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THE MISSION OF WCB The Washington Council of the Blind 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. 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. |
CHAPTERS AND MEMBERSHIP The Washington Council of the Blind has many local chapters, most of which meet monthly, and one statewide affiliate, Guide Dog Users of Washington State. Chapters advocate for the needs specific to their communities and offer social activities and support. By paying nominal dues to a local chapter, individuals become members of WCB and ACB. "At large" memberships are also available. WCB welcomes blind, partially sighted and fully sighted individuals. To locate a chapter in your area, please call 800 255-1147 or visit http://www.wcbinfo.org. |
WCB PROGRAMS Through active committees, the Washington Council of the Blind sponsors the following programs serving blind and partially sighted Washingtonians: Information & Referral Advocacy & Legislation Scholarships, Grants & Loans Aging & Blindness Families with Blind Children Crisis Assistance Environmental Access Annual Fall Convention Newsline, quarterly newsletter To learn more about any of these programs or to reach their appropriate contacts, please call 800 255-1147 or visit http://www.wcbinfo.org. |
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WCB ACCOMPLISHMENTS In collaboration with others, WCB has accomplished the following: Creating a separate state agency for the blind; Passage of the Braille Bill which promotes Braille literacy for blind elementary and secondary school students; Establishing the right for blind persons to be considered for jury service; Providing over $200,000 in scholarships to blind students in post-secondary education and vocational programs. ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS Each fall WCB's state convention gives members and guests the opportunity to hear presentations addressing current issues of relevance to blind people, find out about new technology, and form lifelong friendships. Throughout the year WCB conducts quarterly board meetings, leadership training and other seminars aimed at educating its membership. |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES American Council of the Blind 202 467-5081/800 424-8666 http://www.acb.org Louis Braille School 425 778-2384 http://louisbrailleschool.org WA Assistive Technology Foundation 206 328-5116/800 214-8731 http://www.watf.org WA State Department of Services f/t Blind 800 552-7103 http://www.dsb.wa.gov WA State School for the Blind 360 696-6321 http://www.wssb.wa.gov WA Talking Book & Braille Library 206 615-0400/800 542-0866 Http://www.wtbbl.org |
WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
OPPORTUNITY EQUALITY INDEPENDENCE PO BOX 1085 TRACYTON, WA 98393-1085 800 255-1147 info@wcbinfo.org http://www.wcbinfo.org |
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