Since its inception, the Washington School for the Blind Foundation has worked closely with the Washington State School for the Blind to assist in meeting the needs of students throughout the state of Washington who are blind or visually impaired, increasing their opportunities for success and independence.

Any listing of what the WSBF does will, of necessity, be incomplete. Needs change, and the WSBF changes what it does as needs change. Today technology is a very big deal— a blind person can not use a computer without software that will read the screen, and almost all employment requires a person be computer–savvy— so the WSBF has special programs to fund and distribute technology. But, the WSBF is a hands–on organization, too. Current projects include…

WSSB Distance Learning Lab

With support from the Foundation, a new distance learning lab has been installed at the Washington State School for the Blind. The lab serves the needs of students who are visually impaired and blind, and dedicated teachers from across the state of Washington who are working to improve educational techniques for the blind and visually impaired. Distance learning allows the School to provide the same opportunities for students whether they are on campus or not. It provides volumes of information only available through technology. It provides access to instruction for smaller numbers of students that would otherwise be cost–prohibitive.

Video Clips On Blindness

With the help of the Foundation, the Washington State School for the Blind has been able to produce Video Clips on Blindness Tips. These free online videos help teach individuals various techniques to lessen the impact of blindness and visual impairments on everyday activities.

Helping Students Shine: Sports

Throughout the year, the WSBF has helped fund programs and activities that broaden the horizons of children who are blind and visually impaired. So far, in 2008, we helped send three student athletes to represent Team USA at the 2008 International Blind Sports Association's Benchpress and Powerlifting World Championships in Miami, Florida.

Helping Students Shine: Music

The Foundation has also helped fund projects in the Music Department, such as assisting with private lessons to help students be the best they can be. In 2002, the choir performed at Ground Zero in New York City, at the Kennedy Center, and at the Pentagon, among other places on the East coast thanks to a grant from the WSBF.

Summer Programs

During summer vacation, the Foundation has made it possible for young people to stretch their capabilities at summer sports camp and summer school, where blind students experience and learn the latest technology, enjoy stimulating crafts projects, experience the world around them through field trips, or just have fun with friends.

Career Exploration

Through the YES program (Youth Employment Solution), the Foundation helps youth get out in the community for hands-on-exploration of potential careers. With a grant from the WSBF, a group of enterprising students at the Washington State School for the Blind bought an espresso machine. It is now the heart of an on–campus coffee stand, serving lattes and cappuccinos. These entrepreneurial students are not just making mochas; they are gaining self–confidence and employment skills, while raising money for school projects.

“All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.”

—Markham