<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><b>From:</b> "MacKillop, Michael (DSB)" <michael.mackillop@dsb.wa.gov><br><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><b>Date:</b> May 5, 2020 at 12:51:50 PM PDT<br><b>Cc:</b> "Cox, Kristina (DSB)" <kristina.cox@dsb.wa.gov><br><b>Subject:</b> <b>DSB waitlist opened</b><br><br></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr">
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Hello all:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">In the midst of COVID-19, I wanted to send some good news. The Department of Services for the Blind has been able to release all cases off the Order of Selection waitlist, and
have opened all categories for immediate vocational rehabilitation services for all individuals who apply for and are eligible. We are excited that, for the first time since October 2018, we are able to serve all who are eligible without delay.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">This is great news for the agency; it has been challenging for so many to have need to delay services. It is a relief to be able to provide immediate services for all eligible
individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">We are excited to open up all categories of the waitlist at this time, and are cautious as well. Order of Selection will continue to remain in place as a tool, as a way to manage
future fiscal challenges. The post-COVID-19 economy will be bumpy, and we may find a need to reinstate a waitlist and delayed services. With a mandated 15% set aside of funds to build the youth career exploration programs, it remains a fact that every year
our adult services are funded at 85% the pre-WIOA levels. There are future challenges to navigate, and the waitlist may be one of many tools we need to utilize again in future.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your continued support and partnership!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Stay healthy and happy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Michael
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Michael MacKillop, Acting Executive Director<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Department of Services for the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">3411 South Alaska Street<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Seattle, WA 98118<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">206-906-5520<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="mailto:Michael.mackillop@dsb.wa.gov">Michael.mackillop@dsb.wa.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="http://www.dsb.wa.gov/">www.dsb.wa.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">#vr100years<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/leg/rehab/vr100/index.html"><span style="color:windowtext;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="86" height="26" style="width:.9in;height:.275in" id="Picture_x0020_1" alt="cid:image001.png@01D60118.01B9E050" src="cid:image003.png@01D622D9.159F3010"></span></a><br>
<a href="https://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/leg/rehab/vr100/index.html">RSA Celebrating 100 years of VR</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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