Our Story

The WSBF, working with the Washington State School for the Blind, has been successful in providing some of the additional assistance needed for students at the school. Since 1998, when this partnership went into effect, there has been a post-graduation success rate of 87.5%. The WSBF believes that this small successful pilot could effect change throughout the state of Washington if more resources were available. It is estimated that about 1.1 million people in the U.S. are blind. Each year 50,000 more will become blind. Currently, there are 1,486 blind and visually impaired children between the age of birth and grade twelve in Washington State. Contributions to the Foundation are appreciated to enable successes for these individuals.

The challenge confronting the WSBF is its limited ability to fulfill its mission when compared to the scope of unmet needs of blind and visually impaired individuals in the State of Washington. The most critical issues facing the blind and visually impaired population are educational achievement (including literacy), independent living, rewarding employment and access to technology. Though the WA State funded services have been tremendously important toward the skill development, independence and success of each student, every organization has come to realize that most goals cannot and will not be met without financial assistance from other sources.

The problem is exacerbated by the evolution of technology which is priced beyond the range of many individuals due to the low demand created by the demographics of this population. Much of the specialized equipment for the blind that is effective in helping to level the playing field is much like medical equipment in cost. Examples of this include equipment such as GPS systems that can assist a blind person in their daily mobility; Braille displays that provide tactile information; computer speech through screen readers that provide a means for a blind person to complete work, access the internet, and integrate with our digital society. The list is becoming endless as to what doors technology is opening along with the knowledge and training that needs to accompany technological changes in our society.

Currently much of this specialized equipment needs to be shared by multiple students, therefore providing enticement without the students' ability to own and operate this technology on a daily basis. Unfortunately, enabling appliances, such as video cameras, scanners and screen readers are available, but accessible only to blind and visually impaired individuals with higher levels of personal economic and educational resources.

As technology evolves, the need for on-going educational programs available in distance learning or computer-based training formats will help level the playing field and close the accessibility gap, improve employment opportunities and provide economic, cultural and social advancement for the blind and visually impaired. Donations will enable the Foundation to address the unmet needs of this underserved population and thereby fulfill its mission.

Many of the projects potentially funded by the Foundation could have international implications through program and curriculum development work. Through the use of current and future technology the Foundation will be able to assist in funding additional classes, such as distance learning courses designed for the blind that are not being provided anywhere else. These classes could be designed to provide access to important tools for independence on an international basis.

As Helen Keller said, "A person who is severely impaired never knows his hidden sources of strength until he is treated like a normal human being and encouraged to shape his own life." The Washington School for the Blind Foundation looks forward to fulfilling it's mission of providing the skills, tools, and equipment to help blind and visually impaired individuals in our state shape their own lives.