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Gubernatorial appointee for Department of Services for the Blind outlines agency priorities and data
Summary
Michael McKillop, nominated to lead the Department of Services for the Blind, told the Senate Human Services Committee he has led the agency since January 2020, described program focus on employment and independent living, and cited an American Community Survey estimate of about 165,000 Washingtonians with vision challenges.
The Senate Human Services Committee took testimony from Michael McKillop, governor’s appointee for director of the Department of Services for the Blind, on March 24. McKillop told the committee he has worked with the agency for 24 years and has served as director since January 2020.
McKillop described the agency’s services across the lifespan — from peer supports for families of children with visual disabilities, to career-exploration and work-based learning for high-school age youth, to independent-living services for older adults. He said the agency operates offices in Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, Yakima and Spokane and that the department has approximately 96 full-time equivalent staff.
Citing the American Community Survey, McKillop said there are about 165,000 Washington residents with a visual challenge that cannot be corrected with lenses. He also said about 23 percent of the agency’s staff have a visual disability.
Committee members asked about Medicaid and federal health coverage; McKillop said Medicaid is “critically important” to many clients’ access to care. He said the agency’s goals include financial stability and increasing awareness so that Washingtonians know the agency is a resource after a change in vision.
The committee administered the statutory oath required for gubernatorial appointees and did not record a confirmation vote during the hearing.
McKillop said the agency’s priorities include expanding career outcomes for clients and connecting them to workforce-development and apprenticeship opportunities. He highlighted recent individual outcomes and said the agency aims to increase access to higher-paying careers for people with visual disabilities.
