Advocacy Program

ADVOCACY PROGRAM

The Deaf-Blind Service Center (DBSC) is a non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) located in the heart of the Capitol Hill area of Seattle. The Advocacy and Case Management Programs at DBSC are staffed by a full a time advocacy specialist and a part-time Senior Citizen advocate, both of whom have many years of experience in 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 individual donors, 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 limited or no 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.

Our Advocacy Specialists provide 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.

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).

			SEATTLE DEAF-BLIND SERVICE CENTER
Home Page DBSC Services Curriculum About DBSC DBSC Board Donate Staff Bios Staff Contacts Photo Gallery Visual Version			ADVOCACY PROGRAM The Deaf-Blind Service Center (DBSC) is a non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) located in the heart of the Capitol Hill area of Seattle. The Advocacy and Case Management Programs at DBSC are staffed by a full a time advocacy specialist and a part-time Senior Citizen advocate, both of whom have many years of experience in 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 individual donors, 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 limited or no 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. Our Advocacy Specialists provide 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. 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). Contact 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.

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