State and National Agencies
Statewide Resources
National Federation of the Blind of Washington (NFBW)
425-823-6380
[email protected]
PO Box 2516, Seattle, WA 98111
The National Federation of the Blind of Washington (NFBW) is the Washington affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest nationwide organization of the blind in the United States.
Washington Council of the Blind (WCB)
800-255-1147
The Washington Council of the Blind is a nonprofit all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting opportunity, equality and independence in the blind community through education, public awareness and advocacy. The largest organization of blind consumers in Washington State, WCB has chapter affiliates and special interest affiliates across the state, all of who are committed to fostering lifestyles that reflect participation, productivity, independence and dignity. WCB is an affiliate of American Council of the Blind (ACB).
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)
800-552-7103
[email protected]
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) provides services for people of all ages who are blind or have low vision in the state of Washington. The agency provides services to more than 2,800 Washington State Residents to help them gain or retain employment.
Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB)
360-696-6321
Contact Form
2214 E. 13th Street, Vancouver, Washington 98661-4120
Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) Serves as a statewide demonstration and recourse center and provide direct and indirect services to students both on campus and in the children's local communities. They provide specialized quality educational services to visually impaired and blind youth ages birth-21 within the state of Washington.
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program
800-214-8731; TTY: 866-866-0162
[email protected]
University of Washington, Center for Technology & Disability Studies, PO Box 357920, Seattle, Washington 98195
The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) has the mission to promote "assistive technology to enhance independence for every Washington resident with varying abilities." They offer advice on what device will best fit your need, device lending, and device demonstrations. Their goal is participation in their chosen activity, not the technology itself.They can also connect you with funding options, such as the Washington Access Fund, and organizations that have recycled equipment, such as the Evergreen Reuse Coalition.
Western Washington Resources
Disability Empowerment Center
866-545-7055
[email protected]
Disability Empowerment Center provides free services to people who live in King County. They are a community-based organization led and run by people with disabilities. As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit, they are a crucial hub for individuals with disabilities to receive free individualized services and access community-based resources. They are also part of the national network of Independent Living Centers that provides services to people with disabilities in communities across the country. They are built on the independent living philosophy that believes people with disabilities should have the choice to live independently and thrive as important members of our community.
Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind
800-914-7307
2501 South Plum Street Seattle, Washington 98144
The Seattle Lighthouse is a private, not-for-profit agency providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse has provided employment and support to blind people in our community since 1918.
Seattle Public Library (SPL) - Library Equal Access Program (LEAP)
206-615-1380
[email protected]
The Library Equal Access Program (LEAP) helps make the Library a great resource for people with disabilities or special needs. The program offers special adaptive equipment at the Central Library, items in accessible formats and Library services for people with special needs, including people who are: Blind and Low Vision and Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities (TACID)
253-565-9000
[email protected]
6315 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466
Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities (TACID), promotes the wellness, recovery and resilience of adults experiencing disabilities in Pierce County. Founded in 1980, TACID was established to be a center where disabled adults could access core services and support from free-standing community groups and organizations. Today TACID provides peer support services for adults experiencing a spectrum of disabilities and challenges, while also providing free meeting space and facilities for like-minded community partners.
University of Washington DO-IT Project
888-972-DOIT (3648)
[email protected]
University of Washington, Box 354842, Seattle, WA 98195-4842
The DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) Center is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through technology and education. It promotes awareness and accessibility—in both the classroom and the workplace—to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities and make our communities more vibrant, diverse, and inclusive.
Eastern Washington Resources
Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
509-735-0699; 855-665-8547
[email protected]
628 North Arthur Street, Kennewick, WA 99336
The Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the blind and visually impaired in southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon. Their mission is to enrich the independence and quality of life for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.
Lilac Services for the Blind
509-328-9116 or 800-422-7893
[email protected]
The mission of Lilac Services for the Blind is to provide people in the Inland Northwest who are blind or have low vision with the training and adaptive devices to allow them to live satisfying lives by restoring, maintaining, or increasing their independence.
National Agencies
American Council of the Blind
202-467-5081; 800-424-8666
[email protected]
The Council strives to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people by: serving as a representative national organization of blind people; elevating the social, economic, and cultural levels of blind people; improving educational and rehabilitation facilities and opportunities; cooperating with the public and private institutions and organizations concerned with blind services; encouraging and assisting all blind persons to develop their abilities; and conducting a public education program to promote greater understanding of blindness and the capabilities of blind people.
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
212-502-7600
AFB Contact Form
1101 Wilson Blvd, 6th Floor, Arlington, VA 22209
A non-profit organization founded in 1921 and recognized as Helen Keller's cause in the United States, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a leading national resource for people who are blind or visually impaired, the organizations that serve them, and the general public. The mission of the American Foundation for the Blind is to enable people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve equality of access and opportunity that will ensure freedom of choice in their lives. The AFB web site includes a wide range of information on blindness, low vision, and related issues. The site also includes photographs from the Helen Keller archives.
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
800-223-1839
[email protected]
1839 Frankfort Avenue, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
The APH was founded in Louisville, Kentucky in 1858, making it the oldest institution of its kind in the United States. APH produces braille, large type, recorded, computer disk, and tactile graphic publications, as well as a wide assortment of educational and daily living products. APH also offers a variety of services to assist consumers and professionals in the field of vision, such as Louis, a database listing materials available in accessible media from organizations across North America. APH makes products that give blind students an equal opportunity in the classroom and blind adults an equal opportunity in the workplace.
International Dyslexia Association
410-296-0232
1829 Reisterstown Road Suite 350 Pikesville, MD 21208
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is a 501c-3 non-profit, scientific, educational organization dedicated to the study and treatment of the learning disability, dyslexia, as well as related language based learning difficulties. IDA supports efforts to provide individuals with dyslexia with appropriate instruction and to identify these individuals at an early age.
National Braille Press
888-965-8965
[email protected]
88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115
National Braille Press is a nonprofit braille printer and publisher offering braille books, magazines, textbooks, tests, and embossing services. The guiding purposes of National Braille Press are to promote the literacy of blind children through braille and to provide access to information that empowers blind people to actively engage in work, family, and community affairs.
National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
410-659-9314
[email protected]
The ultimate purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is the complete integration of blind individuals into society on a basis of equality. This objective involves the removal of legal, economic, and social discriminations; the education of the public to new concepts concerning blindness; and the achievement by all blind people of the right to exercise to the fullest their individual talents and capacities. It means the right of blind people to work along with their sighted neighbors in the professions, common callings, skilled trades, and regular occupations.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
800-424-8567
[email protected]
Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail. The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library is the network library for Washington State.