SEATTLE

            DEAF-BLIND

                     SERVICE CENTER

Advocacy Program

The Deaf-Blind Service Center (DBSC) is a non-profit organization (501(c) 3) which is located in the heart of the Capitol Hill area of Seattle.  The Advocacy and Case Management Programs at DBSC are staffed by a full time advocacy specialist and a part time Senior Citizen advocate, both of whom have many years of experience working with Deaf-Blind people.

Much of what we do to go beyond the walls of DBSC is possible through the support of the State of Washington - Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), and the City of Seattle.  Both DSB and the City of Seattle share our commitment to contribute to improving the lives of Deaf-Blind people to the best of our ability.  In addition, our Educational and Outreach efforts are dependent on the generosity of donors—individuals, organizations, and businesses. These donors as well as our many volunteers constitute an invaluable part of our extended team.

Advocacy Services
Deaf-Blind people have no or limited access to communication and information when it comes to passing laws, even though the majority of all public policy initiatives affect their rights and well-being.

At DBSC, we believe it is our responsibility to ensure Deaf-Blind individuals have a voice at the community, state and federal level of government.  For instance, being unable to secure a proper sign language interpreter,  a qualified SSP, and/or accessing technology are only a few of many major barriers.
There are many different types of advocacy that enable Deaf-Blind people to improve their ability to interact with society:

Self-Advocacy- speaking up for themselves and their support team  (i.e. talking to the landlord, transportation staff, teachers, etc about a specific safety incident).

Case Advocacy- receiving guidance through paperwork and procedures for processes such as receiving low-income medical benefits.

Public Education Advocacy- making a presentation about an issue they care about (i.e. talking to community groups about communication access and deaf-blind culture/etiquette).

Public Policy Advocacy-  getting involved in any way to influence a public official’s vote or opinion (i.e. sending an e-mail to a legislator about a concerns regarding Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement).

Private Policy Advocacy- getting involved in anything done to influence or change a corporation’s or other private institution’s policy or behavior (i.e. promoting a letter-writing campaign asking restaurants to become more accessible).

Our Advocacy Specialists provides an avenue for professionals and concerned community members to be actively involved in empowering  Deaf-Blind people. Through information and referral, we keep members informed of public resources and policy issues affecting Deaf-Blind people and provide them with opportunities to make a difference.

If you are interested in our services you can contact our advocates at: (206) 323-3644 TTY/VP (Relay Service is 711), or email us at kthomas@seattledbsc.org.