When vision loss makes your daily life difficult, DSB is here to help. DSB's Independent Living Program can empower you to live independently in your home and community. The Independent Living Program is free for anyone who qualifies. We match you with a local provider that can help you meet your goals of becoming independent.

Independent Living Services offered at Washington State Department of Services for the Blind in Seattle

Assesses the needs of those who are blind or have low vision to maximize their level of independence by teaching adaptive skills and recommending adaptive devices. Focuses on helping those not seeking employment. Serves northwest Washington.

Programs that assess the current ability to function of people who have disabilities and prescribe or recommend the most appropriate assistive technology product to meet their individual needs including communication/learning aids, control and signaling aids, daily living aids, hearing augmentation aids, mobility aids, prosthetic/orthotic/seating devices, recreational aids, speech aids and/or visual/reading aids.

Evaluation for Assistive Technology

Programs that assist people who have disabilities to learn the basic skills of daily living through individual and group counseling and instruction, experience and practice in coping with real or simulated life situational demands; or through the use of assistive devices, special equipment and specialized assistants. Services include but are not limited to training in the ability to travel about the community alone; to live independently in a private residence; to maintain health through self-care and use of medical services; to live within personal income; to maintain acceptable grooming and appearance; to deal with legal, family or social problems; and to cope with other requirements for successful independent living.

Independent Living Skills Instruction

Programs that pay for or provide magnifiers, magnification equipment, light intensification equipment, night vision equipment, closed circuit television devices and other products which help people who have visual impairments use their remaining vision to greater advantage.

Low Vision Aids

Programs that evaluate an individual's capacity for self-care and his or her ability to function independently in the context of everyday living and which, where necessary, may recommend rehabilitative services (e.g., independent living skills instruction), supportive services (e.g., attendant care, personal care or home health care), or an alternative residential setting (e.g., an assisted living center or nursing facility). Activities of daily living include bathing, eating, dressing, mobility, transferring from bed to chair and using the toilet. Most assessments also include instrumental activities of daily living such as using the telephone, taking medication, money management, housework, meal preparation, laundry and grocery shopping. Evaluation services are generally provided for individuals who have physical and/or mental limitations or for people whose age may constitute a temporary (children) or developing (elderly) limitation.

Activities of Daily Living Assessment

Programs that provide comprehensive, intensive instruction that is designed to teach older adults and/or individuals with disabilities how to travel independently and safely using accessible public transportation. Skills include crossing streets safely with and without traffic signals, boarding the correct bus or subway, recognizing and disembarking at the correct destination, following directions, recognizing and avoiding dangerous situations and obstacles, dealing appropriately with strangers, handling unexpected situations such as re-routed buses or subways or getting lost, maintaining appropriate behavior, using specialized equipment and/or devices, and recognizing the need for assistance and requesting help from appropriate sources.

Travel Training for Older Adults/People With Disabilities

Offers in-home personal assessment and assistance to families facing challenges of living with ALS.  Helps with planning home modifications, transfer techniques, paperwork and other issues related to living with ALS.

Home Visits offered by ALS Association

Offers in-home personal assessment and assistance to families facing challenges of living with ALS, including planning home modifications, transfer techniques and paperwork.

Programs that identify physical barriers or other problems in the home and recommend suitable adaptations to improve accessibility. In some cases, staff are available to consult with architects and contractors during the planning and construction phases of a home modification project.