Presented: March 7, 2025
Independent Living Blind Skills Services
Customer Services
Customers Served (Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025 Q1)
| Program | FFY 2025, Q1 Customers Exited |
|---|---|
| Adults Under Age 55 | 28 |
| Adults Age 55+ | 210 |
| Total Customers during FFY 2025, Q1 | 238 |
Customer and Case Trends (FFY 2024, Q1 versus FFY 2025, Q1)
| Trend | FFY 2024, Q1 Exited Customers Only |
FFY 2025, Q! Exited Customers Only |
|---|---|---|
| All exited Customers | 181 |
238 |
| Customers under age 22 | 0 | 0 |
| Customers over age 100 | 1 | 4 |
| Customers who identify as a minority | 10% | 16% |
| Homeless Customers | 0 | 3 |
| Customers who have multiple disabilities | 43% | 48% |
| Customers with incomes $30,000 or less | 56% | 53% |
| Cost per case average | $835 | $850 |
FFY 2025 Preliminary Outcomes
Most popular Assistive Technology devices provided to customers:
- Handheld and stand magnifiers
- Writing guides and/or pens, large print address books, calendars, notepads, and other paper products
- UV filters and sunshades for glare
- Adapted kitchen equipment
*In addition, 20 customers have received cell phone and tablet apps demonstrations to see if a cell phone or tablet and apps for people with vision loss or blindness would be beneficial.
IL Program customers often experience improvement in their mental health. 93% of customers with successfully closed cases who indicated that they were struggling with their mental health as a result of vision loss experienced improvement in their mental health symptoms as a result of services.
IL Program customers often experience an increase in their ability to maintain a healthy diet and walk or exercise, leading to improved physical health. 79% of customers with successfully closed cases who indicated that they felt like their vision loss was impacting their diet and ability to walk or exercise experienced improvement in their ability to eat a healthier diet and/or walk or exercise as a result of services.
IL Program customers often experience an improved ability to engage in their communities. 73% of customers with successfully closed cases who indicated that their vision loss impacted their ability to get around their communities and do things away from home experienced improvement in their ability to get around and/or do things away from home as a result of services.
IL Program customers feel more independent and more confident in maintaining their current living situation. Out of 214 customers with successfully closed cases in FFY 2025 to date, 203 (95%) reported being more confident in their current living situation and with their independent living skills.
Vivian’s Success Story
Vivian is a lively, intelligent, and talkative 96-year-old, who lives alone in Yakima in a clean and comfortable house. With lots of family nearby, Vivian has a great support system and is rarely on her own. In addition to being legally blind due to macular degeneration, Vivian has been dealing with ongoing cancer-related complications for many years. In the summer of 2024 Vivian found herself briefly in the hospital, and while there, her son, Ron, learned about Independent Living (IL) Blind Services from the hospital’s social worker. Ron contacted IL services to see what help his mom could receive. She had been talking about wanting to use her appliances independently and, as a retired English teacher, was missing being able to read. After talking to both Ron and Vivian, the IL provider made an appointment to help with those goals and anything else that might give Vivian some more independence.
During their first visit together, Ron, Vivian, and her IL provider got right to work. They walked through the house, Vivian acting as tour guide, marking a few appliances with bump dots so that Vivian could use them independently. Not wanting to overdo it on the first visit, the IL provider showed Ron how to place the tactile markers for future use. Vivian was also interested in a large print calendar to keep track of important dates, like the birthdays of all her grandchildren. Before starting services, Vivian had used a standard calendar that her grandson had tried to make easier to use by going over the lines and numbers using a bold, black marker. But, when she saw the difference the large print calendar made, she said that it was even better than what her grandson had whipped up for her. Before leaving for the day, the IL provider showed some magnifiers to Vivian and determined that a 5X handheld magnifier would help. Vivian agreed she’d practice with it.
The next appointment took a while to schedule because Vivian was entertaining her large, extended family. When they finally could meet again, the IL provider had two goals. The first was to check in on the magnifier, and the second was to show Vivian how to use the talking book player from the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL). When the IL provider asked about the magnifier, Vivian said that maybe it wasn’t strong enough. She really wanted to be able to look at pictures of her family, including some pictures that are nearly 100 years old! So, the IL provider pulled out a 7X magnifier; together, they tried looking at pictures of Vivian as a one-year-old. Vivian was thrilled to be able to see herself and the bald head she had as a baby. She told the IL provider that she couldn’t wait to show her pictures to her grandson, who was coming over later that day. After giving Vivian the magnifier, the IL provider asked her if she was ready to look at the talking book player. Vivian was very reluctant. The English teacher in her was not ready to let go of physical books, even though she could no longer read them. The IL provider gently persuaded Vivian to give it a shot. She showed Vivian how to use the machine and signed her up for the services.
The last time the IL provider visited, after sharing brownies that Vivian offered her, they started by talking about how the book player from WTBBL was working for her. Vivian said she’d been reading a book and enjoying it. She still missed holding a “real” book, but was happy she could access good memoirs of current political figures. The IL provider showed Vivian some of the talking book player’s features again to be sure Vivian could use it effectively. Eventually, they fell into a conversation about life and before they knew it, an hour had passed. Vivian was ready to close her case, and the IL provider agreed it was time. As the IL provider left, Vivian said, “Oh, I’m so happy you came to see me. Thanks for all you have done for me.” And then, as is Vivian’s way, she gave the IL provider a big hug and kissed her hands.
Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
Highlights and accomplishments from the past quarter
The team hosted the Annual BEP Vendor All State Conference in Olympia in October which was attended in person by nine active vendors, three licensees, five guests, five staff, and an additional four attendees who participated online. All the sessions this year were planned by the vendor committee, and they invited a variety of industry experts to come to talk about business climate, vending machine routes and enterprises, business training, product changes and marketing opportunities. The BEP team brought in a business coach to lead a half-day session on business development, motivation and self-sustainability. Another highlight for the group was to have Director MacKillop and Asst. Director Wheeler present with us for the conference.
The team is honing processes for the remaining facilities, equipment upgrades, and facility repairs/refresh needed to close out the final year of project funding. There are many moving parts to get this all done. The final designs and bid for the Natural Resources Building (NRB) is a big endeavor which advertised as planned in December. Progress may not meet everyone’s timeline or original vision. However, no venture like this ever goes 100% to plan; the important fact is the BEP team is steady to the plan and committed.
Preparations for the return of a new Legislative session began as well with re-opening of the Dome Deli after closure for the summer due to low season. BEP's industry partner Northwest Food Alliance played an important role for us in preparing the Chin Don Bistro to re-focus on and refine menus, training, management development, product sourcing and sustainability for the session. The team is looking for strong sales, with exposure to the many new menu items, and capabilities of the micro market to deliver fresh meal choices any time.
BEP program specialist Kephran Mason spent many days on the road this quarter providing individualized coaching, training and technical assistance for new equipment and business troubleshoots. He also held regular meetings in person and virtually with most of our facility managers. Building rapport with each of our key locations is an important part of the partnership with the site and vendor operator.
The BEP team continues to meet regularly with Asst. Director Wheeler to map out our goals around VR engagement, curriculum updates, and future opportunities for the program. The most recent work has been about looking at the training plans in depth, creating checklists, and refinement of the referral requirements for potential candidates. Along the lines of facilitating self-employment and updates to the curriculum, we have two new vendors onboard to help with the assessment phase which is vital to help BEP determine best practices for training.
The team has completed the large task of updating all of the vending agreements which captured all sites serviced and tracks the much-needed revenues from the vending machines in place across the state. BEP program specialist Julia Longacre led this project.
Business Relations
Josh Resnick, South Region
- Josh presented to the Accessibility Matters Conference on the importance of hiring from the blind community, highlighting strategies for engagement and inclusion. This session was attended by over thirty individuals.
- Josh co-hosted a career fair in Silverdale, WA, that served over 137 individuals with various disabilities, including blindness. This job fair had 20+ employers. Employers included KeyBank, COPE Health Scholars, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and more! Multiple Businesses asked if there was going to be another event somewhere else in the State. The common refrain from the Recruiters was that “this was a pipeline of talent they were excited to include in their recruiting outreach”. Many recruiters also commented on the number of individuals that attended.
- During this quarter, Josh established quarterly trainings with the Department of the Navy and its contractors to provide hiring workshops focused on recruiting and supporting employees who are blind.
Juan (JC) Alvarado, East Region
- JC Partnered with Spokane WDC for Spokane Disability Job Fair. DSB’s involvement led us to be given sponsorship status at the job fair. Multiple DSB customers attended the event.
- JC Partnered with Moses Lake Job Fair and had a booth to provide DSB services.
- Partnered with Kennewick Business Services team and attended weekly meetings.
- Attended School Transitions Fairs/Family resource fairs.
- Job Fair in Goldendale.
- JC Started organizing a working group for the Employ Ability Fair that will be in Yakima on Sept 4, 2025.
Combined Efforts
- Josh and Juan (JC) Alvarado completed the Windmills training. This training will be valuable for future endeavors with DSB and providing business trainings.
- DSB Business Relations Staff attended two conferences. The NET National Conference for Business Relations and CSAVR’s national conference.
Services to Customers
Snapshot of Performance Comparison: [FFY24 Q1 vs FFY25 Q1]
- New VR Applications [80 vs 93]
- VR Customers Receiving Planned Services [864 vs 914]
- Students with a Disability served [235 vs 218]
- Competitive Career Outcomes [21 vs 22]
- Average Hourly Wage FFY25 Q1 [$31.17 vs $38.33]
Employment Outcomes
Successful outcomes made this quarter, including job retention cases:
| Job Title | Employer | Wage | Hours | Region/County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Servers, Non-restaurant | The Village at Granite Falls | $16.50 | 30 | North/Snohomish |
| Fundraisers | Naydenov Booster Club | $23.08 | 11 | South/Clark |
| Interpreters and Translators | Self-employed | $23.08 | 30 | East/Okanogan |
| Mental Health Counselors | Self-employed | $100.00 | 20 | South/Jefferson |
| Management Analysts | Seattle City Light | $45.67 | 40 | North/King |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | WA State Dept Of Health (DOH) | $41.61 | 40 | East/Benton |
| Survey Researchers | Facebook - Meta | $52.88 | 40 | North/King |
| Community Health Workers | Washington Health Care Association | $27.81 | 40 | North/King |
| Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors | Tumwater School District | $25.58 | 40 | South/Thurston |
| Counselors, All Other | WA State Dept Of Social And Health Services (DSHS) | $27.93 | 40 | East/Spokane |
| Sales Representatives, Services | Garage Gecko | $28.85 | 40 | East/Spokane |
| Bakers | Haggen’s | $17.03 | 12 | North/Snohomish |
| Mental Health Counselors | Mill Creek Family Services | $50.00 | 30 | North/Snohomish |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | Skookum | $18.25 | 40 | South/Kitsap |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | Washington State School For The Blind (WSSB) | $20.53 | 40 | South/Clark |
| Office and Administrative Support Workers | F.H. Counseling & Associates | $17.13 | 15 | South/Pierce |
| Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | Snohomish County Information Technology Mailroom | $21.30 | 20 | North/Snohomish |
| Education Administrators | Bellevue College | $80.77 | 20 | North/King |
| Education Administrators | University of Washington (UW) | $120.19 | 40 | North/King |
| Education Administrators | Shoreline School District | $43.00 | 35 | North/King |
| Production Workers | Amazon | $18.50 | 30 | East/Spokane |
| Office and Administrative Support Workers | WA State Department of Ecology | $23.61 | 40 | South/Thurston |
- Percentage of Customers aged 55 and older who exited with an employment outcome: 32%
- Eldest with employment outcome: Age 77 – Mental Health Counselor (Job Retention case)
- Youngest with employment outcome: Age 21 – Food Server, Non-restaurant
Orientation and Training Center Highlights
On October 10th, two students graduated from the OTC. One is continuing training to pursue a job in childcare and the other hopes to find work as an administrative assistant.
The week of October 21st, the OTC completed the first “OTC on wheels” Intensive Week during which the OTC packed up their training materials visited Spokane. An Airbnb rental was the training location. As a result, seven Eastern Washington customers received four days of intensive training in Braille, computer and access technology, home management, home economics, and orientation and mobility. This Intensive Week was a great success, with one customer opting to come to the OTC as a full-time residential student as a result of the training.
The OTC continues to be an active and immersive program and has recently implemented “Clinic Week”. During this week, traditional classes are paused so students can participate in extracurricular activities and workshops. Clinic week included a long-time favorite activity, tandem bike riding with our partnership with Northwest Association of Blind Athletes. Jordan Giarratano of Tender Warrior Kickboxing hosted a 3-hour Self Protection workshop to promote students’ situational awareness and self-advocacy skills. Kris Colcock from Achieving Access presented to students about SSI and SSDI benefits planning to prepare them for balancing eventual employment income with disability benefits. OTC staff also held workshops including “Intro to Artificial Intelligence”, Active Listening, and a cook off in which students showcased their home economic skills. They also hosted a movie party during which students watched "Edward Scissorhands" and experienced audio description.
The OTC currently has 11 residential students and eight commuters and continues to host tours monthly for interested potential students.
Vocational Rehabilitation - North Region
Sharing DSB Experience
Abbie, Vision Rehab Specialist in Seattle, worked with a DSB customer who will present at the Tri Cities Diversity Summit in June. She will be sharing personal experiences and even singing her praise of DSB. She has come a long way and has had challenges in the past at work but now she is in a new role and has a lot of support around her for her to maintain employment with accommodations.
Customer Appreciates Rehab Tech Assistance
A note of appreciation received from a DSB customer:
"I hope this note will find you well. I would like to let you know about the excellent services I have received from one of your employees, Carrie Biell. She has been professional, prompt, understanding, a problem solver, and very effective and efficient at getting the task done. Carrie’s unwavering commitment to services helped me to navigate my educational journey pleasantly. Her timely contact, ability to listen, and getting the task completed, is an asset for your organization and for the service recipient/client. In addition, Carrie's assistance helped me recently, when my transportation wasn't working; her back-up plan helped me to get to my class on time.
'Excellence is not an accomplishment. It is a spirit, a never-ending process.' (author unknown)
Sincerely yours,
(DSB Customer)"
Customer Reaches Career Goal
John, VRC in Seattle, has a customer who came to DSB years ago looking for a career opportunity as a single mother with a severe visual impairment. With some tools and support and a great deal of determination, she made it through college and today is successfully employed as a Mental Health Counselor in Bellingham, WA. Customer wanted to tell her own story, so here is the customer’s journey with us in her own words.
"While I was pregnant with my daughter, it turned out that my partner had schizoaffective disorder. I found myself completely alone, no friends, no family. I could’ve moved back east, but I knew that would’ve meant becoming completely dependent on family in a problematic environment, whereas Bellingham would allow me to have independence and more options to offer my baby as she grew up. I reached out to Sheila (DSB VR Counselor) when my daughter was one or two years old. I was so scared I wouldn’t be able to handle it all, but Sheila was always very supportive. I’d given it some thought that I’d always felt drawn to helping people, so at first the plan was to complete my transfer degree with a focus on psychology at Whatcom Community College, then work towards a bachelor’s degree in human services at Western Washington University. Back then that felt like a pretty lofty dream, so I was really taking it one day at a time while trying to learn how to be a single mom, take care of daily life things, learning how to navigate academia as a first generation student, and with all these new aspects to my existence happening, processing my disability, learning how to deal with ableism. It was a lot and I had a lot of three steps forward one step back for a while there. I attribute overcoming some of my darkest periods/ biggest challenges to Sheila‘s empathy and encouragement back then.
By the time I was ready to graduate from WCC, I had more faith in myself and courage, I think. I talked to Sheila about how in high school I’d always wanted to be a mental health counselor, and we tweaked the plan with that target in mind. I finally decided to major in psychology. Along the way Sheila was very supportive about me seeking out volunteer and skill building opportunities, so I could gradually build a CV for grad school, and resume for later down the line.
Just before Sheila retired, I was accepted into the masters in rehabilitation counseling program when DSB gave me the go ahead that they’d continue supporting me. That takes us up to now. I feel very lucky that just as I was graduating, the rehabilitation program became CACREP accredited where I could get my LMHCA and CRC. It was a wonderfully accessible program where I finally got to be a regular student without so many visual impairment specific difficulties. I feel my story is a good example of what a profound difference caring counselors and supportive resources can make. It may sound dramatic, but in all honesty, DSB saved me and my daughter’s life. It’s helped shape the kind of counselor I aspire to be."
Motivated to Succeed
Gil, VRC in Seattle, has a customer, a recent intern, who has been with DSB since 2015. And in those years, he has seen this person grow from a newly landed traveler from India to where she is today. She was a shy, barely spoke English young lady who first enrolled at the OTC and immersed herself in the many training opportunities that program offered. She then pursued a year of ESL training before enrolling in Everett College for her AAS degree while actively participating in the different blind consumer group events. After completing her AAS program, she then pursued a 4-year degree in Human Services and graduated last year. In preparation for her goal of becoming a rehab counselor, this customer has taken up several internship roles including the latest position she held at the Seattle DSB office. She happily shared with me that she has been accepted in the WWU rehab counseling grad program and is scheduled to start her course this spring quarter. This person is a model example of how DSB's VR services can positively impact people’s lives including hers. Her determination and motivation to make something of her life is inspiring for others to emulate. All along, DSB is there to support her with the proper tools and equipment, training, and ongoing counseling and guidance to keep her on course with her vocational goal.
Assistive Technology Makes the Difference
Gil’s team also worked with a customer, an intake nurse who needed additional work-related low vision and AT equipment as part of her work accommodations. She’s another inspirational person who has never wavered on her commitment to work with former drug addicts in bettering their lives and pursuing a life of sobriety. DSB provided this customer with several low vision aids and appliances; she worked closely with the VRS for mobility training and had an AT Specialist conduct a job site evaluation and partner with her employer to ensure that the AT equipment he recommended was procured and delivered. He went to her home to help set up the equipment. When they last checked in with each other before Gil closed her case, she expressed her appreciation for all the services DSB provided her to help her maintain her job.
Using Job Site Services
Gil has another customer who will soon have their case closed with a successful outcome. She came to DSB from Colorado requesting assistance to help her find work as a social worker (she has a master’s degree). She was motivated and eager to partner with the agency right away. When Gil was about to refer her to a CRP, this customer found work on her own but still wanted DSB to help her address her work accommodation needs. Both the VRS and AT Specialist conducted their own assessments including having the AT Specialist meet with the customer at her new job site for additional job site evaluation. Gil then submitted a letter of recommendation to her employer, whom without hesitation went ahead and purchased the items for this customer. In addition, DSB also approved her request to attend the WCB convention, provided her with a number of low vision aids and regularly checked in with to answer questions and get updates on her job.
Customer Success on Many Levels
Sandra, Vision Rehab Specialist in Seattle, worked with a customer who came to DSB with congenital vision loss. She was new to this country and had no adaptive skills to blindness. She started her vocational rehabilitation journey by attending the Orientation and Training Center and attending English classes with DSB’s support. With her new blindness skills she felt confident enough to start working towards getting her GED and American Citizenship. She continued to access O&M and AT training throughout her journey. After completing her GED she started at a community college and transferred to one of the University of Washington schools. She moved out from her family’s home to be closer to campus and successfully lived on her own for the first time in her life. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in social work. She worked closely with her counselor and CRP services to create her resume and practice interviewing for jobs. Shortly after, she was offered a social work position with a well-known agency. DSB provided worksite evaluations and collaborated with her employer. After her accommodations were in place, she was able to close her case with DSB.
Getting Back to Running
Maureen, Vision Rehab Specialist in Seattle, worked with a young woman in her 20s that was self-conscious about her condition and resisted using the cane. She wouldn’t go out at night, stopped going anywhere alone, and relied on co-workers to help her when they had to go to out of state travel. Maureen worked with her on O&M but they also spent a lot of time talking about the above challenges. Recently she got back to Maureen because she has someone at her work made a documentary featuring her. She found an individual to act as a sighted running guide and was able to start running again, even going to a running camp. It was so impactful that she gave the green light to be featured in this documentary but has also started her own support group for runners!
From the customer:
"Aw thank you Maureen! I am so glad you enjoyed it. There was definitely a bit of shame that I felt, especially in the workplace but after going to this camp I have a newfound sense of pride. and you were a big part of that!! hope you know how impactful your job is."
Return to Independent Travel
Christy, VRC in Seattle, received the following from one of her customers:
“Over the last year, the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind has played a massive role in helping me maintain my job after my stroke and subsequent visual field loss. Their orientation and mobility training taught me many skills to navigate my surroundings confidently. Additionally, they assisted me with configuring my computer with accessibility features such as VoiceOver that aid in productivity in my software engineering role, helping me perform similarly to pre-stroke levels. I occasionally travel for work and now feel comfortable and capable of navigating independently to reach my destinations. I am deeply grateful for the support I have received from DSB, which has helped me adapt and thrive professionally.”
Education Goals Achieved
Another of Christy’s customers wrote:
"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the invaluable support I received from the Department of Services for the Blind from 2018 to 2023. Your assistance in providing equipment and helping with a portion of my school tuition played a crucial role in my success in completing my education. I was able to finish my studies and pursue my goals, and I truly appreciate all the resources you provided."
Agency Communications Report
Brand and Website Rebrand Project
Projects to make updates and tweaks to the rebranded website that launched in September 2024. Submit feedback on the website at webmaster@dsb.wa.gov.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Worked with Department of Social and Health Services' Developmental Disabilities Administration, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Economic Services Administration, Washington State Rehabilitation Council and Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, Washington State Independent Living Council, and Client Assistance Program to create a Proclamation signed by Governor Inslee; promoted scheduled job fairs and events; managed more than 20 social media posts of NDEAM -related content and themes.
Online Analytics
Website Analytics Overview
| Metric | Definition | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Users | Number of unique individuals who visited the site | 9,078 | +621 |
| New Users | Individuals visiting site for the first time | 5,316 | -2,652 |
| Page Views | Number of pages looked at | 17,756 | -10,063 |
Channels
How people found the website.
| Type | Definition | Users | Percent | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Search | Used Google, Bing, or another search engine to find the site. | 4,814 | 53.0% | +462 |
| Direct | Typed in the URL. | 3,411 | 37.6% | -251 |
| Referral | Clicked a link on a different website. | 568 | 6.3% | +240 |
| Organic Social | Clicked on non-ad links on social sites like Facebook or Twitter. | 257 | 2.8% | +403 |
| Followed link included in an email message. | 0 | 0% | 0 | |
| Unassigned | Google Analytics unable to confirm source. | 28 | <0.1% | +26 |
Technology
The type of device used to view the website (per session).
| Technology Used | Users | Percent | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop | 3,850 | 66.9% | -1,523 |
| Mobile Phone | 1,823 | 31.7% | -1,117 |
| Tablet | 78 | 1.4% | -47 |
| Smart TV | 2 | <0.1% | +2 |
Top Web Pages
| Rank | Page | Views | Rank Last Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Home | 4,609 | 1 |
| 2 | Request services | 1,251 | 4 |
| 3 | Learn about our services | 842 | 8 |
| 4 | Page not found | 793 | NA |
| 5 | Careers | 772 | 11 |
| 6 | Contact us | 655 | 7 |
| 7 | Independent Living | 497 | 3 |
| 8 | Events | 486 | 6 |
| 9 | About us | 439 | NA |
| 10 | General resources | 320 | NA |
Referrals and Requests
Online requests for more information
| Requesting information for: | Users | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Myself | 61 | +52 |
| A friend or loved one | 45 | +32 |
| A patient, client, or staff member | 94 | +77 |
Analytics
Top Five Facebook Posts
| Post/Content | Date | Reach |
|---|---|---|
| Job Fair Announcement | October 11 | 773 |
| WE’RE HIRING! Program Specialist 5 (Business Relations Specialist) | November 5 | 411 |
| Do you want to join an agency… (Multiple positions available) |
November 7 | 350 |
| Do you want to join an agency… (Multiple positions available) |
November 14 | 288 |
| Michael MacKillop and Governor Inslee photo | December 16 | 224 |
Analytics
| Metric | Definition | Users | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Followers | The number of people/pages that follow the page | 520 | 35 |
| Impressions (organic) |
Number of views when an update is at least 50% on screen or when it is clicked, whichever comes first. | 5,097 | +775 |
| Impressions (sponsored) |
FOR PAID POSTINGS ONLY. Number of views when an update is at least 50% on screen or when it is clicked, whichever comes first. | 0 | 0 |
Top Five LinkedIn Posts – Organic
| Topic | Date | Impressions |
|---|---|---|
| Michael MacKillop and Governor Inslee photo | December 16 | 717 |
| Orientation and Mobility Specialist / Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Senior (In-Training) Position announcement | November 14 | 384 |
| Do you want to join an agency… (Multiple positions available) |
December 4 | 299 |
| We’re hiring a DEI and Training Program Manager | November 14 | 271 |
| Washington Transition Partnership | December 19 | 261 |
Sponsored LinkedIn Posts
| Topic | Date | Impressions |
|---|---|---|
| No sponsored posts this quarter. |
Communications Events / Meetings / Trainings
- State Agency Communications Directors Meetings
Bi-weekly, Virtual - Washington State Accessibility Community of Practice
Monthly, Virtual - HKNC Training
Virtual - Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation Conference
October 21 – 23
Seattle, WA - National Council of State Agencies for the Blind Conferences
October 23 – 25
Seattle, WA - Washington Council of the Blind Conference
October 24 – 25
SeaTac, WA - Inslee Administration Communications Directors Farewell Meeting
December 6
Olympia, WA
Financial Report
2025 State Fiscal Year – Review through December 31, 2024 (in thousands)
| Source | Allotment Authority | Expenditures | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Fund – State | $5,430 | $1,181 | $4,249 |
| General Fund – Federal | $16,520 | $10,341 | $6,179 |
| Donations | $34 | $0 | $34 |
| BEP Remodel | $3,372 | $527 | $2,845 |
| BEP Operations (Allotment authority represents estimated revenue & GFS) | $1,110 | $280 | $830 |
| State Funds for Birth – 13 Program | $201 | $78 | $123 |
| State Funds for IL Program | $367 | $0 | $367 |
| Total | $27,034 | $12,407 | $14,627 |
2025 State Fiscal Year – Federal Grant Funds through December 31, 2024 (in thousands)
| Grant | Grant Funds | SFY 24 Federal Expenditures | SFY 25 Federal Expenditures | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Voc Rehab Basic Services | $13,167 | $11,974 | $1,193 | $0 |
| 2024 Voc Rehab Basic Services | $12,438 | $182 | $8,556 | $3,700 |
| 2025 Voc Rehab Basic Services | $5,775 | $0 | $0 | $5,775 |
| 2024 IL Older Blind | $676 | $0 | $456 | $220 |
| 2025 IL Older Blind | $305 | $0 | $0 | $305 |
| Total | $32,361 | $12,156 | $10,205 | $10,000 |
2025 State Fiscal Year – Total Expenditures by Program Through December 31, 2024 (in thousands)
| Program | Grant Funds Expended | State Funds Expended | Other Funds Expended | Total Funds Expended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voc. Rehab Services Adult | $8,674 | $962 | $0 | $9,636 |
| Voc. Rehab Pre-ETS | $1,075 | $0 | $0 | $1,075 |
| Independent Living Part B | 0 | $49 | $0 | $49 |
| IL Older Blind | $456 | $75 | $0 | $531 |
| Birth – 13 Program | $0 | $78 | $0 | $78 |
| State Only Funds for Non-Allowable Grant Charges | $0 | $114 | $0 | $114 |
| Business Enterprise Program | $0 | $527 | $279 | $806 |
| Social Security - Program Income | $136 | 0 | 0 | $136 |
| Total | $10,341 | $1,805 | $279 | $14,425 |
Spending Targets for Pre-Employment Transition Services Set Aside - Expenditures through December 31, 2024 (in Thousands)
| Federal Grant | Grant Amount | Pre-ETS Set Aside | Pre-ETS Set Aside Expended | Unspent Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FFY2023 (ends 09-30-24) |
$13,167 | $1,975 | $1,561 | $414 |
| FFY2024 (ends 09-30-25) |
$12,438 | $1,866 | $1,071 | $795 |
| FFY2025 (ends 09-30-26) |
$5,775 | $866 | $0 | $866 |
What’s happening in the world of Finance?
- The Pre-ETS requirement is tracked at the state level to include DSB and DSHS/DVR’s expenditures. At the state level, the 15% requirement is met as DSHS/DVR exceeded their 15% set aside for FFY 2023. DSB will not revert unspent Pre-ETS dollars of approximately $414,000 but instead those dollars became available for the adult population.
- Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Reallotment funds were received in the amount of $1 million.
Human Resources Update
New Hires
| Personnel | Job Title | Team | Duty Station | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashley Douthett | Business Relations Specialist | Business Relations | Seattle | 1/1/2025 |
| Kelsi Phares | VRC Intake Specialist | VR | Seattle | 2/3/2025 |