Vision Grant and Mentorship Program

The vision grant program is a partnership involving the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), Washington Sensory Disability Services (WSDS), the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) and Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. Since 2017, our program has offered yearly grants and mentor support to Washington State teachers who wish to add a vision endorsement to their certificate. Over this time we have added nearly 40 new vision professionals throughout the state to assist in meeting the needs of this ever-growing field.

2023 Grant Announcement

We are pleased to announce we are once again offering grants for Washington State teachers to gain their endorsement as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVI). Our grant program is a partnership with Stephen F. Austin University Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments Training Program . Our program is pays for all tuition and provides mentor support.  It is open to currently certified teachers in Washington State who are looking to add the TSVI endorsement.  This has been a very effective way for districts to “grow their own” teachers.  If you are interested or know of someone who may be interested in becoming part of this in-demand field, please contact Washington State Mentor Joe Dlugo at joe.dlugo@wssb.wa.gov.  The grant is competitive so make sure you apply as soon as you can.  Applications are due April 1st, 2023.