Customers and staff participating in a white water rafting blind challenge activity Group of blind customers hanging out in the park DSB staff member working with two elderly women

Our Mission

Inclusion, Independence, and Economic Vitality for People with Visual Disabilities.

Read the full Mission Statement.

News

DSB issues RFP for ARRA Marketing Project

Q&A's about the RFP

The Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) is initiating this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from firms interested in participating on a project to develop and implement a targeted marketing campaign to eye care physicians throughout the state of Washington. "Amendment 1--Schedule of Activities" has been added as page 2 of the above document.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Independent Living (IL) focuses on creating and saving jobs, building service delivery capacity and infrastructure.

Link to Information on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

Executive Director Lou Oma Durand announces release of DSB Strategic Plan.

"Our aim is to focus our efforts on the most important high-level objectives that also support the Governor’s statewide priorities, while keeping the future success of our customers as our primary direction.

We have submitted the following plan to the Office of Financial Management as the foundation for our biennial budget request.  We seek to match resources to our strategic priorities. Link to the DSB Strategic Plan.

As you know, strategic planning is a dynamic and evolving process.   DSB staff will be implementing our Strategic Plan in ways specific to their programs.  Staff will develop program work plans and individual performance plans to support our top level strategies.  As we move forward we will have the continuous opportunity to evaluate our results and make changes when appropriate."

We want people to join the BEP group and become one of our outstanding members.

The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) is looking for people interested in becoming facilities/site operators. Training applicants need to meet state and federal requirements. The locations are located in Western Washington. As an operator  you will work as an independent food service operator and  through your entrepreneurial skills you will be able to develop a rewarding business.  For more information on BEP go to Business Enterprise Program.

 

Student Rock climbing at an outing A man typing and listening to a speech program in our agency computer lab.

"Hot Links" - Featured Web Links

Portal to Job Boards  for People with Disabilities

Job boards and resources for people with disabilities are listed at: http://www.earnworks.com/job_seekers/Tools/index.asp
 www.Gettinghired.com

This is a web portal that connects employers with individuals with disabilities that are seeking employment.

A few highlights include:

  • No cost service for job seekers;
  • The website contains a resume builder (word format and PDF format);
  • Provides an interactive interviewing course;
  • The website offers practice interviewing via webcam (blind users have audio available);
  • The website includes a social network forum for job seekersincluding peer mentors;
  • Interest tests including personality tests, career path information, lists of questions to ask employers that pertain to career, 70 question career inventory questionnaire; Right Match technology.

 

Calendar of Events

Link to Calendar

Of Public Interest

Just In Time for Summer!

Looking for fun and games this summer? VisionAWARE has expanded and updated its resources for sports and recreational activities for people who are blind or have low vision.We invite you to visit our site and check out our expanded sports and recreation section to learn more about adaptations for staying active, along with a wide range of recreational activities and products, such as beep baseball, bowling, chess, cycling, golf, goalball, horseback riding, horseshoes, hunting, judo, sailing and cruises, scuba, and skiing (waterskiing, downhill, and cross-country).

DSB Partners with Group Health Cooperative

Group Health Cooperative partners with the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind to keep all Washingtonians working and leaving no citizen behind

Read the full press release

Man working on a high contrast computer Man working on a table saw

Successful Employment Outcomes

For 2007-2008 DSB announces 147 participants were successfully employed in occupations of their choice. Participants met the challenge, developed their confidence through a strong partnership with DSB, and are well on their way to a career of their choice.

Past Placements

State Rehabilitation Council

Visit the State Rehabilitation Council

Questions often asked about DSB Services

Employment opportunities at one of our food service operations are managed by individual operators and they can be contacted directly to inquire about job jop openings and how to apply. BEP Vendors

Voter Registration Information

For your convenience, DSB is providing the following link to information on Voter Registration. Register to Vote.

Woman answering an office phone

Contact Us

Call DSB Toll Free For Info: 1-800-552-7103

If you have a vision loss, or know someone who does, contact the DSB office nearest you to determine eligibility for services. If you are an employer interested in hiring visually impaired workers, call our nearest office. Our services are free and available to all qualifying Washingtonians and employers.