Transition Planning - High School and Beyond
Prepare for Success with WSSB
At WSSB, we're dedicated to nurturing not just students but future leaders. Our unwavering commitment to Transition, College, Career, and Life readiness empowers students for their journey ahead.
Transition Support: We understand the importance of a smooth transition from one high school to a post-secondary pathway. Our specialized programs and guidance help students seamlessly transition from high school to the next phase of their life, whether it's higher education or the workforce.
College-Ready: Through WSSB and our community partners, such as Clark College, Hudson's Bay High School, and Cascadia Tech, students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await in college. We provide the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to excel in higher education.
Career-Ready: WSSB equips students with practical skills and real-world experiences to prepare them for gainful employment in the future. Through community-based experiences, internships, and partner programs with the Washington Department of Services for the Blind, students have opportunities to build skills and readiness to join the workforce.
Life-Ready: Our holistic approach includes independent living skills, technology skills, character development, and community engagement, ensuring our graduates are well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact in thier future.
Transition Planning Resources
- College Planning
- Washington Colleges, Universities, and Training Programs
WA Post-Secondary & College Programs for Individuals with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability
THINK College Search for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
WA Guaranteed College Admissions Program
- Paying for College & Scholarships
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Financial Aid:
Federal Student Aid and FAFSA
FAFSA El sitio web en Español
Washington Application for Student Financial Aid (WASFA)
WASFA (SOLICITUD DE AYUDA FINANCIERA DEL ESTADO DE WASHINGTON)
Scholarships:
Scholarship Finder | CareerOneStopAFB Scholars Program | American Foundation for the Blind
Scholarship Programs | National Federation of the Blind Seniors Division
PFBC Scholarship 2026 | Washington State School for the Blind
Scholarships – Washington Council of the Blind
NFBW Scholarship Program | National Federation of the Blind of Washington
Scholarships – Washington Council of the Blind
Additional Resource:
OtterBot: OtterBot is a Free text support app created to support high school college bound students and their families. Otter sends financial aid info and reminders to College Bound 9th – 12th grade students. Students can access Otterbot via text message 24 hours a day, seven days a week by texting "Hi Otter" to 360-928-7281. More information: OtterBot | WSAC
Work Study information link: 8 Things You Should Know About Federal Work-Study – Federal Student Aid - Post-Secondary Training
- WSSB LIFTT Program (Learning Independence for Today and Tomorrow)
DSB Orientation & Training Center (OTC) - Agencies and Transition Services
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Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)
Washington Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Washington Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCA)
- Financial Tools
- Legal & Housing Resources
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Community and Residential Services for Adults (Developmental Disabilities Administration)
WSSB High School Playbook
This is a guide for students and families entering high school at Washington State School for the Blind. This presentation is designed so that there are no surprises. We want every family and every student to understand exactly what to expect from graduation requirements, to transition planning, to the resources and partners that support you along the way. We will cover a lot of ground, so we've broken it into focused segments so you can watch all at once or come back one section at a time.
- High School Playbook
- High School Playbook Playlist on YouTube
High School Playbook Full Slide Deck(PPT) - High School Partner Programs
- Hudson's Bay High School - Part of the Vancouver School District, students may attend part time, including access to core classes, electives, and world language courses.
Running Start through Clark College - WSSB students must be registered through Hudson's Bay high school in order to access Clark College. Eligible students must be entering 11th or 12th grade. College and high school credits earned at the same time.
Cascadia Tech Academy - WSSB students must be registered through Hudson's Bay high school in order to access Cascadia Tech. Eligible students must be entering 11th or 12th grade. Applications typically open in February each year.
Students access all accommodations through Clark College's Disability Access Center .