Organization
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Founded in Seattle in 1918, The Lighthouse for the Blind is the largest employer of DeafBlind individuals in the United States and the largest employer of blind people on the West Coast, with over 260 of its 470+ staff being blind, DeafBlind, or blind with other disabilities. A social-enterprise model funds comprehensive vocational training, rehabilitation, and DeafBlind community programmes.
About
Founded in Seattle in 1918, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. has spent over a century promoting independence through meaningful employment for blind, DeafBlind, and blind-with-other-disabilities individuals. It is the largest employer of DeafBlind individuals in the entire United States and is led by a blind president and CEO.
What They Do
The Lighthouse operates as a social enterprise—manufacturing products and providing professional services—while offering vocational training, a low vision clinic, orientation and mobility instruction, braille training, assistive technology services, and deep DeafBlind community programming. Employment is integral to the model: staff who are blind or DeafBlind lead and work at every level of the organisation.
Who They Serve
The Lighthouse primarily serves blind, DeafBlind, and blind-with-other-disabilities adults in the Seattle and Puget Sound region, with particular depth and national leadership in services for the DeafBlind community.
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