About DBSC
The DeafBlind Service Center (DBSC) is committed to assisting deafblind people in reaching and maintaining their highest possible quality of life and degree of personal autonomy.
Established in 1986, DBSC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in the heart of Seattle’s Central District. Through your support, DBSC strives to increase the independence of deafblind individuals by supporting their ability to perform daily life tasks, bring down communication barriers, and enhance self-confidence.
We believe communication is one of the core barriers deafblind people face in obtaining quality services. We provide opportunities for deafblind people to receive the information they need in order to understand their available options and make educated decisions. At DBSC, high-quality communication is ensured in the following ways:
All information is provided in the desired communication mode of the person being served – whether that be Braille, close vision, or tactile sign language.
Our staff possesses the complimentary set of language and communication skills to meet the broadest possible spectrum of language and communication needs.
We obtain qualified interpreters for large meetings or when the communication needs of the deafblind person cannot be met using DBSC’s in-house resources.
We conduct all advocacy and case planning with the fullest possible participation of the deafblind individual.
How did DBSC come into existence?
Over two years of effort by many individuals and groups proceeded 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 DeafBlind 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’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH). Funding also comes from grants, private donations, and fees for some services. Private funding sources include The Seattle Foundation and the Elizabeth Lynn Foundation.
Who does DBSC serve?
DBSC offers services to residents of Washington State who are deafblind or have a condition that will result in deaf-blindness.
Is there a cost?
DBSC services are available at no cost to deafblind residents of Washington State. This includes our SSP Program, CF Program, and Advocacy Program. There is a fee for agencies requesting services through our Professional Services program.
The DeafBlind Service Center (DBSC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. DBSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, or national origin. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and agency need.
