The department of services for the blind is an agency of state government created by chapter 194, Laws of 1983. It shall hereafter in this chapter be referred to as the "department." The chief executive officer of the department is the director. The director shall be appointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate.

The state rehabilitation council for the blind has the role of advising the department on issues affecting blind individuals across the state (reference WAC 67-10-025). The members are appointed by the governor. Terms are for a period of three years. State rehabilitation council members elect one of their members as chair for a term of one year.

The department's programs provide services statewide. The department has offices located throughout the state.