DBSC SERVICES

What services does DBSC provide?

• Information and Referral
• Community Newsletter
• Conference Room Rental
• Advocacy and Case Management
• Support Service Provider (SSP) Program
• Communication Facilitator (CF) and Video Communication Program
• Senior Citizens Services
• Professional-to-Professional Services

DBSC's Goals

• Increase awareness about the deaf-blind community
• Eliminate deaf-blind isolation through SSPs and other services
• Act as a model and resource for other agencies and persons interested in improving and promoting access for deaf-blind people
• Offer various tools for deaf-blind people to participate fully in society

Who does DBSC serve?

• Deaf-blind people
• Residents of Washington State
• Those who will benefit from our services

Brief Summary of DBSC's Programs

Support Service Provider (SSP)

DBSC trains SSPs and coordinates SSP services. SSPs are sighted guides and providers of visual and environmental information. This allows deaf-blind people to participate more fully in society.

Communication Facilitator (CF)

A CF is a skilled signer who copies sign language from the screen of a videophone, providing access for deaf-blind people to the Video Relay Service, as well as other signers.

Advocacy and Case Management

DBSC assists Deaf-Blind people in a variety of problem solving situations such as housing, transportation, system change, interpreter rights, and employment issues.

Educational Opportunities for Deaf-Blind People

DBSC provides classes to learn Braille, and other useful skills, these classes are tailored to the deaf-blind person's needs. DBSC encourages leadership among deaf-blind people.

Outreach and Public Services

DBSC provides Braille services, offers workshops to educate landlords, employers, healthcare providers, schools, and others about technologies used for accommodating deaf-blind people, resources for learning sign language, and resources for learning about deaf-blind culture and communication norms.