The focus of the December 2025 monthly report is DSB's North Region Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Team. The North Region team is based out of the Seattle DSB office and serves Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom Counties. The team provides VR services to assist people who are Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Low Vision to start or continue working in the career of their choice. Information about specific services offered is on the DSB website.
Letters from North Region VR Customers
"I am blessed! Still working and loving my work. How many can say the same at almost 79." Still loving her work at 79.
This customer is working from her home as an Intake Nurse and came to DSB for assistance with low vision aids and assistive technology. DSB worked in partnership with her employer to address her work accommodation needs.
"Thank you for all the encouragement and finding a path to be successful in life. Without DSB being there for me I don’t think I would have such a good job." Success and promotion in their long-time career
Through receiving DSB services, this customer was able to have updated assessments with an Assistive Technology Specialist and a Vision Rehab Specialist. Receiving updated tools enabled him to continue and succeed in his career. He was later promoted and earned a raise. DSB services and learning about the most up to date tools and equipment benefited him in maintaining his long-term employment and career.
“I wanted to perform for memory care centers as a musician. I have that dream now. I love it, and I owe it to you, DSB.” Tools received to achieve dream career.
This customer initially had a vocational goal of working in customer service. She benefited from services including training at the OTC, JAWS screen reader training, and attending the job club program which helped her with her resume, cover letter and preparing for interviews. Through her talents in music and singing, she realized she could find employment doing what she loves and still help people at the same time.
“In the foreseeable future I think I may want to go back to school to become a therapist and … that feels like a much more attainable goal.” Employment retained and goals achieved
This customer came to DSB for assistance retaining their job. They were able to benefit from low vision aids and assistive technology, as well as learning Braille and how to use a screen reader. DSB worked closely with their employer to attain the assistive technology needed at their workplace, and they've gained confidence in their ability to reach their goals.
Finding Personal Path was Key to This Customer’s Success
Vocational Rehab Counselor John R shares the story of this customer's success once they chose to follow their own path and the difference that has made in their outlook on life and the future.
Critical Collaborations Help Lead to Goals Realized
Vocational Rehab Counselor John R talks about his experiences with two of DSB's partners and the importance of ongoing collaboration and open communication.
Maintaining an open relationship with DSB’s partners in the Tribal VR programs in WA state.
Milestone Plans Are Becoming the Norm
Recently DSB made a significant shift in how a VR customer's Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) was written, from an all-inclusive long-term final goal plan to smaller, more manageable "next immediate" goal plans that work towards the final goal. 2025 was the first year that all incoming VR customers were on Milestone Plans and existing customers were moved to Milestone Plans. The feedback from staff and customers alike has been positive on making this change.
Vocational Rehab Counselor Francis G had this to say:
“Because of the layered nature of the VR process, having short-term goals has helped keep customers engaged and focused. This has simplified the process of tracking and monitoring progress for customers and Counselors as the focus is on a single milestone or at most a couple, at a time.” Link to more of Francis's thoughts
Executive Director Michael MacKillop interviews two VR staff members about Milestone Planning in these brief videos:
Michael in the Moment with Yang-su on AT services and Milestone Planning
DSB Customers Achieved Employment Success in 2025
When discussing DSB services with members of the community and beyond we are often asked “What kind of jobs can individuals who are blind do?”. The answer is that a person who is blind, deafblind or low vision can do any career that fits their aptitude, interests and abilities - from physician, engineer or software programmer to educator, machinist or chef. Virtually any career can be accommodated for the person with talent and skills. This past year the North Region team supported 51 customers to attain their career goals, three of whom were able to retain their established small businesses. The type of work ranged from positions in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields, Education, and Finance to Food Service, Administrative and Human Services, with an average wage of $39.30 per hour. Congratulations to those customers who completed their VR journey and achieved their career goal!
A few examples of employers include West Seattle Arcade, RiteAid, Amazon, Northwest Indian College, Compass Group USA, Whatcom County Library System, Bellevue College, Mill Creek Family Services, Community Food Co-op, TJ Maxx, Lifespring Cancer Treatment, Disability Empowerment Center, Seattle City Light, Facebook - Meta, Microsoft, New York Life Insurance, Skagit Regional Health, University of Washington, and WA State Parks and Recreation Commission.