Sunday, November 27, 2022 | Special Advertising Section 1 R 26 Independence o!ers a brighter future The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. transforms the lives of people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities. Through employment opportunities, we are a catalyst for empowerment. The Lighthouse fosters self-confidence and instills a life-changing affirmation that independence is possible. From our expertise in cutting-edge technology to our understanding of mobility, we help people who are blind and DeafBlind live fulfilling lives. We believe everyone, no matter their vision abilities, deserves to experience the power of employment. Our goal for each person we reach is to ignite a fire of determination that is centered on the reality that blindness doesn’t define who you are or how you choose to live. Employment is a pillar of the American dream. Through our jobs, we better ourselves, sharpen our skills and provide for our families. A person who is blind deserves to find fulfilling and meaningful work, but employment statistics for people who are blind or DeafBlind are astoundingly bleak. In the U.S., 70% of people who are blind and 80% of those who are DeafBlind are unemployed. And one-third of adults who are blind live in poverty. When people lose their sight, the loss of independence frequently leads to feelings of isolation and depression. The Lighthouse employs over 220 people who are blind, DeafBlind and blind with other disabilities. We help individuals accommodate their vision needs and pursue their career ambitions. Our goal is to create pathways for personal and professional growth within our organization and beyond. Frommaking aerospace parts in our manufacturing facility to providing quality assurance on contracts for the U.S. Navy, our jobs are diverse, challenging and significant. To support our blind and DeafBlind colleagues, we provide a wide range of programs and services. From braille courses to computer training to navigating a commute to work, we ensure all are poised for success. Our employees are immersed in a holistic, supportive environment where they are free to not only dream big but also reach their professional goals. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that operates a successful business manufacturing products and selling services. As a social enterprise with the George Abbott, President & CEO, leads the Lighthouse which employs over 420 employees over 220 who are blind, or DeafBlind, or blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a private not-for-profit social enterprise providing job training and employment opportunities for people who are blind, DeafBlind and blind with other disabilities, empowering people to live fulfilling lives since 1918. Information at LHBlind.org. mission of hiring people who are blind, DeafBlind or blind with other disabilities, we shape a work environment that allows our employees to discover themselves and thrive. Our objective is employment, but our mission is empowerment. As a leader in accessible employment, our priority is ensuring that our employees have exactly what they need to be successful —whether that’s modifying our machine shop with accessible technology; creating safe, consistent work environments; or simply making sure our employees know that their needs will be addressed without fear of being let go. We are the largest employer west of the Mississippi River of people who are blind, and the single largest employer of people who are DeafBlind in the U.S. Accessibility makes us more diverse, and through diversity we are all stronger. But we cannot do it alone —we need your help. The generosity of our community allows us to meet people where they are in their journey of vision loss. Our donors provide the necessary support, funding services critical for navigating the intricacies of work and life. From braille courses to computer training to navigating a commute to work, philanthropic donations ensure our employees garner the skills for employment at the Lighthouse and throughout their career. Simply put, our donors ensure our employees are poised for success. With your support, we can provide the necessary services and training that make employment possible for people who are blind or DeafBlind. You can ensure they have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of independence. PROVIDED BY THE LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND, INC. Michelle Denzer, Production Worker, takes a break with her dog guide in the Ethel L. Dupar Fragrant Garden outside the Lighthouse’s Seattle manufacturing facility. Deng Kong, Office Assistant at the Lighthouse’s corporate office, reading a refreshable braille display. At the Lighthouse, we know that life doesn’t end with blindness. Our role is to help each individual discover their strengths to gain independence. We have seen how employment can transform a person. Now, you can help more individuals start life anew and change the perception of people who are blind and DeafBlind. Together, we will empower more people to shape a fulfilling and prosperous future for themselves.
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