Washington Council of the Blind

Who Are We?

The Washington Council of the blind (WCB) is a nonprofit statewide membership organization. We believe that blind and partially sighted people can lead productive lives and contribute to society with independence and dignity. Our members, most of whom are blind or partially sighted, represent a variety of backgrounds and interests. WCB has a rich history of legislative and community involvement.

Our Chapters and Affiliates

There are currently sixteen chapters located around the state, which meet on a regular basis. WCB also has one special interest affiliate, Guide Dog Users of Washington State. WCB also holds an annual state convention.

WCB offers many services and programs including:

• Information and referral through a state-wide toll-free number;
• The NEWSLINE, published four times per year, featuring our organization's activities and other issues of interest to blind people;
• Scholarships for students in college or other employment training programs;
• An Advocacy Committee, which works to eliminate barriers which face blind and visually impaired persons in employment or in services which we receive from places of public accommodation and governmental agencies;
• Our members serve on state-wide advisory committees of agencies serving the blind. Through our participation we advocate for improved service delivery and quality programs.

WCB's legislative achievements have included:

• Help to pass historic legislation, guaranteeing equal access to places of public accommodation;
• Passing a law which makes it illegal to deny a blind person the right to serve on a jury;
• Assisting in the creation of a separate state agency for the blind;
• Supporting the passage and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act;
• Advocating for the passage of the Braille Bill, which requires that students be given the opportunity to learn Braille reading and writing.

Working together, we seek to gain equality, independence and opportunity for every blind citizen, not only in employment, but also in the right to participate fully in all aspects of our community. We strive to increase public awareness about blindness--what it is and what it is not.

WCB is an entirely volunteer organization with no paid staff. Financial support comes from yearly dues, donations and fund raising efforts. Contributions to WCB are welcome and they are tax deductible.

For a list of our committee contacts, see our Committee Contacts page. And a list of the Officers and Board Members can be found here.

Anyone may join our organization. We are an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind which is based in Washington D.C. Come prepared to work and have fun as well.