Washington Administrative Code Title 67 - Blind, Department of Services for the
🔹 Key Areas of WAC Title 67
1. Purpose and Mission
Ensure that blind and visually impaired residents can live independently and participate fully in community life.
Help individuals gain education, employment, and vocational training.
Provide rehabilitation services so people can adapt to vision loss.
2. Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Offers career counseling, skills training, and job placement assistance.
Provides tools, technology, and workplace accommodations to help blind individuals succeed in different professions.
Collaborates with employers to promote inclusive hiring practices.
3. Independent Living Services
Helps people who may not be able to work (due to age or additional disabilities) to live independently.
Provides mobility training, daily living skills (like cooking, home management), and access to assistive devices.
4. Education Support
Works with schools, colleges, and training centers to support students who are blind.
Provides adaptive technology (screen readers, braille devices, magnifiers) to ensure equal access to learning.
Offers transition services for youth moving from school to employment.
5. Assistive Technology
Ensures access to devices such as braille writers, talking computers, magnification systems, and smartphone accessibility tools.
Offers training on how to use these technologies effectively in daily life and at work.
6. Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
A special program allowing blind individuals to run food service or vending businesses on federal/state property.
Provides training, startup support, and oversight to help blind entrepreneurs manage and grow their businesses.
7. Client Rights and Responsibilities
Establishes the rights of clients receiving services (confidentiality, equal treatment, non-discrimination).
Provides a process for appeals if someone disagrees with a decision made by the Department of Services for the Blind.
8. Partnerships and Coordination
Works closely with:
Local nonprofits for the blind
Federal programs (like the Rehabilitation Services Administration)
Employers and schools
Community organizations to expand support networks
✅ In Summary
WAC Title 67 sets the framework for the Washington Department of Services for the Blind (DSB). It ensures that blind and visually impaired individuals can access employment opportunities, independent living training, assistive technology, and educational support. It also manages business opportunities and guarantees client rights while promoting accessibility across the state.
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