DBSC Space Needle logo

About DBSC

Mission

The Deaf-Blind Service Center is committed to assisting deaf-blind people in reaching and maintaining their highest possible quality of life and degree of personal autonomy.

Philosophy

The Deaf-Blind Service Center believes communication is the core issue in providing quality services to deaf-blind people. Within DBSC, high quality communication with deaf-blind people is ensured in the following ways:

  1. All information is provided in the desired communication mode of the person being served, whether that be Braille, close vision, or tactile communication.
  2. Our staff possesses a complimentary set of language and communication skills, to meet the broadest possible spectrum of language and communication needs.
  3. We obtain qualified interpreters for large meetings or when the communication needs of the deaf-blind person cannot be met within DBSC's in-house resources.
  4. We conduct all advocacy and case planning with the fullest possible participation of the deaf-blind individual.
  5. DSBC believes information is important to enable people to make educated choices. DBSC provides opportunities for deaf-blind people to receive the information they need, and to be informed about the variety of possible options.
    6.

FAQ

What do we mean by "the deaf-blind community?"

The deaf-blind community includes:

  • Deaf-blind individuals
  • Professional and volunteer interpreters (deaf and hearing)
  • Other professionals involved with deaf-blindness
  • Family members of deaf-blind people
  • Many other friends

A deaf-blind person cannot see or hear at all, right?

Many deaf-blind people have some usable vision, some usable hearing, or both. A "deaf-blind" person may be:

  • Totally blind and totally deaf
  • Totally blind and hard-of-hearing
  • "Hard-of-seeing" and totally deaf
  • "Hard-of-seeing" and hard-of-hearing

Most deaf-blind people also experience change in their degree of vision and/or hearing over time. Many people have Usher's Syndrome (hearing loss with Retinitis Pigmentosa,) which results in a degenerative loss of vision over many years.

What do deaf-blind people do for work?

Most of the deaf-blind people in Seattle are employed full-time. Some Deaf-Blind people are employed at public utilities, with state government, at private companies, and as service providers at agencies that serve deaf and deaf-blind individuals. A large number of deaf-blind people work at Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind. At the present time, the need for additional, more diverse job opportunities is great.

What about housing? Can deaf-blind people live independently?

The majority of deaf-blind individuals in the Seattle area live independently. Many live alone, some live with spouses or roommates.

What do deaf-blind people do for fun?

Everything! In addition to personal sports and hobbies, there are community social and recreational activities conducted for and by deaf-blind people. Some of these include:

  • Banquets
  • Dances
  • Picnics
  • Business meetings of Washington State Deaf-Blind Citizens
  • Special social and support groups for segments of the deaf-blind community
  • The Lighthouse for the Blind sponsors an annual week-long Deaf-Blind Retreat in Seabeck, WA and the Deaf-Blind Community Classes twice a month during the school year at Seattle Central Community College.

How did DBSC come into existence?

Over two years of effort by many individuals and groups preceded DBSC's opening day. The members and friends of the Task Force on Deaf-Blindness, the Washington State Deaf-Blind Citizens (WSDBC), agency representatives from the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) recognized that the unique needs of deaf-blind people were not being met by any one existing agency or service. They combined efforts to see the dream of a Deaf-Blind Service Center become a reality.

Where does DBSC receive its funding from?

Funding for DBSC is currently provided by the City of Seattle and through subcontracts with the State of Washington. Funding also comes from grants, private donations, and fees for some services. Private funding sources include The Seattle Foundation and the Elizabeth Lynn Foundation. Our SSP Program receives some federal funding.

Who does DBSC serve?

DBSC offers services to residents of the state of Washington, over the age of 16, who experienced an initial severe loss of hearing and/or vision prior to the age of 65 and who are now Deaf-Blind or have a condition which will result in Deaf-Blindness.

Is there a cost?

DBSC services are available at no cost to residents of Washington State. There is a fee for some professional-to-professional services.

What services does DBSC provide?

More questions?

Contact us at info@seattledbsc.org.