Agency Details:

The Lighthouse for the Blind

Our mission is to create and enhance opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency of people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities.

Description:
Founded in 1918, the mission of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is to create and enhance opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency for individuals who are blind, Deaf-Blind, or blind with other disabilities. We are a successful manufacturing organization that is committed to making jobs accessible to blind individuals and currently employ over 380 individuals, more than 220 of whom are visually impaired. Our philosophy maintains that each employee be provided with whatever supports are necessary for success in the workplace. Employment opportunities at Seattle Lighthouse include positions in production, customer service, accounting, machine set-up and operation, computer instruction, information technology, program management, administration, departmental supervision, development, and human resources.
In addition to offering employment opportunities, Seattle Lighthouse provides a wide range of programs and services for visually impaired employees and blind people in the larger community. These include vocational computer training programs for blind adults and one-on-one computer classes for Deaf-Blind people. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. also provides an in-house sign language interpreting department to ensure effective communication for Deaf-Blind employees, staff mobility instructors to teach independent travel with a white cane or dog guide, a braille training program and reading group, and over 100 computer workstations adapted for use by visually impaired individuals. We also have outreach and educational programs for the community at large, including our nationally acclaimed Deaf-Blind retreats and community classes as well as a local school program to educate elementary school students about blindness and deaf-blindness.

History:
The Lighthouse stands out as one of Seattle's oldest nonprofit organizations, with over eighty-five years of continuous service to blind people in our community. The Lighthouse saw its beginnings around 1910 as a social club called the Seattle Association of the Blind. The fledgling group soon realized that many blind people faced barriers in the areas of basic education, training and employment. In order to address these needs, the Association opened a small retail shop, selling jigsaw puzzles and baskets made by their members. Many of Seattle's leading citizens became involved with these efforts to promote self-sufficiency for blind people. In April of 1918, the growing organization incorporated as The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. This name was already in common currency throughout the country with over 100 different agencies choosing the Lighthouse moniker.

Contact people:

Kathryn Wiegel, Annual Fund and Grants Manager, (phone), (email) Jennifer Moore, Major And Planned Gifts Manager, (email) Melanie Wimmenauer, Director Of Communications, (email)

Main office number: (206) 322-4200

Address:

2501 South Plum Street Seattle, WA 98144 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.seattlelighthouse.org

Directions:

From NORTH: Take I-5 South to the I-90 Exit. Once on I-90, immediately cross to right-most lane & take first I-90 exit, Rainier Avenue S. Take Rainier Avenue S exit and turn right at the stop light.. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	No
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	No
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	No

Last updated on July 30, 2009