January - March 2025
Independent Living Blind Skills Services
Customer Services
Customers Served (Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025 Q2)
| Program | FFY 2025, Q2 Customers Exited |
|---|---|
| Adults Under Age 55 | 15 |
| Adults Age 55+ | 212 |
| Total Customers during FFY 2025, Q2 | 227 |
Customer and Case Trends
| Trend | FFY 2024, Q1 Exited Customers Only |
FFY 2025, Q1 Exited Customers Only |
|---|---|---|
| All exited Customers | 181 |
227 |
| Customers under age 22 | 0 | 1 |
| Customers over age 100 | 1 | 4 |
| Customers who identify as a minority | 10% | 19% |
| Homeless Customers | 0 | 2 |
| Customers who have multiple disabilities | 43% | 48% |
| Customers with incomes $30,000 or less | 56% | 52% |
| Cost per case average | $835 | $780 |
FFY 2025 Preliminary Outcomes
Most popular Assistive Technology devices provided to customers:
- Writing guides and/or pens, large print address books, calendars, notepads, and other paper products
- Handheld and stand magnifiers
- UV filters and sunshades for glare
- Adapted kitchen equipment
*In addition, 57 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 participants often experience improvement in their mental health. 92% of participants 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 participants often experience an increase in their ability to maintain a healthy diet and walk or exercise, leading to improved physical health. 75% of participants 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 participants often experience an improved ability to engage in their communities. 74% of participants 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 participants feel more independent and more confident in maintaining their current living situation. Out of 571 participants with successfully closed cases in FFY 2025 to date, 525 (92%) reported being more confident in their current living situation and with their independent living skills.
Glen’s Success Story
Glen is a 25-year-old man living with his tight-knit family and two cats in Eastern Washington. As he began steadily losing his vision due to retinitis pigmentosa, he felt increasingly isolated, anxious, and depressed. While his parents were supportive and loving, Glen wanted to be more independent. While he initially reached out to VR services for help, he eventually decided that he was not ready to return to work. Glen wanted a job and his own apartment, but could not see a future where that was possible. With that in mind, he was referred to the IL Program.
When Glen and his IL provider first met, they decided to concentrate on his independent living skills. First, they tackled meal preparation. With the help of a high contrast cutting board, a finger guide, and a palm peeler, Glen could successfully prepare fruits and vegetables on his own. Next, they worked on orientation and mobility: identifying curbs and pedestrian signals to safely cross roads, how to use escalators in the mall, and how to navigate crowds.
As Glen's skills increased, so did his confidence. However, he still hesitated at the thought of entering the workforce. Knowing this and with Glen’s permission, his IL provider introduced Glen to Rob, an employed man who also has retinitis pigmentosa. Rob had recently graduated from college with a bachelor's degree. Rob encouraged Glen’s questions and assured him that returning to work and school was an attainable goal.
After that meeting, Glen was excited about returning to school. When he next met with his IL provider, Glen told her he was interested in becoming a physical therapist. He wanted to know if she thought that was possible. Glen’s IL provider responded with an enthusiastic “yes!”. She encouraged Glen to follow his dreams. The IL provider gave Glen the number for VR services and asked him to let her know how he would like to move forward.
During their next call, Glen told his IL provider that he had connected with VR services and was starting community college in the next few months. While his IL case was ending, Glen thanked his provider for everything she and the program had done for him. He said that before IL services, he had no hope for the future. Now, he had a bright path forward. Glen’s IL provider noted that “Yes, Glen learned new skills. But, most importantly, he learned to believe in himself…he rightly believes he can be successful.”
Jolene’s Success Story
Jolene is a 72-year-old woman who recently moved to an assisted living facility with her loving husband, Carl. While her assisted living facility provided her support, cleaning services, and social events, Jolene’s progressing glaucoma and dry eye macular degeneration had begun to make it difficult to do daily household chores and read printed text. Jolene couldn't read her and Carl’s prescriptions, bills, or the directions in her recipe books. This left her feeling limited, depressed, and anxious. With help from her daughter, Jolene learned about the IL program and reached out for help.
When Jolene first connected with her IL provider, they agreed to focus on exploring assistive technology options and developing her kitchen skills. Using grid patterns and overlapping circles to clear areas of debris, Jolene learned cleaning and searching techniques for her countertops. Jolene’s IL provider then showed her different kitchen devices: a palm peeler, finger guard, and black-and-white high contrast cutting board to make chopping and peeling vegetables safer and a liquid level indicator to avoid spills. The IL provider taught Jolene to put a baking tray underneath the container she was pouring liquids into to ensure spills were caught and easy to clean, instead of spilling onto the surrounding counter and floor. Jolene took to these devices and techniques quickly and practiced using them between their sessions. Once Jolene was confident in her ability to use the adaptive kitchen tools independently, she and her IL provider investigated more high-tech assistive technology.
After an assessment, Jolene’s IL provider determined she would be a good fit for a Ruby 10, an electronic magnifier. With the device in hand, Jolene and her IL provider practiced reading her prescriptions, her calendar, and forms from her husband’s doctor. They also practiced using the Ruby to sign documents and read recipes in her cookbooks – she was excited to be able to use her new adaptive kitchen tools and the magnifier to cook again.
When Jolene’s IL provider returned to visit her for their next appointment, Jolene was self-assured in her use of the Ruby. She had been practicing using her new Ruby 10 and the kitchen tools and felt prepared to work with them independently. When Jolene and her IL provider agreed that their current case was ready to close, Jolene was brought to grateful tears. She told her IL provider how appreciative she was for all the devices she had received, and the time spent working together. Jolene’s IL provider assured her that she could return to the program at any point in the future if her vision or needs changed.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services to Customers
Snapshot of Performance Comparison: [FFY24 Q2 vs FFY25 Q2]
- New VR Applications [168 vs 202]
- VR Customers Receiving Planned Services [952 vs 1,023]
- Students with a Disability served [254 vs 212]
Employment Outcomes Summary
- Competitive career outcomes year-to-date: 49
- Salary range: $14.50 - $70.00 per hour
- Average hourly wage: $26.47
- Average hours per week: 31
- Percent of customers aged 55 and older who exited with an employment outcome: 23%
- Eldest with employment outcome:
- Age 76 – Counselor
- Youngest with employment outcome:
- Age 23 – Mechanical Engineer
Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
Welcome to 2025, the year of refresh, revive and ramp up for BEP. Here are a few of the highlights and accomplishments during the second quarter.
Much energy is being placed on finalizing processes and plans for refreshing our remaining facilities, making equipment upgrades, and coordinating facility repairs needed to close out the refresh projects scheduled to close on June 30. There are many moving parts to get this all done and we are managing four sites all at once right now plus the normal support activity required of us.
The Dome Deli re-opened on time in January and has a steady flow of customers and a variety of new menu choices for the session. Our industry partner Northwest Food Alliance assisted the Chin Don Bistro team in making this all happen.
Multiple changes have occurred to solidify and revive choices at the Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien. New cooking equipment has allowed them to introduce a modern fresh menu to the recruits in training.
Our ramp up is really a new catch phrase to help define our purpose or a new sense of direction for our work going forward after our project completes in June. This will mark the end of three years of incredibly hard work, long hours, and many upgrades to facilities. By ramping up, we can help our owners learn the new equipment capabilities, develop strategic menu selections that stabilize the supply chain, and keep developing our quest into the vending space.
Along those same lines, our work with Assistant Director Wheeler to map out VR engagement, a solid curriculum path and sustainable business sites shows the importance of ramping up the program with milestones that are achievable and set a tone for lasting results in self-employment. Much of this work will need to be in-house and through specialized contractors as we were not able to hire the much-desired self-employment training coordinator. While a shift in work strategy for the team, it really plays into the combined skill set of BEP’s tremendous wealth of world experience and business acumen.
So, as you can see, there is never a dull moment in the BEP, and we actively engage with our customers, stakeholders and others to bring new opportunities our way. While not at the pace as some may want, it is consistent with the change within the Agency to bring greater connection and outcomes in our community.
Business Relations
DSB has started utilizing a program called JobsEQ. This is a program that allows for better understanding of what is occurring in the economy. For example, being able to identify the different professions that are in need of more applicants, as well as identify the different companies that are in a community.
DSB staff member Carl Peterson presented on self-employment for a national series put on by Lighthouse. This presentation looked at ways that Vocational Rehabilitation supports individuals who are opening businesses.
DSB staff Ashley Douthett started at DSB on January 2nd. She has been integrating herself within the DSB community and bringing her perspective from her background as a corporate recruiter.
Orientation and Training Center Highlights
On February 20th, two students graduated from the OTC. One is enrolled in a high school equivalency program and plans to become an addiction support counselor. The other is planning to attend YES2 this summer to pursue a job in childcare.
The recently implemented “Clinic Week” continues to be a success. During this week, traditional classes are paused so students can participate in extracurricular activities and workshops.
Clinic Week during Term 1 included snowshoeing at Snoqualmie Pass with our partnership with Northwest Association of Blind Athletes (NWABA). Representatives from the National Federation of the Blind Washington (NFBW) and the Washington Council of the Blind (WCB) presented to students on the benefits of consumer group membership. George Abbott, CEO of the Seattle Lighthouse, presented to the OTC and students participated in a tour of the Lighthouse’s manufacturing floor. Students also participated in a cook-off and a dining skills workshop.
Term 2 Clinic Week included a Goalball and goal bowl experience with NWABA. 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. The group also visited the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) and participated in professional exploration. OTC students were able to gather information about each job role at WTBBL and ask questions about the educational pathway each employee took to get where they are now.
The OTC was able to participate in a tour of the Amazon Spheres. The Amazon Spheres are three spherical conservatories comprising part of the Amazon headquarters campus in Seattle. The spheres, which range from three to four stories tall, house 40,000 plants, as well as meeting space and retail stores. The spheres are reserved mainly for Amazon employees but are open to the public through weekly headquarters tours and an exhibit on the ground floor.
The OTC currently has eight residential students and ten commuters. We continue to host tours for interested potential students monthly.
Vocational Rehabilitation - South Region
These South Region success stories highlight the transformative impact of support and resources provided to individuals facing challenges, enabling them to achieve their career goals and gain confidence in their abilities.
Paraeducator in Tacoma
In March, Laura O-T, AT Specialist, and Jordan R, VRC, celebrated a successful case closure in the Tacoma office. A customer found employment as a paraeducator at Tahoma Public Schools, where he supports students with disabilities. Through collaboration with the DSB, he received crucial accommodations that enhanced his work experience, including an iPad, a Ruby video magnifier with speech, and a new laptop with ZoomText. With training on various accessibility tools, he transitioned from needing assistance to independently completing his tasks within work hours, showcasing significant progress.
Passion Discovered
Kristi A, VRC, shared that a committed long-term customer of DSB pursued various career opportunities during his journey. With the support of DSB staff, he learned to navigate his home and community with confidence. While working with technology, he uncovered a passion and talent for accessibility features. DSB empowered him by helping him earn additional certifications, and he is now thriving as an accessibility tester. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to DSB for guiding him to discover his true passion and for lighting the path toward his employment goals.
Success with Assistive Technology
In the Lacey office, a collaboration among the team, John S, AT Specialist, shares an inspiring story featuring a dedicated DSB customer and now employee at the Kitchen Design Center. Excelling in his administrative role, the customer’s strong work ethic and adaptability have made his transition seamless. His primary responsibility involves digitizing essential paper files and invoices. While the user-friendly scanner simplified this process, the challenge remained: how to gather important information quickly from paper documents. To address this, the customer utilized the recommended Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, and they have been a great success in itself. Although he is working hard to get files saved electronically, he still had to deal with several physical file folders that hold all the paper files. Undeterred, he discovered the WayAround app for his iPhone that uses NFC tagging to label items. This led to discovering the PenFriend, a device recommended by Kara G, Vision Rehab Specialist. With the PenFriend, this customer can label file folders with crucial information, allowing for efficient retrieval. Since implementing these tools, the customer has successfully completed his six-month probation period. His on-boarding coordinator, Scott, has proudly advocated this customer’s achievements and praises DSB's support. This journey shows the power of adaptive technology and dedicated assistance. With the right tools and encouragement, individuals like this customer can thrive and reach new heights in their careers.
Multiple Stories of Success
Kara Thompson, VRC, shared stories from multiple customers at the Tacoma and Vancouver offices, showing how determination and support can transform obstacles into achievements.
One remarkable story involves a customer who transferred from the Seattle field office to the Vancouver field office. After losing her job in Oregon, she faced significant challenges and was initially hesitant to engage with the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) system due to past negative experiences. However, with encouragement and substantial support from her Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), Rehabilitation Tech, and Supervisor, she embraced her job search actively. Eventually, she secured a position as an Adaptive Technology Instructor with the Lighthouse for the Blind. Her dedication and the coordinated efforts of her team enabled her to thrive in her new role, earning $36.69 per hour, equating to an annual salary of $72,500. Today, she radiates enthusiasm for her ongoing employment.
Another inspiring story features a customer who, facing vision changes, sought assistance to retain her part-time position as admin support at a local mental health facility. Thanks to low vision aids and comprehensive Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training from Beth Sutton, Vision Rehab Specialist, she not only maintained her job but felt empowered to inspire others, connecting a colleague with DSB services and sharing the invaluable support she received.
In another example, a customer with vision changes received ADL training and low vision equipment that strengthened her independence. With adjustment counseling and job search assistance, she found a part-time role as a floral clerk, perfectly aligning with her passion for horticulture. Her excitement was infectious as she exclaimed, “Girl, the job is going great! I’m having the time of my life. Thank you for all that you do.”
Lastly, a long-time DSB customer, who had independently managed her vision loss for years, sought support from DSB to explore assistive technology to enhance her job performance. With the tools and assistance provided, she significantly enriched her work experience and continues to excel in her role.
Agency Communications Report
Online Analytics
Website Analytics Overview
| Metric | Definition | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Users | Number of unique individuals who visited the site | 6,568 | -2,510 |
| New Users | Individuals visiting site for the first time | 6,032 | -7,16 |
| Page Views | Number of pages looked at | 22,773 | +9,017 |
Channels
How people found the website.
| Type | Definition | Users | Percent | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Search | Used Google, Bing, or another search engine to find the site. | 2,847 | 43.35% | -1,967 |
| Direct | Typed in the URL. | 3,256 | 49.57% | -155 |
| Referral | Clicked a link on a different website. | 247 | 3.76% | -321 |
| Organic Social | Clicked on non-ad links on social sites like Facebook or Twitter. | 204 | 3.11% | -53 |
| Followed link included in an email message. | 23 | .35% | +23 | |
| Organic Video | Found through search on video channel (YouTube) | 3 | 0.05% | +3 |
| Unassigned | Google Analytics unable to confirm source. | 3 | 0.05% | -25 |
Technology
The type of device used to view the website (per session)
| Technology Used | Users | Percent | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop | 4,660 | 71.90% | +810 |
| Mobile Phone | 1,768 | 27.28% | -55 |
| Tablet | 75 | 1.16% | -3 |
| Smart TV | 1 | 0.02% | -1 |
Top Web Pages
| Rank | Page | Views | Rank Last Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Home | 5273 | 1 |
| 2 | Request services | 1342 | 2 |
| 3 | Learn about our services | 946 | 3 |
| 4 | Contact us | 781 | 6 |
| 5 | Careers | 772 | 5 |
| 6 | Events | 605 | 8 |
| 7 | Independent Living | 584 | 7 |
| 8 | About us | 576 | 9 |
| 9 | File not Found (page removed) | 534 | 4 |
| 10 | Stronger Together New Horizons Conference | 446 | NA |
Referrals and Requests
Online requests for more information.
| Requesting information for: | Users | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Myself | 87 | +26 |
| A friend or loved one | 75 | +30 |
| A patient, client, or staff member | 94 | - - |
Analytics
Top Five Facebook Posts
| Post/Content | Date | Reach |
|---|---|---|
| Join our Team! Administrative Assistant 4 |
March 3 | 473 |
| We're Hiring - Self-Employment Training Coordinator |
March 17 | 313 |
| We're Hiring - Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 4 (East Region) |
February 27 | 168 |
| Do you want to join an agency... General hiring announcement link to dsb.wa.gov |
January 6 | 158 |
| Do you want to join an agency... General hiring announcement link to dsb.wa.gov/careers |
February 3 | 120 |
Analytics
| Metric | Definition | Users | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Followers | The number of people/pages that follow the page | 547 | 27 |
| Impressions (organic) |
Number of views when an update is at least 50% on screen or when it is clicked, whichever comes first. | 2,649 | 2,448 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Do you want to join an agency… General hiring announcement link to dsb.wa.gov/careers |
January 6 | 477 |
| We're Hiring - Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 4 (East Region) |
February 28 | 371 |
| Join our Team! Administrative Assistant 4 |
March 3 | 328 |
| We're Hiring Self-Employment Training Coordinator |
March 13 | 257 |
| Do you want to join an agency... General hiring announcement link to dsb.wa.gov/careers |
February 3 | 163 |
Sponsored LinkedIn Posts
| Topic | Date | Impressions |
|---|---|---|
| No sponsored posts this quarter. |
Financial Report
2025 State Fiscal Year – Review through March 31, 2025 (in thousands)
| Source | Allotment Authority | Expenditures | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Fund – State | $5,441 | $5,020 | $421 |
| General Fund – Federal | $16,520 | $11,990 | $4,530 |
| Donations | $31 | $31 | $0 |
| BEP Remodel | $3,372 | $821 | $2,551 |
| BEP Operations (Allotment authority represents estimated revenue & GFS) | $1,110 | $897 | $213 |
| State Funds for Birth – 13 Program | $201 | $112 | $89 |
| State Funds for IL Program | $367 | $192 | $175 |
| Total | $27,042 | $19,063 | $7,979 |
2025 State Fiscal Year – Federal Grant Funds through March 31, 2025 (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 | $9,877 | $2,379 |
| 2025 Voc Rehab Basic Services | $5,575 | $0 | $0 | $5,575 |
| 2024 IL Older Blind | $676 | $0 | $456 | $220 |
| 2025 IL Older Blind | $305 | $0 | $0 | $305 |
| Total | $32,361 | $12,156 | $11,526 | $8,679 |
2025 State Fiscal Year – Total Expenditures by Program Through March 31, 2025 (in thousands)
| Program | Grant Funds Expended | State Funds Expended | Other Funds Expended | Total Funds Expended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voc. Rehab Services Adult | $9,271 | $4,749 | $31 | $14,051 |
| Voc. Rehab Pre-ETS | $1,798 | $0 | $0 | $1,798 |
| Independent Living Part B | $0 | $61 | $0 | $61 |
| IL Older Blind | $456 | $267 | $0 | $723 |
| Birth – 13 Program | $0 | $112 | $0 | $112 |
| State Only Funds for Non-Allowable Grant Charges | $0 | $169 | $0 | $169 |
| Business Enterprise Program | $0 | $821 | $897 | $1,718 |
| Social Security - Program Income | $465 | $0 | $0 | $465 |
| Total | $11,990 | $6,179 | $928 | $19,097 |
Spending Targets for Pre-Employment Transition Services Set Aside - Expenditures through March 31, 2025 (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?
- DSB is close to spending all VR FFY 24 grant funds. The VR FFY 25 grant is currently funded with about $5.7 million until the Office of Management and Budget approves additional grant funds.
- DSB is continually monitoring expenditures to ensure we have sufficient funds to serve everyone who requires services.
- The state budget for the next two years, starting July 1, is in negotiation between the House, Senate, and the Governor’s office. Typically, the Governor signs a budget in April/May.
- We expect reductions in general fund state dollars in SFY 25, 26 and 27. Until the budget is signed into law, we won’t know if the funding levels will impact our state match and maintenance of effort requirements.
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 |
| Deb Tarbert | Engagement and Learning Manager | HR/Training | Lacey | 2/26/2025 |
| Daniel Chamberlain | Administrative Intern 2 | Admin | Seattle | 2/24/2025 |