Overview
Washington State’s Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) is a standalone state agency providing vocational rehabilitation, independent living skills training, and employment support specifically for people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, or have low vision of any age. DSB’s mission is “Inclusion, Independence, and Economic Vitality for People with Visual Disabilities.” CAA has a partnership with DSB as a provider of supported employment services for individuals with visual disabilities in Eastern Washington, and our blog has covered this partnership in depth.
Who It’s For
Washington residents of any age who are blind, Deaf-Blind, or have low vision and want support achieving employment, educational, or independent living goals. DSB serves people across all life stages, from young children through the Explorers program to adults building or continuing careers.
What They Offer
- Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) – For individuals age 14 and older who are blind or have low vision and face barriers to employment. Includes career planning, job coaching, assistive technology, training, and job placement. DSB now uses a Milestone Plan approach — breaking the VR journey into short-term, manageable goal steps rather than one long-term plan.
- Independent Living Skills Training – Supporting individuals who are blind or have low vision in developing the daily living skills they need to navigate the world independently
- Youth and Student Programs – Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students; residential and workshop programs; Vision to Victory (V2V) experiences
- DSB Explorers – A newer program offering experiences and activities for children under age 13 who are blind, Deaf-Blind, or have low vision and their families
- Business Enterprise Program – Self-employment opportunities for eligible individuals who are blind
- Employer Services – DSB works with businesses to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring practices for people with visual disabilities
Eligibility
To receive vocational rehabilitation services through DSB, an individual must:
- Be legally blind or have a visual disability that causes an impediment to employment
- Require vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain employment
DSB does not require Washington residency to qualify, though services must be participated in within the state.
How to Get Started
- Request services online at dsb.wa.gov, or call 1-800-552-7103 or email info@dsb.wa.gov
- A DSB representative will call to discuss options
- A career planning meeting and assessment will identify your needs, strengths, and goals
- DSB will work with you to build a Milestone Plan toward your employment or independent living goals
Visit DSB | Request Services | Our Services Overview | CAA’s DSB Partnership Blog Post →
