In a word, wow – we are so fortunate to visit every day with organizations that are affecting positive change in the world, but every once in awhile, our perception of what can be is shifted for sure. Our visit with the the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind last week was a lesson in what is possible if a community and some really committed people come together to help others in need.
Located in a mostly window-less building near downtown Seattle, the Lighthouse contains floors of manufacturing, offices, classrooms -it goes on and on, truly amazing. The Seattle Lighthouse is s a private, not-for-profit agency providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse has provided employment and support to blind people in the Seattle community since 1918 – and now has expanded to a number of locations, including Spokane.
Their philosophy maintains that each employee be provided with whatever supports are necessary for success in the workplace. Supports include 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, and over 100 computer workstations adapted for use by visually impaired individuals.
The Seattle Lighthouse currently employs over 300 individuals, more than 200 of whom are blind, Deaf-Blind, or blind with other disabilities. In addition to offering employment opportunities, the Lighthouse provides a wide range of programs and services for visually impaired employees and blind people in the larger community.
A special thanks and shout out to Karen Johnston, Brent Anderson and Tim Coghill for all their time and energy providing the background on the organization and a great tour of the facilities – for more information: www.seattlelighthouse.org
Be inspired,
Matt
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