WSSB GRADUATE DATA FOLLOW-UP

1998 – 2005

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YEAR	EMPLOYED	COLLEGE POST SECONDARY	ADULT POST TRANING	HOMEMAKER	UNEMPLOYED	DECEASED	TOTALS
97-98 (6/9)	4	1		1			6
98-99 (7/7)	1	6					7
99-00 (3/4)		2		1			3
00-01 (4/4)	1		1		1	1	4
01-02 (7/10)	4	2		1			7
02-03 (12/12)	2	6	1	1	2		12
03-04 (5/5)		1	1	2		1	5
04-05 (8/8)	1	4	2		1		8
Totals	13	22	5	6	4	2	52

The Washington State School for the Blind has been in the process of conducting a follow-up of graduates that will track each former student for 8 years. The purpose of this is to assist us in determining not only the success rate of students that have graduated from the school, but also assist in strategic changes to our programs both on campus and throughout the state.

Within the United States it is often stated that there is a 70% unemployment rate within the blind community. We believe this number to be slightly inflated, but we do believe this number is still in the 55-65% range.

Success rate for WSSB graduates is currently ranging from 76% - 87% depending which factors are used to determine success:

• 76% represents students either employed, or in a post high school training program or enrolled in a two year or four year college program.
• 87% represents students in the above categories, but also includes homemakers, due to the fact that many of these individuals have chosen to fill this important role.

When examining either statistic it appears that the programs and services being provided students whom attend WSSB to be quite successful in assisting blind and visually impaired students to be independent contributing citizens. Note: The above information is based upon an 88% response to the follow-up study on student since the 1997-98 school year.