Vision Mentorship and Grant Program

Welcome back to the new school year! The WSSB Outreach Vision Mentorship and Grant Program mentor continues to offer support for developing the next generation of teachers of students with blindness and low vision. Our dedicated team of teachers remains focused on providing new educators in Washington with increased support time, specialized knowledge from multiple professionals, and a wide range of resources. We will continue to offer to include both in-person and online support, as well as enhanced professional development opportunities including monthly webinars and state-specific resource creation. We look forward to connecting with you.

October mentor meeting: Assessment

October 20th, 2025 @ 3:00-3:45 PDT on Zoom

Perhaps you have a caseload burgeoning with students who have “consultation” services. What does this even mean, and how does one provide these services? In this month’s mentor meeting we’ll cover this big and sometimes tricky part of the TBLVL scene.

Our agenda for the meeting will include:

• Consultation tools and strategies for diverse learners, including CVI

• The dynamics of consulting with a team

• Staying organized with data and notes

• Exploring WSSB Short Courses

Want to join the mentor program and receive invitations for our monthly Zoom meetings? Contact Joe Dlugo

OSPI/WSDS Grant 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 currently certified Washington State teachers who wish to add a vision endorsement to their certificate. Over this time, we have added over 50 new vision professionals throughout the state to assist in meeting the needs of this ever-growing field. Applications are taken every winter/spring with a deadline of April 1^st. Grants are limited and competitive. By applying, you are automatically eligible for grant consideration. The grant pays for all tuition but not course fees and books. If you are interested, please contact us for more information. The grant application window is closed as of now. 

Apply for Stephen F. Austin University Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments Training Program

Frequently asked questions for school administration looking to fill a position

Frequently asked questions for potential applicants

Connect with SFA program staff

Watch a webinar explaining the grant program

Need a Mentor?

Our program offers mentor support for new vision educators throughout Washington State, including those in their first 3 years, and those new to the state. Our services are not limited to those who have received state grants. We offer mentorship in the following areas:   

• Teachers of Blind and Low Vision Learners (AKA “TSVI/TVI”), ages birth-21  
• Orientation and Mobility Specialists (O&M), ages birth-21  
• Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS) working in school settings  

Please contact Joe Dlugo for more information. 

Resources

I want to…

• Attend a vision round up (pdf) 
• Plan for the end of the school year (pdf)
• Get an overview of resources for TSVIs (pdf) 
• Learn about access technology services (pdf) 
• Perform an FVA, LMA, or ECC assessment (pdf)  
• Understand Quota Funds, the ORC, and APH (pdf) 
• Expanded Core Curriculum (pdf)
• Know what to do when I get a referral (pdf)
• Explore resources for teaching braille (pdf)
• Discover additional assessment tools (pdf)

Current Job Postings

Are you a vision education professional in Washington State looking for a new position? Check out our job postings. Postings are updated monthly.