Washington Council of the Blind

Mission

Opportunity. Equality. Independence.
Washington Council of the Blind is committed to promoting opportunity, equality and independence within the blind and visually impaired community through education, public awareness, and advocacy.

Description

Through peer support, mentors, and role models, our members are strong, tenacious people living with varying degrees of vision loss, whether totally blind, functionally blind or visually impaired. WCB is committed to fostering lifestyles that reflect participation, productivity, independence, and dignity. Members of all ages, from youth to seniors, participate in the annual convention, committees, and programs, serving as resources and support to blind and visually impaired Washingtonians.

Key WCB programs and partnerships:
• Advocacy - resolving individual discrimination issues and mentoring members on disability civil rights.
• Legislation - advocating for and educating legislators on passage of relevant bills and policy directives.
• Crisis Assistance- providing short term assistance to those in financial need.
• Scholarships - awarding legally blind, deserving college students money to be used for educational expenses or disability accommodations.
• Technology Loans - no interest loans for specialized technology used in employment, education and recreation.
• Forums - enabling communication among interested participants across the state on topics ranging from technology to health, daily living, and more.
• Families - reaching out to families across the state with a blind or visually impaired family member, offering resources and events for the whole family.
• Annual WCB state convention - educating, training, and mentoring for attendees to be empowered and confident after vision loss.
• Braille Challenge - Together with Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL), WCB gives children and youth a chance to show off their Braille reading skills and work for the opportunity to compete in the national Braille Challenge.
• Youth Summit - Working with Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), WCB brings young people from across the state to experience the WCB state convention and offers the chance to network with their peers and start life-long friendships in a fun, interactive, nurturing environment.

WCB is the state affiliate of American Council of the Blind and the largest organization of blind consumers in Washington state.
Learn more at www.wcbinfo.org.