Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

04/23/2026

DSB is sharing this message from our partners at the Washington State Independent Living Council (WASILC)



OPERATIONAL CONNECTION 2026
Building the bridge between responders and the disability community.

WASILC is hosting critical meetings about inclusive emergency planning, accessible communication strategies, and resource coordination to make sure no one is left behind in a crisis.

Who should attend?
• First Responders
• Emergency Managers
• Disability Advocates
• Policy Makers
• Local Leaders

Key Topics
• Inclusive Emergency Planning
• Accessible Communication Strategies
• Resource Coordination

Registration is limited, so don’t wait. Learn more and register for the session near you. ASL and Captioning provided.

📍 YAKIMA
Wednesday, May 27th | 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Oxford Suites
1701 E. Yakima Ave
Yakima, WA
Register: https://bit.ly/4rKrM3A

📍 SPOKANE
Thursday, June 18th | 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Northeast Community Center
4001 N. Cook St.
Spokane, WA
Register: https://bit.ly/4bza9xh

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Community Outreach Training - Yakima . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

04/22/2026

NEW TIME!

Join the DSB Explorers as we Chat with CATT!

Join DSB Explorers as Northwest Center for Assistive Technology Training (CATT-NW) teaches us how we can support children who are Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Low Vision with technology.

Please note: The online meeting time has been changed to 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 2.

Visit our website for more information.
https://dsb.wa.gov/events/2026-04/chat-catt

04/16/2026

DSB is sharing this message from our friends at WASILC.

SAVE THE DATE: Expertise in Action 📢

For too long, cross-disability voices have been sidelined in conversations about their safety and independence. It’s time to change the narrative.

Join the WASILC Education and Outreach Committee for a virtual panel where disabled leaders from across Washington take the lead. We’re moving past the "medical model" to talk about the real life-hacks, tools, and community networks that ensure our daily autonomy and resilience during a crisis.

Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual (Zoom & Facebook Live)
Accessibility: ASL and CART provided

Registration is open!

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Representing the Cross-Disability Community: A Panel Discussion. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

04/15/2026

Job Seekers Toolkit

NSITE and American Printing House for the Blind Connect Center bring you the Jobseeker’s Toolkit, an accessible, self-paced, free online training course. The purpose of The Jobseeker’s Toolkit is to assist you in acquiring and build critical tools that will ultimately help conduct a successful job search. The Toolkit’s five courses are structured into modules and activities that build on the content and exercises of the preceding course.

Discover the Jobseeker's Toolkit: a free online training course for blind and visually impaired job seekers, designed to enhance job search skills.

04/13/2026

3T Academy Virtual

Washington and Oregon students are invited to join our 3T Academy Virtual Workshop Series! 3T Academy is an exciting college and career exploration program designed to help you gain confidence, build real-world skills, and plan your next steps!

What is 3T Academy?
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or already have big dreams, 3T Academy helps you map out a path that’s right for you—and gives you the tools to make it happen.

Don’t miss this chance to ask questions, meet program leaders, and connect with other students who are planning their futures – just like you!

It’s a dynamic program that blends interactive virtual sessions throughout the school year with four energizing, in-person weekend workshops. You'll dive into topics like:
✔️ Self-advocacy
✔️ Assistive technology
✔️ Hands-on career exploration
✔️ Resume writing
✔️ College readiness
✔️ Growth mindset and success strategies

Learn more and register at https://dsb.wa.gov/events/2025-09/3t-academy-virtual-communication

04/08/2026

Learn more about Vocational Rehabilitation and how it can help you!

Today, we’re exploring the powerful impact of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) a program designed to open doors to careers and independence for job seekers wit...

04/07/2026

Join the Explorers South Sound Playgroup in Tacoma April 18 !

An open play and community-building event for the kiddos and their families, supported by Inclusive Imagination.

This family-centered event encourages the whole family to play and learn together. We are focused on providing activities for children who are low vision or blind and building foundational skills in self-awareness, safety, confidence, and social engagement.

During South Sound Playtime Explorers and their caregivers will be able to
⭐ Develop early independent play routines using tactile, auditory, and cause-and-effect toys.
⭐ Practice spatial awareness and gain confidence moving within the playgroup area.
⭐ Learn in a supportive environment with trained staff.
⭐ Foster caregiver confidence in leading independent play and creating safe environments.
⭐ Grow their existing skills through ongoing opportunities.
⭐ Build and practice social skills with peers and adults.
⭐ Practice safe body movements such as crawling and cruising.

The goal of the South Sound Playgroup is to help children and their families navigate the Expanded Core Curriculum, solve problems, and have fun in an inclusive environment!

Learn more and register online https://dsb.wa.gov/events/2026-02/explorers-south-sound-playgroup

04/03/2026

Register now for the 2026 Stronger Together Conference!

Living & Learning in a Changing World
Friday, May 15, 2026
Vancouver, Washington

Exploring New AI Tools, Strengthening Community

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
This conference is for Families of youth who are Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Low Vision and Vision Professionals.

We will highlight
☀️ Innovation Labs: Hands-on exploration of tools that support independence at home, school, and work including new approaches powered by AI.
☀️ Family & Daily Living Sessions: Practical discussions and peer sharing on supporting Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Low Vision youth in daily life.
☀️ Networking Circles: Meet other families, professionals, and community providers in guided small-group conversations.
☀️ Professional Learning: Earn CEUs while learning alongside youth and families.
☀️ Exhibitor Marketplace: Explore organizations, products, and services supporting Washington’s Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Low Vision community.

Register online by Friday, April 3, 2026. Come ready to learn, connect, and grow together.

Details at https://dsb.wa.gov/events/2025-11/stronger-together-2026-conference

04/02/2026

DSB is sharing this message from our friends at WASILC.

SAVE THE DATE: Expertise in Action 📢

For too long, cross-disability voices have been sidelined in conversations about their safety and independence. It’s time to change the narrative.

Join the WASILC Education and Outreach Committee for a virtual panel where disabled leaders from across Washington take the lead. We’re moving past the "medical model" to talk about the real life-hacks, tools, and community networks that ensure our daily autonomy and resilience during a crisis.

Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual (Zoom & Facebook Live)
Accessibility: ASL and CART provided

Registration is open! https://bit.ly/4bnOpFR