Narrative: k.

DSB is revisioning how we introduce services to employers to better facilitate opportunities for business on accessibility and accommodations while investing in VR participant’s access to gain work experience and Competitive Integrated Employment. DSB is dedicating resources in the redesign of our VR program to include a business relations unit, with specific services and staff dedicated to developing these opportunities.  Some of the enhances to serve employers better will include:

• Accommodation Consultation & Referral: DSB provides employers with consultation and training on accommodations for Blind, Deaf-Blind, and Low Vision employees, that lead to greater inclusion and accessibility in the workforce. DSB connects job seekers to employers, providing the necessary accommodations so there are no barriers to employment security and advancement.
• Dedicated Programs and Staff: Recently DSB has dedicated program administration to workforce opportunities, with dedicated leadership oversight to pre-employment transition services, business relations, workforce collaboration, and business enterprise development.  In 2024,DSB hired three new Business Relations Specialists who will assist in developing opportunities for youth and students with disabilities by sitting on workforce development council priority population committees specifically targeting youth and students with disabilities, and develop business relationships with those employers who are offering work experiences to the workforce system partners.  The Business Relations Specialists will also be joining business consortiums and networks, to develop skill development pathways, internships, and work-based experiences for our students with disabilities.  
• Labor Market Analysis Utilization: DSB business relations staff explore labor market trends and opportunities in the state of Washington, including local area businesses. DSB is working towards acquiring a Labor Market data tool, that will assist DSB staff know in real-time what industry sectors are in demand, growing or restricting.  This analysis will assist employers through the development of industry specific career pathways training to job seekers, to create a pool of potential employees with skills and experience.
• Revisioning VR Process: DSB will be incorporating business relations into the VR process early and often.  Business relations staff will be a part of the itinerant field services team, supporting employers by vetting job seekers to fulfill employer recruitment needs while facilitating resources and support from other DSB staff for employer training needs.  Business relations staff meet with Counselors and Pre-ETS Specialists to discuss students’ progression of experiences, and to work collaboratively creating a succession of skills and experiences that informs the students’ post-secondary training pathways and employment goals.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Collaboration: DSB has an interagency agreement and commitment to partnership with our vocational rehabilitation general agency, Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and meet monthly to coordinate business relations activities and services for job ready vocational rehabilitation participants.  Activities include job fairs, business outreach, collaboration of tools and resources that benefit job seekers at both agencies.
• Workforce Development Council Partnership: DSB staff will be better integrated into workforce development activities, including committee participation, to increase effectiveness of service delivery and sector strategy development. This will include developing community partnerships with employers across the State of Washington.
• Work-based Learning Development: When employers have specific workforce recruitment needs, DSB will introduce through training the opportunity to utilize on the job training and work-based learning experiences services. These specific skill development services are developed with the business itself which leads to specialized training, development, and knowledge of employer workplace culture, and emersion in the business’s mission and vision.   This is especially valuable for Pre-employment transition students.