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 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 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 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

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

Bus Identifier Kits allow blind/visually impaired bus riders and deaf-blind bus riders to inform incoming bus drivers which route the rider needs to board. 
Once on the bus, the rider can give the driver a Special Assistance card with their destination information so the driver knows where the rider wants to exit.
Bus ID kits with black numbers on a white background and white Special Assistance cards are for blind or visually impaired riders who can hear.
Bus ID kits with black numbers on yellow background and yellow Special Assistance Cards are for deaf-blind riders; drivers provide a higher level of assistance to deaf-blind riders.
Riders are not required to use either card and can use Bus ID kits without using Special Assistance cards and vice versa.

Bus Identifier Kits and Special Assistance Cards offered by King County Metro Transit's Accessible Services at Customer Service Office

Bus ID kits and Special Assistance cards help blind/visually impaired and deaf-blind riders communicate with the driver.

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

Bus Identifier Kits and Special Assistance Cards offered by King County Metro Transit's Accessible Services at Customer Service Office