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Eligibility for Services

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DSB's vocational rehabilitation process is built on the foundations created by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

The criteria for eligibility for DSB Services are detailed and codified in the Washington Administrative Code (WACs). The full eligibility policy – and all DSB operational policies – are located on the State of Washington’s Administrative Code website (WAC 67.25.125).

General Eligibility Criteria

In general, an applicant is eligible for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services if a DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) determines they meet established standards, including:

  • a visual impairment as defined by WAC 67 25-009, section 24; and
  • the visual impairment - alone or combined with other disabilities - constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment (see WAC 67-25-009, section 41); and
  • Vocational rehabilitation services are required for the individual to prepare for, enter, engage in, advance in, or retain a competitive and integrated employment outcome consistent with the applicant's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.
  • Any eligible individual must intend to achieve a competitive and integrated employment outcome that is consistent with the applicant's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.

Presumed Eligibility

Applicants who, due to their visual impairment, are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients or Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) beneficiaries, are presumed eligible for VR services. Presumed eligibility is designed to expedite services to individuals who are receiving Social Security benefits based on a visual disability. Presumed eligibility for VR services is contingent upon documentation from Social Security that substantiates that the individual is receiving benefits based on a visual disability.

Non-Discrimination

DSB prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran status.

Residency

There is no residency requirement for the VR program. However, the individual must be available to participate in VR services in the state, including assessments and vocational planning.  In some cases, applicants who begin a rehabilitation program in this state and relocate to another state for training or a job offer may continue to receive services from DSB.

Eligibility to Work in the United States

Applicants must provide documentation that they are able to legally live and work in the United States at the time of application.

The full eligibility policy – and all of DSBs operational policies – are located on the State of Washington’s Administrative Code website.

Independent Living Services Eligibility

DSB Independent Living Services provides services to people who are 24 years old or older and who have vision loss or blindness impacting their ability to live independently in their homes are qualified to receive services.

These services are provided only to people who are not employed or seeking employment. Individuals who are younger than 24 years old or whose main goal is finding or keeping a job are better served through the DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Services. There are some circumstances when we can provide services to these individuals but the DSB must be a part of that decision.

If you are interested in learning more about DSB services for yourself or a loved-one, please complete the Self-Referral Form. A DSB representative will contact you.

For more information contact us at info@dsb.wa.gov, call 800-552-7103 or request services online.