A person in medical scrubs sitting on a chair talking to another person in a wheelchair

Health & Safety

Know where to access the care you need to stay healthy every day, how to plan for emergencies, and ways to stay safe when disaster strikes. Find information, support, and resources for caregivers and guide dog users.

Emergency Preparedness

As someone with a disability, you may need to take additional steps to prepare for emergencies. Get information and resources that will help you get ready for when disaster strikes and what to do if you need to evacuate or shelter in place.

Ready.gov

Find out what types of disasters could affect your area and sign up to receive alerts and warnings. Learn how to prepare for emergencies by making a plan for your daily needs, creating a support network, and building an emergency kit, and get tips for what your kit should include depending on the type of disability you have.

Create an emergency plan

Know the factors to consider when creating your emergency plan, why you should make a backup plan, and download a free app that helps you track hazards in real time and locate emergency shelters near you.

Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning (CIEP)

This statewide disability advisory group works with state and local organizations to create disability inclusion in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Get resources on how to prepare for emergencies from FEMA, American Red Cross, CDC, and state agencies.

Healthcare Insurance

Sign up for free or low cost health care coverage and get help with your benefits to access the care you need.

Apple Health (Medicaid)

Learn more about our state’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, which offers free health insurance for people who have blindness or a disability or age 65 or older.

Apple Health for Workers With Disabilities (HWD)

You can work and still receive health care coverage through this state program. Your monthly premium is determined by a sliding scale based on your income and you can save your earnings without disqualifying yourself from other benefit programs.

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)

Find free, unbiased, and confidential Medicare counseling in your area. Volunteer advisors can answer your questions and provide information and guidance on Medicare options.

Healthcare Services

Find free low vision eye care near you and learn how to get the most out of your doctor’s visits.

Lion’s Low Vision Clinic

Get assistance in using your remaining vision more efficiently at Washington State School for the Blind’s low vision clinic. This is a secondary care clinic meant to serve patients with low vision including those with multiple disabilities and is not a substitute for primary care from an eye care provider.

Lions Low Vision Clinic at Edith Bishel

This clinic provides comprehensive low vision evaluations for the blind and visually impaired since 1998. Make an appointment for a consultation and evaluation from a local optometrist and receive specific recommendations for visual aids or assistance.

Getting the Care You Need (1.2 MB PDF)

A guide to help you know your health care rights, how to effectively work with your provider to get the care you need, and what to do before, during, and after your appointment.

Information for Caregivers

Caregiving is a demanding job whether you care for a loved one or are employed as a caregiver. Find support, useful information, and resources below.

How to perform common tasks

These short videos provide easy-to-follow, detailed instruction on how to do common tasks if you are blind or visually impaired. Topics covered include buttoning, folding clothes, cooking and food prepping, room familiarization, and white cane techniques.

Caregiver Action Network

This non-profit organization provides education, tools, peer support, and resources free of charge to family caregivers across the country.

Resource list for caregivers of people who are blind or visually impaired

Find instructional videos, advice, support, transportation options, prescription assistance, food assistance, and more.

Aging and Disability Services (ADS)

Get the help you need to care for a loved one while maintaining your quality of life. Services include training, referrals, advice on supplies and equipment, and finding respite care if you need a break from caregiving.

Guidelines for assisting people who are blind and visually impaired

Community Eye Health Journal compiled these practical tips and helpful illustrations on assisting someone who is blind or visually impaired. Learn the etiquette for offering assistance and how to be an effective sighted guide.

Service Animals

Guide dogs and other service animals provide valuable everyday assistance to many people who are blind or have a disability. Learn what is considered a service animal, how to get one, and your animal’s rights in different settings.