About us

The Washington Council of the Blind (WCB) is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting opportunity, equality, and independence in the blind community through education, public awareness, and advocacy.

WCB is a diverse state-wide consortium of local chapters committed to fostering lifestyles that reflect participation, productivity, independence, and dignity.

Affiliated with the American Council of the Blind (ACB), WCB is the largest organization of blind consumers in the state of Washington.

Meet our officers

	President Cindy Van Winkle A ParaEducator of the visually impaired, Cindy teaches braille and other adaptive skills of blindness to students, elementary through high school. “I joined the Council in 1986 when I was pregnant with my first daughter. People in the organization mentored me through my leadership journey. Just as WCB has given to me, it has allowed me to give to others. How truly blessed I am!”
	First Vice President Glenn McCully Compensation and Benefits Manager at Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., Glen has been a WCB member since 2000. “The Council gives us the ability to unite as one voice for change: helping make our lives better.”
	Second Vice President Meka White A production worker at the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., Meka has been in the Council since 2001. “I joined WCB shortly before my 21st birthday and grew up in this organization. The Council to me is one big family--a family that I love dearly. Gaining confidence in myself, I now take on projects that I never imagined.”
	Secretary Steve Fiksdal Co-owner of ConnectEd Institute, which facilitates personal strengths identification and development, Steve is pursuing a B.A. in leadership studies with Fort Hays State University. “WCB brings opportunity to the blind and visually impaired community. Opportunity to grow, to flourish, to advocate, to support, and to contribute. In just the past year-and-a-half I have benefited from an abundance of support and goodwill.”
	Treasurer Eric Hunter A Mortgage and Real Estate Broker for 39 years, Eric has been with the Council 17 years. “I have grown to appreciate not only the intelligence of blind folk, but the positiveness they possess. This attitude has instilled in me greater ability to cope with and accept my own loss of vision.”

Testimonials

“I'm proud to be part of a group who really encourages all of us to step out of that comfort zone a little bit, and be all that we can be.” -- Jim Turri, Bellingham

“There is a lot of good work being done at all levels of this organization, and being a part… helped me to form a better understanding of the big picture.” -- Zandra Brown, Olympia

Some of WCB's accomplishments since 1990:

Awarding over $300,000 in college scholarships to students with visual impairment
Raising public awareness about employment, transportation, and other accessibility issues
Assisting people in crisis and advocating for individuals across the state
Ensuring that the Dept. of Services for the Blind remains separate and accountable to consumers
Ensuring that the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library gets necessary funding
Ensuring that the Washington State School for the Blind is funded and maintains the necessary autonomy

With no paid staff, the work of WCB is done by its membership through volunteering. As a 501(c)3 organization, all donations made to WCB are tax deductible and welcomed.

To make a donation via PayPal click the button below.