Quarterly Reports are presented to the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind during their quarterly meetings.
Quarterly Report, FFY 2023, 4rd Quarter
July - September 2023
Presented to the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
December 8, 2023
CONTENTS
- Independent Living Blind Skills Services
- Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
- Customer Services
- Orientation and Training Center Highlights
- Regional VR Highlights
- Agency Communications Report
- Financial Report
- Human Resources Update
INDEPENDENT LIVING BLIND SKILLS SERVICES
PARTICIPANTS SERVED (FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR (FFY) 2023)
| Program | FFY 2023 |
|---|---|
| Adults under 55 | 82 participants exited |
| Adults age 55+ | 720 participants exited |
| Total Participants during FFY 2023 | 802 participants exited |
CUSTOMER AND CASE TRENDS (FFY 2022 versus FFY 2023)
| Trend | FFY 2022 Exited Participants Only |
FFY 2023 Exited Participants Only |
|---|---|---|
| All exited participants | 693 | 802 (16% increase) |
| Participants under age 24 | 2 | 0 |
| Participants over age 100 | 2 | 5 |
| Participants who identify as a minority | 14% | 13% |
| Homeless Participants | 2 | 7 |
| Participants who have multiple disabilities | 35% | 35% |
| Participants with incomes $30,000 or less | 66% | 56% |
| Cost per case average | $750 | $715 |
FFY 2023 PRELIMINARY OUTCOMES
Most popular Assistive Technology categories of devices provided:
- Handheld magnifiers
- Writing guides and/or pens
- Large print address books, calendars, notepads, and other paper products
- Glare filter sunglasses
- Stand magnifiers
**In addition, 87 participants received cell phone and tablet app demonstrations to see if a cell phone or tablet and apps for people with vision loss or blindness would be beneficial.
Participants who feel more independent and more confident in maintaining their current living situation:
Out of the 710 participants with successfully closed cased in FFY 2023, 664 or 94% reported being more confident in their current living situation and that their independent living skills have improved.
Counties without customers served
Columbia, Pend Oreille, and Wahkiakum.
SAMANTHA'S SUCCESS STORY
Samantha, a 57-year-old woman in Snohomish County, was no stranger to Independent Living (IL) Blind Services when she reached out for help in July of 2023. Samantha was diagnosed with macular degeneration when she was 16 and has been steadily losing her vision. When Samantha originally signed up for IL Services in 2021, she had no remaining vision in her right eye and had difficulty reading with her left. At the time, she felt ready to start using a white cane in her day-to-day life and wanted help with developing orientation and mobility skills.
Together with her IL provider, they got Samantha the right cane and worked on getting her comfortable with the grip, walking in step, identifying traffic and crosswalks, and walking up and down steps safely. Over the same year, Samantha reached out to her IL provider a few times as new goals came up in her daily life. Her IL provider opened new, shorter cases to help Samantha tackle tasks like using a tablet as a magnifier to fill her insulin pump, managing her type one diabetes, and using accessibility features on her cellphone.
When Samantha found herself hospitalized due to diabetes complications in 2023, her IL provider was one of her first calls. Because of Samantha’s changing vision, she had been unable to use her previous magnifier to correctly fill her insulin pump, count her carbs, or read her glucose levels. When her IL provider brought a new handheld magnifier with greater magnification to her hospital room, Samantha could once again manage her glucose levels independently. This allowed her to be discharged from the hospital and return home. Despite any changes that occur in Samantha’s life, she knows that she can rely on Independent Living Blind Services to be there for support.
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM (BEP)
FACILITIES UPDATE
BEP continues to shift its focus and rethink how we deliver and manage the program. Some sites are open, some are on hold, and some are being rebuilt. The hybrid work culture is impacting everything we do, and is here to stay. Therefore, all focus is on pivoting the business model to smaller operations, micro markets, and consolidated cafés.
Our focus over the past few months was completely rebuilding two kitchens simultaneously, finalizing and building two micro markets, purchasing equipment, and creating owner readiness for opening by end of September, along with many other details managed by the team. The impossible was realized and we opened micro markets with final touches on cafes in early October. (sneak peek for next report)
Our project management firm Integrated Solutions Group kept guiding the workload and keeping all the parts on track. Our consultant Dana Whitford has been an invaluable resource during the process, holding sessions with DSB steering committee regularly, attending construction meetings weekly, and providing reports to various stakeholders as well.
During the period, BEP team started holding meetings with vendors to review their procedures, a topic that had not been discussed for many years. We all felt with changing times that this review was critical to our work in the days ahead. We read all of them and adjusted six to send forth to Director MacKillop with the remaining 15 by year end. Very proud of the subcommittee who did the work.
Planning for a robust All State began and has shaped up nicely as well. Onsite for a day and half for the first time in three years and extremely hands on was our focus. Five outside business entities have been invited to showcase their strengths and adaptations relevant to BEP’s future.
TRAINING AND POTENTIAL NEW VENDOR UPDATE
We still want to re-work the training program to match some of the goals of the rebuild and create a better VR process. There is much work to do in the coming year. For now, we have a training chef on contract to help immediate needs while we seek long-term specialists. Jim continues to collaborate with his peers across the industry to seek additional resources.
STAFF UPDATE
The BEP team is very busy and operating as a high-performance team. Most days find us running around Olympia with contractors and assisting business operators via phone or text. It almost seems a new normal is here or we are finding our stride again. Hundreds of hours are being crammed into short work weeks to rebuild and define who we are. The light is shining bright again and it’s exciting to watch.
CUSTOMER SERVICES
SNAPSHOT OF PERFORMANCE COMPARISON: [Q4 FFY22 VS Q4 FFY23]
- New VR Applications [314 vs 317]
- VR Participants Receiving Planned Services [1,088 vs 1,117]
- Students with a Disability served [368 vs 223]
- Competitive Employment Outcomes [87 vs 104]
- Average Hourly Wage FFY23 Q2 [$29.17 vs $37.66]
- Year-to-date [$23.39 vs $30.35]
EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES
Successful placements made this quarter:
| Job Title | Employer | County / Region |
|---|---|---|
| Community and Social Services Specialists, All Other |
Northwest Center | East / Spokane |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Expeditors International | North / King |
| Human Resources Specialists | Security Solutions NW | North / Whatcom |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary |
Tumwater School District | North / Thurston |
| Customer Service Representatives | Slice of Heaven | North / Whatcom |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | Outsiders Inn | South / Clark |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive |
Skagit River System Cooperative | North / Skagit |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education |
Ocean Beach School District | South / Pacific |
| Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers |
Whatcom County Superior Court |
North / Whatcom |
| Education Administrators, Preschool and Childcare Center / Program |
North / Whatcom | |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | Self-employed | North / Snohomish |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other |
Open Doors | North / King |
| Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education |
Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) |
South / Clark |
| Special Education Teachers, Elementary School | Tahoma School District | North / King |
| Financial Managers | PeaceHealth | South / Clark |
| Software Developers | Apple | South / Kitsap |
| Retail Salespersons | Lowe's Home Improvement | North / King |
| Electricians | Port of Grays Harbor | South / Grays Harbor |
| Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other |
Barghausen Consulting Engineers, Inc. | South / Thurston |
| Agricultural Engineers | Whatcom County Planning and Development Services |
North / Whatcom |
| Special Education Teachers, Elementary School | Camp Fire USA - NCW Council | East / Chelan |
| Accountants and Auditor | Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) |
North / King |
| Occupational Therapists | Legacy IL Services | East / Franklin |
| Insurance Sales Agents | American Income Life Insurance Company |
North / King |
| Clergy | Legacy Health System | South / Clark |
| Interpreters and Translators | Yakama School District | East / Yakama |
Age ranges
- Percentage of participants age 55 and older who exited with employment outcome: 22%
- Eldest with employment outcome:
Age 66 – Software Developer - Youngest with employment outcome:
Age 22 – Customer Service Representative
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING CENTER HIGHLIGHTS
PROGRESS TOWARDS STRATEGIC INITIATIVE 1 – TELLING THE DSB STORY
OTC SPOTLIGHT ON RUTH BARTON
Ruth’s Show Must Go On!
Life, they say, is often a grand production with its own acts, twists, and unexpected turns. In the world of theater, this sentiment rings especially true for the remarkable Ruth Barton. Ruth's life began as a simple adventure, a narrative filled with the essence of comedy, love, and the poignant reality of human experience. But in another act of her life, the unexpected curtain fell with a battle against cancer, followed by a diagnosis of legal blindness. These challenges could have rewritten her story, turning her once joyful adventure into a tragedy. However, like a true theater professional, Ruth embodied the age-old adage, “The show must go on.” This spotlight article serves as a heartfelt tribute to Ruth's indomitable spirit, celebrating her inspiring journey after facing blindness, and shedding light on the unwavering performance that continues to illuminate the stage of her life, enchanting all who have the privilege to bear witness to her resilience.
Born into a life steeped in the magic of the stage, Ruth Barton's passion for theater was more than a mere choice; it was in her very DNA. In a whimsical twist of fate, Ruth fondly recalls her inaugural performance taking place before she even made her official debut in the world. Her mother, an accomplished actor, had a role playing a pregnant woman while carrying Ruth. However, as a premature baby, Ruth was very tiny, and her presence failed to make her mother appear convincingly pregnant. This delightful mishap led to her mother comically wearing a pillow to enhance the illusion. Ruth often jokes, “I did my first show behind a pillow, in utero, and I think that is probably why I spent the rest of my career backstage. I did not want to be exposed to the lights or the audience directly.”
While her mother's love for the limelight cast a long and luminous shadow, Ruth discovered her true calling “behind the scenes”. From the delicate choreography of lighting and sound to the masterful art of constructing sets, she penned her own narrative through the canvas of theater production.
Ruth's sense of being unique, and at times, even peculiar, was a constant presence in her life. While she often embraced her individuality, she was acutely aware that her differences sometimes made her stand out, a situation she preferred to avoid as someone who thrived in the background rather than in the spotlight.
Her school years in a small and close-knit community were no exception. Ruth's distinctive background frequently caused her to stand out. One vivid childhood memory she shared was being the sole Jewish student in her class. In these moments, she found herself in the spotlight, having to step forward and sing a Hanukkah song by herself while her classmates joyfully sang Christmas carols. These experiences reinforced her sense of being different and the desire to remain behind the scenes, orchestrating the magic rather than being its central character.
High school became a turning point in Ruth's life, where her journey took an exciting and transformative direction. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for the theater world. Joining the drama club opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for her, and she soon found her niche in stage management and set construction.
With a warm smile, she reminisced about her initial foray into lighting, a humble beginning that involved little more than flipping the fluorescent light switch at the start of a play and then switching it off at the end. Ruth often amused her students with this story, as she humorously pointed out that she had once won lighting design awards with such basic equipment and knowledge. She wanted to inspire them, encouraging them to imagine the creative possibilities that lay ahead with access to more advanced technology and theatrical know-how.
Ruth attended the University of Colorado, where she studied Technical Theater and Theater Administration, which laid the foundation for a remarkable career.
In 1979, she received an invitation that would mark a significant chapter in her life. Ruth was asked to assist with the transformation of a mortuary in Seattle into a theater. This mortuary, once known as the Mannings mortuary, underwent a metamorphosis, first serving as the home of the Conservatory Theater Company for several years. Later, it became the New City Theater before ultimately being rebuilt into what is now recognized as the Hugo House.
Ruth's Seattle career truly began when she decided to stay on after the renovation. As the production stage manager, she became the behind-the-scenes maestro responsible for nearly everything it took to bring a play to life, except stepping onto the stage herself.
After her initial years at the Hugo House, exciting opportunities began to emerge for Ruth. She found herself deeply immersed in the Seattle Intiman Theater, a place where she would make a substantial mark on her career. Simultaneously, her reputation as a skilled lighting designer grew, and she began to freelance as a lighting designer, catering to the needs of various productions both in Seattle and across the nation. Ruth's talents were becoming widely recognized, allowing her to play a vital role in the creative tapestry of theater.
Ruth's journey took another intriguing turn as she transitioned from her freelancing career. The promise of a more stable income drew her to the world of educational theater, specifically at Eastlake High School, in the Lake Washington school district. Eastlake was a significant milestone for the district, being their very first theater facility.
Embracing this new opportunity, she assumed the role of tech director, helping oversee the operations of the theater and its facility management. Her dedication to Eastlake High School continued for approximately six years, during which time she played a pivotal role in nurturing the theater program.
However, life had more surprises in store for Ruth. A desire for financial stability and the realization that many around her in the computing industry were earning significantly more than she was led her to make a bold decision. She decided to return to school to pursue a degree in computing. While in the computer industry, she explored various roles but found herself disenchanted with the profession after six to eight months. As she humorously reflected, "Computer nerds are very different from theater nerds."
Ruth's heart and passion belonged to the world of theater, and she knew she needed to find her way back. For the past thirty years, her role at Redmond High School was a source of immense joy. There, she thrived as the theater manager and teacher, imparting the secrets of theater magic to students. At Redmond High, they didn't just dabble in theater; they did it all, and Ruth's guidance and passion were instrumental in making it happen.
For fourteen years, while at Redmond High, Ruth had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptionally talented drama teacher. Together, they set high professional standards, fostering an environment where passion and dedication to the craft thrived. This drama teacher not only inspired their students but also remained an active performer in the local community, setting a shining example of a lifelong commitment to the art.
The partnership between this drama teacher and Ruth was built on a foundation of teamwork and trust. Their shared vision and complementary skills created an atmosphere of creativity and excellence, making every day at work a joyful experience for Ruth. She relished the challenges and the sense of fulfillment that her role at Redmond High brought her.
When the drama teacher left, change came for Ruth.
Life can be filled with unexpected challenges, even for the most resilient individuals, and Ruth was no exception. After successfully navigating her initial battle with endometrial cancer through surgery, she returned to work, steadfast in her dedication to the world of theater.
However, life had further tests in store. A tumor the size of a baseball was discovered within her, demanding chemotherapy as the next step. The situation took a darker turn as she grappled with deteriorating vision during her evening commute from work, rendering her car mirrors and much of the road invisible. The overwhelming fear and vulnerability she experienced on that drive were repeated the following day, compelling her to make a difficult decision. Parking her car near a friend's house, she entrusted her keys to a friend, recognizing that she could no longer drive safely. This moment marked a significant turning point in her life.
Determined to address her vision loss, a friend accompanied Ruth to an eye specialist who initially questioned the legitimacy of her concerns, suspecting it might be hysteria or stress. Dissatisfied with this response, Ruth sought a second opinion at the Harborview Vision Clinic. There, she received a different diagnosis: due to her cancer, her white blood cells had begun attacking her retinas, resulting in significant vision loss. With uncertainty looming over the stability and future of her eyesight, Ruth was left with a multitude of questions and a sense of desolation. Her world, heavily reliant on visual elements, seemed to be slipping away. In her own words, she reflected, "What I felt wasn't panic or desperation, it was more like desolation. What would I do now?"
Ruth had no idea how to proceed or where she could get information about obtaining training in the skills of blindness. She wondered if she’d ever be able to go back to doing many of the things that made up her life. She knew there had to be something, and after some research, she talked to a counselor from DSB named Kenneth Sanchez, who ultimately directed her to the Orientation and Training Center, with Jim Portillo being the first person with whom she spoke.
Reflecting on that initial conversation, Ruth shared, "After that, I felt like there was potential to regain my life, even if I couldn't regain my vision." It was Jim who became the first blind person Ruth had ever conversed with, who candidly discussed the possibility of living a "normal" life despite blindness. This revelation filled her with hope, and she recognized that the OTC was the place where she could acquire the training she needed and meet positive blind role models. Suddenly, Ruth no longer felt alone, realizing that her experience was not as unique as she had believed. She looked forward to joining a community of other blind people, all working to rebuild their lives on their own terms.
Ruth came to the OTC in November of 2022, and she wholeheartedly embraced her training, deeply appreciating the unwavering support and guidance provided by her instructors. They not only empathized with the challenges she faced but also pushed her to reach new heights.
Donna Lawrence's encouragement assured Ruth that her culinary creativity could shine once more. Carrie Lampel's guidance offered the promise of a world of books beyond door signs and elevator buttons, once Ruth mastered Braille. With Miranda McPherson's expertise, Ruth learned to operate her computer using both magnification and speech software. Jim played a pivotal role in reshaping Ruth's perspective on blindness, always challenging her in a positive manner.
After several lessons with Robin Loen, Ruth gained the confidence to navigate her surroundings with a white cane. This newfound confidence enabled her to embark on a significant journey to Australia, where she attended a festival and helped plan her brother's wedding. This trip also served as her capstone project, allowing her to put all the skills she had acquired at the OTC into practice in real-life situations. Although Ruth had her share of struggles and challenges, the hope and confidence she obtained, along with the camaraderie with her peers overpowered everything else.
During her time at the OTC, Ruth recognized the need to plan for her next chapter, and it was clear that her heart belonged to the world of theater. She yearned to continue being a part of the storytelling process that fueled her passion.
As she pondered her future role in the theater, Ruth contemplated the idea of stepping into the director's shoes. With questions about how much she could contribute given her vision, she reached out to various individuals, including the drama teacher with whom she used to work. This drama teacher offered Ruth the opportunity to intern as an assistant director for an upcoming play at the Renton Civic Theatre, a production of Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite."
As Ruth dives into her role as the assistant director, she's encountered unique challenges and differences in her approach due to her changed vision. However, she approaches the experience with boundless enthusiasm and an unwavering commitment to overcoming these visual challenges. She joyfully shared, "If I can add 'Assistant Director' to my resume for a few shows, maybe someone will consider giving me a chance as the main director someday."
Ruth's determination and passion for life continue to shine brightly, inspiring her journey toward new horizons in the world of theater and storytelling. What better story to tell than one of triumph and determination? Ruth is presenting a one woman show, making the magic happen both behind the scenes and as the show’s protagonist.
PROGRESS TOWARDS STRATEGIC INITIATIVE 2 – DSB EXPERTISE
OTC staff are always looking for opportunities to improve the program along with their knowledge and skills. In September, Ron Jasmer and Alice Klein attended the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, National Employment Team Summit (CSAVR NET Summit). The DSB attendees represented Washington state at this national summit. We collaborated with our counterparts from all over the country to share ideas and improve our service to not only our clients but our business partners as well.
Ron Jasmer, OTC Manager, also recently completed two courses, one being “Motivational Interviewing” and the other being “Leading Others”. He will also complete “Emerging Leaders” at the beginning of November.
Several events were planned for the student as Life In Action days, including attending the state fair, Tandem Bicycling, and Self Defense. Students are learning to apply their skills in several different settings and events.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS STATEWIDE
PATHWAYS JOB EXPLORATION
In April, Pre-ETS completed the Pathways Job Exploration series which focused on career sector job panels of individuals with lived experience who could share their journey to the job, their barriers to success, and to provide mentorship to students from across the state in their specific field of expertise. They also discussed the technology that they use, and shared job readiness skills that the youth may benefit from early on as they explore their career goals. The students had an opportunity to ask questions and engage with the panelists over their achievements and struggles to be successful. Career sectors included Writing, Transportation, Accessibility and Mental Health. This program will be picked up soon with the start of the new year and some great new career sectors to explore.
PRE-ETS TEAM TRAINING
Over the last 12+ months, the Pre-ETS program has been receiving consistent and comprehensive technical guidance from our federal partners. NTACTC: The Collaborative, is a group dedicated to providing information and guidance through the evolving landscape of providing direct and indirect services to VR participants. The entire Pre-ETS team traveled to North Carolina in May of 2023 to attend the Capacity Building Institute. This was a multi-day training dedicated to receiving more support as a team in learning about the changes we must make as a program. It also gave us an opportunity to collaborate with other states to make connections and see what successes and barriers are present across the country when providing Pre-ETS. The team learned much and grew even more as a team, and we have already capitalized on this opportunity through program tweaks and adding resources to the program to reach more students and families.
NEW PRE-ETS CONTRACTORS ADDED
Several new contractors were added during this period which includes a new partner in providing classes in self-defense, a new partner to head the college readiness and training program known as the 3T Academy, a new provider of mental health services, and a new partner which provides mentorship through job exploration, work readiness training and in promoting self-advocacy. The Pre-ETS team have already tapped into these new partnerships and are happy to report that students and families are very excited for these new opportunities in new content areas.
GUIDE DOGS PRESENTATION
Pre-ETS had a successful workshop in partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind. Community Outreach Specialist, Jake Koch, came out to present to a group of 15 people at the Edith Bishel center in Kennewick, WA. Families and VR participants as well as some Potentially Eligible Individuals (PEI) came to hear about what it takes to have a service animal, the appropriate steps to go through the process, and saw a demonstration on how service animals work and the do’s and don’ts when they are in service.
PRE-ETS OUTREACH
Leading up to the end of the school year, the team participated in several school outreach events across the state. Yakima presented to Yakima Schools in an outreach event that included a presentation of Pre-ETS services to teachers, parents, and administrators. As a result, two new PEIs were recruited into DSB services. The presentation focused on VR participation and attending Pre-ETS workshops that are happening virtually and in person this summer. The team also hosted an information table at the Annual WSSB Track Meet to engage with current participants and families as well as to attract new students.
YES 2 PROGRAM IN SEATTLE
In June, the Pre-ETS annual legacy summer programs kicked off with the YES 2 program in Seattle. The team was excited to continue to engage with 23+ students through work-based learning experiences. These take place in the environment of living independently and strengthening work readiness skills and advocacy skills to prepare students for the next step in their job search efforts.
NATIONAL ACB CONVENTION IN CHICAGO
The Pre-ETS program continued its commitment to introducing youth and families to the consumer groups within the state and at the national level by traveling to Chicago, IL with three families and Pre-ETS staff to the American Council of the Blind (ACB) National convention. Families were introduced to the supports available to them at the national level and back home in the state of Washington. Students had a chance to engage with several youth divisions at the convention, and made peer connections in several conference sessions. Students and families received mentorship throughout the workshop from Pre-ETS staff and contractors to develop their own toolkits with the content and resources picked up at the conference. The families know they have allies at DSB and now they also know of their allies with the major consumer groups. Next year, the team looks to attend the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) National conference in Orlando with families to continue this commitment to these great resources.
YES 1 PROGRAM IN VANCOUVER AT WSSB
July also saw the kick off the YES 1 program for Pre-ETS participants down at the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB). DSB and WSSB continue to work together to bring content and activities to students who are taking their first steps into the world of employment, education, and training. The YES 1 program is a 10 day residential program designed to introduce students to these new skills, and to also build independent living skills away from their home environments. The 17 students who attended the program built peer connections with others and created life-long relationships from these opportunities and workshops. Students attending YES 1 are looking to progress to YES 2 and the other Pre-ETS programs as they explore and begin their journey to the job.
BRIDGE PROGRAM IN CHENEY AT EWU
July was a busy month for Pre-ETS! The team launched the college readiness in-person experience at Eastern Washington University (EWU) with the start of the summer Bridge program and the six students who signed up to attend. The Bridge program brings students from across the state to EWU for a two week on-campus college readiness experience which outlines the best practices and things that a student should know when attending college and also taking part in campus life. The Bridge program covers instruction in advocacy for disability services and accommodations, as well as how to successfully communicate needs to staff and those supporting students. New to the program this year was an added in-person experience at the Spokane Falls Community College. It is recognized that not all students will start out on a university campus, and the team must continue to bring other education and training locations and opportunities to students. The two year community college route can have several differences for students, and it was important to build on top of the great opportunity already provided at the university level. Starting in September 2023, the Bridge program will be rebranded and augmented to a full, year-round experience known as the 3T Academy. In the 3T Academy, students can Transform, Transition, and Thrive with their new tools for college and post-secondary training.
PERSONAL STORY FROM BRIDGE
Taurus Richardson, VRC in Spokane, has a participant, CM, who applied for one of the Pre-ETS summer programs and was offered a position working as a mentor for the Bridge Program at EWU. She reported that the Bridge Program was a wonderful experience! CM truly feels that this program helped with building her skills toward becoming a Special Education Teacher. Through the Bridge program CM has learned how to advocate for herself and others. She has also gained experience writing notes and reports for each participant; this is like the skills that she will utilize when writing the Present Levels of Performance in student IEPs. CM’s main duties as a Bridge mentor included setting a positive example of independent living, contributing to the discussions about being a responsible college student, writing notes and reports, and being available to solve and/or mediate after conflicts in the dorm. She is very appreciative and thankful to have had this opportunity to learn and expand her leadership skills as a mentor for the Bridge Program.
NEW LIFTT BUILDING IN VANCOUVER
In September, the beautiful new building for housing participants of the WSSB-hosted Living Independent For Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT) program, and the DSB Field office, will open on the campus of WSSB. The Pre-ETS team is very excited for the program participants that they support in attending LIFTT, and also think that students and families will enjoy the new DSB office for meetings and activities. The team thanks WSSB for their vision and care in bringing this crafted space for participants, families, and staff to life.
AGENCY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT
PROGRESS TOWARDS STRATEGIC INITIATIVE #2.1 ENHANCE AGENCY CAPACITY AND CORE COMPETENCIES
Data Governance Team
- Developed training and communications to inform staff on improving the Agency’s Records Retention efforts at the April All-Staff meeting.
Leadership Team
- Monthly meetings, trainings, and discussions.
ReVision VR Discussion Workgroup
- Monthly meetings, discussions to update processes.
PROGRESS TOWARDS STRATEGIC INITIATIVE #2.2 ENHANCE RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND SUCCESSION
Communications Office Knowledge Transfer
- Ongoing updates to Communications “How-To” Desk Manual to share and preserve knowledge of office duties and activities.
- Working with HR staff to rewrite DSB position announcements to increase appeal and click-through on non-governmental job boards and social media
ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS
Website Analytics Overview
Website use overview:
| Metric | Definition | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Users | Number of unique individuals who visited the site | 6,056 | +354 |
| New Users | Individuals visiting the site for the first time | 5,782 | +395 |
| Sessions | Number of times a user is active engaged with the website. | 7,993 | +517 |
| Page Views | Number of pages looked at | 16,980 | +139 |
Channels
How people found the website:
| Type | Definition | Users | Percent | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Search | Used Google, Bing, or another search engine to find the site. | 3,509 | 56.8% | -31 |
| Direct | Typed in the URL. | 2,314 | 37.5% | +349 |
| Referral | Clicked a link on a different website. | 216 | 3.5% | +2 |
| Social | Clicked on a link from a social media platform. | 138 | 2.2% | +48 |
| Clicked on a link embedded in an email message. | 0 | 0% | -1 |
Technology
Type of device used to view the website (per session):
| Technology Used | Users | Percent | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop | 3,935 | 64.97% | +300 |
| Mobile Phone | 2,039 | 33.66% | +117 |
| Tablet | 83 | 1.37% | -16 |
Online Referral Forms
| Type | Users | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Self-referrals | 109 | -14 |
| Physician referrals | 33 | -7 |
Analytics
| Metric | Definition | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Followers | The number of people/pages that follow the page | 554 | +27 |
| Total Reach | The number of people who had any content from or about the page enter their screen through unpaid distribution |
1,138 | -914 |
Top Five Facebook Posts
| Topic | Date | Reach |
|---|---|---|
| We're Hiring! (Multiple Positions) Are you passionate about helping people with visual disabilities gain the skills and training needed to have successful careers? |
July 7 | 261 |
| WE'RE HIRING! Rehabilitation Technician 2 (In-Training) - Yakima |
August 31 | 218 |
| We're Hiring! (Multiple Positions) Are you passionate about helping people with visual disabilities gain the skills and training needed to have successful careers? |
July 26 | 206 |
| WE'RE HIRING! DSB is looking for the next East Regional Area Manager located in either the Spokane or Yakima Office. |
September 27 | 162 |
| Repost: Washington Vocational Services @ YES II |
July 27 | 142 |
Analytics
| Metric | Definition | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Followers | Number of people that follows the account | 362 | +32 |
| Impressions (organic) |
Number of views when an update is at least 50% on screen or when it is clicked, whichever comes first. |
872 | -421 |
| 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. |
58,275 | -6,650 |
Top Five LinkedIn Posts - Organic
| Topic | Date | Reach |
|---|---|---|
| DeafBlind Small Business Workshop with DSHS & SBLT | September 28 | 142 |
| nTIDE August 2023 Jobs Report: Record-breaking Employment Trend Continues for People with Disabilities |
September 5 | 83 |
| TOMMORROW! White House Forum on Disability Rights for the 50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 |
September 25 | 73 |
| How are you planning to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 33rd Anniversary? |
July 21 | 48 |
| nTIDE July 2023 Jobs Report: People with Disabilities Continue to Attain Employment at an All-time High Level |
August 8 | 47 |
Sponsored LinkedIn Posts
| Topic | Date | Reach |
|---|---|---|
| DSB East Regional Manager (Yakima or Spokane) | September 27 | 24,757 |
| Assistant Director, VR - Participant Services | July 20 | 21,909 |
| Are you passionate about helping people with visual disabilities gain the skills and training needed to have successful careers? Then DSB might have the opportunity you have been looking for. We're recruiting for multiple positions across the state |
July 7 | 17,018 |
OTHER COMMUNICATIONS EVENTS / MEETINGS / TRAININGS
- State Agency Communications Directors Meetings
Bi-weekly, Virtual - State Agency Social Media Collaborative
Monthly, Virtual - Hope Vision Foundation Resource Fair
- September 30, Lacey, WA
- Access Spokane Hiring Event
Weekly planning meetings, August 29 – September 26
FINANCIAL REPORT
Federal Fiscal Year Q4 2023, through September 30, 2023
2024 STATE FISCAL YEAR – REVIEW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 (IN THOUSANDS)
| Source | Allotment Authority |
Expenditures | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Fund - State | $ 5,124 | $ 76 | $ 5,048 |
| General Fund - Federal | $ 12,728 | $ 4,193 | $ 8,535 |
| Donations | $ 30 | $ 4 | $ 26 |
| BEP Remodel | $ 1,552 | $ 118 | $ 1,434 |
| BEP Operations * | $ 1,027 | $ 199 | $ 828 |
| Statewide Technology Pool | $ 526 | $ 34 | $ 492 |
| State Funds for Birth - 13 Program | $ 201 | $ 0 | $ 201 |
| State Funds for IL Program | $ 184 | $ 0 | $ 184 |
| Total | $ 21,372 | $ 4,624 | $ 16,748 |
* Allotment authority represents estimated revenue and GFS.
2024 STATE FISCAL YEAR – FEDERAL GRANT FUNDS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 (IN THOUSANDS)
| Grant | Grant Funds |
SFY 2020-2022 Federal Expenditures |
SFY 23 Federal Expenditures |
Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Voc. Rehab. Basic Services - $1.4 million is for Pre-ETS set aside |
$ 10,472 | $ 8,382 | $ 2,090 | $ 0 |
| 2023 Voc. Rehab. Basic Services - $1.9 million is for Pre-ETS set aside |
$ 13,167 | $ 0 | $ 2,088 | $ 11,079 |
| 2023 Supported Employment (Youth and Adult) |
< $ 1 | < $ 1 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| 2022 IL Older Blind | $ 677 | $ 677 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| 2023 IL Older Blind | $ 674 | $ 106 | $ 254 | $ 314 |
| Total | $ 24,990 | $ 9,165 | $ 4,432 | $ 11,393 |
2024 STATE FISCAL YEAR – TOTAL EXPENDITURES BY PROGRAM THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 (IN THOUSANDS)
| Program | Grant Funds | State | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voc. Rehab Services Adults | $ 3,626 | $ 34 | $ 0 | $ 3,660 |
| Voc. Rehab Pre-ETS | $ 519 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 519 |
| Independent Living Part B | $ 0 | $ 73 | $ 0 | $ 73 |
| IL Older Blind | $ 51 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 51 |
| Birth through 13 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| State Only Funds for Non-Allowable Grant Charges |
$ 0 | $ 7 | $ 0 | $ 7 |
| Business Enterprise Program | $ 0 | $ 118 | $ 199 | $ 317 |
| Total | $ 4,196 | $ 232 | $ 199 | $ 4,627 |
SPENDING TARGETS FOR PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION SERVICES SET ASIDE
EXPENDITURES THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 (IN THOUSANDS)
| Federal Grant | Grant Amount |
Pre-ETS Set Aside |
Pre-ETS Spent Dollars |
Unspent Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FFY 2022 (ends 09-30-23) |
$ 10,472 | $ 1,571 | $ 1,571 | $ 0 |
| FFY 2023 (ends 09-30-24) |
$ 13,167 | $ 1,975 | $ 120 | $ 1,855 |
| FFY 2024 (ends 09-30-25) |
$ 12,243 | $ 1,836 | $ 0 | $ 1,836 |
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE WORLD OF DSB BUSINESS AND FINANCE?
DSB has General Fund state dollars in the amount of $201,000 for SFY 24 and SFY 25 for a total of $402,000 to serve individuals from Birth through 13.
DSB has received a onetime General Fund state dollar increase of $184,00 for SFY 24 and $367,000 for SFY 25 for a total of $551,000 for Independent Living services. This is in addition to the $636,850 in FFY 24 federal funding for Independent Living services.
DSB received a transfer of $3 million in federal grant funds from Washington General for the FFY 23 VR grant. This also increases the Pre-ETS set aside requirement by $450,000.
DSB and DVR agreed to allocate an additional 2% of the state’s FFY 24 VR grant to DSB which is an increase of $1,271,000.
The FFY 24 VR grant has increased by 7% ($805,000).
DSB transferred Supported Employment grants to Washington General starting with the FFY 23 grant.
The FFY 24 federal budget has not been finalized but DSB has sufficient carry-over funding from FFY 23 as well as state funding to continue normal operations thru late spring of 2024.
HUMAN RESOURCES UPDATE
NEW HIRES
| Personnel | Job Title | Team | Duty Station | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Jalali | VRC 4 in training | VR | Lacey | 09/01/2023 |
| Bob Perry | OTC Home Management Instructor | OTC | Seattle | 09/01/2023 |
| Joyce Maddox | OTC O&M Instructor | OTC | Seattle | 10/01/2023 |
| Gregg Adams | IT Help Desk Manager | IT | HQ | 10/01/2023 |
| Lauren Heine | Reader / Driver | CS | Spokane | 10/10/2023 |
| Andrew Pennington | Rehab Tech 2 | VR | Yakima | 11/15/2023 |
PROMOTIONS / TRANSFERS
| Personnel | Job Title | Team | Duty Station | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damiana Harper | Assistant Director of VR - Participant Services |
Exec. Team | Yakima | 10/01/2023 |
RETIREMENTS
| Personnel | Job Title | Team | Duty Station | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robin Loen | OTC O&M Instructor | OTC | Seattle | 09/29/2023 |
END OF SERVICE
| Personnel | Job Title | Team | Duty Station | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Zamprelli | HR Admin Support | HR | HQ | 10/15/2023 |
| Kenneth Sanchez | VRC 4 | VR | Seattle | 10/31/2023 |
| Cely Lucuab | VRC 4 | VR | Seattle | 11/15/2023 |
Previous Quarterly Reports
Fiscal Year 2023
- 4th Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 1st Quarter