Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Your Guide to Success

WELCOME
In applying for services with the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), you are partnering with DSB to develop a plan with your successful employment as the “goal.”  DSB can provide you with assistance in achieving this goal.   

YOU ARE THE PERSON THAT WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!

As an active partner in your own success,  we want to provide you a guide to working with your DSB partners.

How can DSB’s VR Program help you go to work?

• The DSB team of VR specialists can assist you with a number of services based on your employment goals.

DSB can provide many no-cost services to you including:

• Assistance with the exploration of career options, career-goal planning and strategies, job search and networking, resume preparation, and  business contacts.

• Evaluations to measure your unique talents, skills, interests, and aptitudes.

• Financial assistance for training or education that leads to your employment goal.

• Job placement, Job development and job coaching services.

• Referrals to other programs within the agency.

• Advocacy and information regarding state disability rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• On the Job Training.

• Financial assistance in the cost of job necessities, such as technology and low vision aids, work clothes, uniforms, tools, and equipment.

• Technology , low vision assessments and job site evaluations and recommendations.

• Referral to the appropriate resources within the community.

• Post-employment and follow-up services.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR DSB PARTNERS:

• Respectful and courteous service.
• Prompt and timely response.
• Professional and competent staff.
• Follow through on plan commitments.
• Connection to internal and community resources.
• Focus on your employment goals.
• Assistance in working toward blind or low vision adjustment.
• Skilled specialists in the areas of low vision and technology.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU AS AN ACTIVE PARTNER:

• Regular contact with your VR Specialist, including current address/phone number
• Stay INVOLVED.
• Be active in your quest for employment, THIS IS ABOUT YOUR SUCCESS!
• Remember DSB is your partner and will work with you to develop a plan to achieve your goals.  Commit to WORKING the PLAN!
• Take a lead role in the setting, planning and achieving employment goals.

THE SIX STEPS OF VR
The process of vocational rehabilitation provided by DSB  is made up of the following six steps:

1.  Orientation and Application – interview with counselor, rehab tech, sign application and consent forms.

2.  Eligibility – counselor will determine your eligibility on information gathered at the application and doctors reports, you will receive a certificate stating your eligibility.

3.  Pre-plan Development and Vocational Assessment – possible assessment include: assistive technology, low vision, adaptive living skills, comprehensive vocational evaluations.

4.  Plan for Employment – with your counselor you will develop a plan that outlines the steps to achieving your employment goal including your responsibilities and DSB’s.

5.  Job Placement and Case Closure – once your are successfully employed, DSB will follow your progress for 90 days.

6.  Post-employment and Follow-up Services – if a problem arises after your case has been closed, you may contact DSB for immediate assistance.

INFORMED CHOICE
Participants have the right to make decisions about their vocational rehabilitation program and the services that will help them to go to work.  The Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) believes in gathering information that will allow participants to make informed decisions about their vocational rehabilitation and employment. 

Informed choice is a decision-making process that is based upon realistic options.  You will use informed choice to:

• Carefully review information about your career decisions.
• Consider the benefits and possible risks of each option.
• Make choices that match your strengths, capabilities, and interests, and we can assist you in reaching your employment goals.

As an active partner you will make informed choices during the rehabilitation process with the assistance of DSB staff.  These choices include:

• What type of job you want.
• What steps we need to take to prepare you for the job or retain your current job.
• What services you will need to go to work and to stay employed.
• Where to find services and service providers.

Informed choice does not mean unlimited or unreasonable choice. As a participant, you will make your own decisions and share responsibility for outcomes.  You will learn that each option or choice has a different impact, meaning and result, and should be weighed carefully.  You will learn that being an active partner means that to reach a goal, you have to be part of making it happen.  The counselors’ role is to provide information, tools, and resources to teach decision making skills, to facilitate the decision making process, and to support decision implementation.

Call toll-free:   800.552.7103

Or email questions to:   information@dsb.wa.gov