Washington Program Information

What are the eligibility requirements?

Severe vision impairment that significantly impacts independent living.

How do I connect with the program?

Call the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind and ask about the Independent Living Program.

• Phone: 800-552-7103
• Email: info@dsb.wa.gov

Independent Living Program Coordinator: Sophie Watson
Email Address: wastsos@uw.edu
Phone Number: 206-543-3616

Independent Living Program Manager: Kim Canaan

Email address: kimcan@uw.edu

Request Services from the Independent Living Program

What is the process for applying for services?

Contact the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind to apply for services by calling the agency or clicking on the “Request Services from the Independent Living Program” link above. You will be connected to an independent living provider to determine eligibility. If you are eligible, services will begin immediately.

What documentation is required?

No documentation is required for services.

What services are available?

Our providers offer clients the chance to learn skills for adapting to vision loss, and we teach you how to use tools that can help with your day-to-day activities. The Independent Living Program can give you the confidence and skills to participate in your daily activities, such as calling a friend on the phone, reading a book, heating up leftovers in the microwave, writing checks to pay bills, looking at pictures of loved ones, and taking a walk.

Anything else you want to share with potential consumers of OIB services?

After the initial meeting with your provider, they will schedule two to three training sessions, usually at your home. These sessions typically last one to two hours each. Services are free, as are any devices provided by the program. Examples of devices include magnifiers to help with reading, arts and crafts, and other activities; special sunglasses to help with glare; talking watches; canes to help with walking around; large-print calendars; tactile dots for appliances and home electronics; and kitchen devices, including a tool for pouring hot liquids.

Additional Information

Independent Living Program brochure

Read our brochure for more information about the Independent Living Program. The brochure is available in the following languages:

Success Story

Vivian is a lively and talkative 96-year-old, who lives alone, but with lots of family nearby, she is rarely on her own. Vivian is legally blind due to macular degeneration. In the summer of 2024, Vivian found herself briefly in the hospital, and while there, she learned about the Older Blind program from the hospital’s social worker. When she returned home, she contacted the Older Blind program to see what help she could get with using her appliances independently.

During their first visit together, Vivian, and her provider from the Older Blind program got right to work. They walked through the house, marking a few appliances with tactile dots and markers so that Vivian could use them independently. When Vivian and her provider met again a couple of weeks later, the Older Blind provider worked with her to determine if a lighted handheld magnifier would be helpful. 

The last time the Older Blind provider visited, it seemed like everything that the Older Blind provider had given Vivian was meeting her needs and Vivian was using them independently. 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.”