The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

"Left at the Next Traffic Light" - by Lighthouse Braille Instructor Julie Brannon

2011-06-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

The Inland Northwest Lighthouse Braille Rally from the Perspective of a Braille Reading Navigator

By Julie Brannon

The title is an example of driving directions that 19 navigators read from their braille driving directions to trusting drivers at the Inland Northwest Lighthouse Braille Rally, held Saturday, June 11^thin Spokane, WA. Many of those drivers were members of the Porsche Club of America, Inland Northwest Region.

The purpose of the rally was two-fold, as a public awareness event for the Inland Northwest Lighthouse, and also, as a education tool for the public to understand the benefits and abilities of braille readers.

I don’t remember the day, but I do remember the excitement that I felt when Inland Northwest Lighthouse employee, Kevin Daniel, called to ask if I’d be interested in participating in the Braille Rally. As I hung up the phone, all that went through my mind, and I suspect many other navigators was, “Wow! A chance to be a back seat (or rather front seat) driver!”

The dynamics were fascinating. This was never verbalized, but I think my driver and other drivers were at first a bit weary trusting the braille directions that were being read, and I know I felt a load of responsibility acting as a human GPS, “what if I get my driver and myself totally lost?” As we wound around corners, and looked for some obscure streets, I began to not trust my reading when my driver would say, “that one I’m not familiar with.” You see, I had a veteran resident and driver who knew most of the streets and locations the route sent us on, so his very occasional lack of familiarity with a particular street made me question both myself and the braille printer. But, I continued to scrutinize the directions, being very sure that I was reading what was brailled, and guess what? We made it!

Excitement mounted as we passed every check point where white flags were waved. Checkpoint spotters stood by to mark down our arrival times at those check points.

As each car arrived back at the Inland Northwest Lighthouse parking lot, a flurry of cheers, shouting, bravos, and clapping could be heard all around.

By the time my driver and I got back to the finish line, it felt like the almost two hours spent together on this joint venture made us a real driving team. This was a day to remember, and for those of us navigating the cars, what a feeling of exhilaration to know we could actually direct a driver around a circuitous route.

United Blind of Seattle's Annual 'Friend Day'

2011-06-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 18th, United Blind of Seattle will hold their annual Friend Day at the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library. United Blind of Seattle, a local chapter of the American Council of the Blind, holds their annual Friend Day for the sole purpose of introducing anyone who is interested to the local chapter affiliated with both the state and national organizations of the American Council of the Blind. Friend Day provides interaction with current members, snacks, presentations about all components of the organization, and a wonderful chance to understand why members see the American Council of the Blind as an important part of their lives. Friend Day is an open event for anyone and everyone who is interested in learning about the American Council of the Blind. Come join us!

When: Saturday, June 18th from 1:0opm-3:00pm

Where: Washington Talking Book and Braille Library, 2021 9th Avenue, Seattle Washington

For additional information, please contact Julie Brannon at 206-547-7444 or email jbrannon0612@comcast.net

First Annual Spokane Braille Rally

2011-06-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 11th, Inland Northwest Lighthouse (INL) will be kicking off the First Annual Spokane Braille Rally! Beginning at INL at 9:00am, the Spokane Braille Rally is a contest in which cars leave a starting point at a carefully recorded time, and traverse a route through the city of Spokane to a finish point. The rally will feature a navigator (blind or visually impaired person) who will provide navigation clues to a driver (vehicle operator). The pair completing the contest with the least amount of penalty points will be the winner!

During the rally, there will also be the Drive and Shine Car Show, held in the INL parking lot from 10:00am to 2:00pm. At the end of the event there will be a presentation of awards for the rally and the car show at 12:30pm at INL. There will be food, prizes, and fun for the whole family!

For more information on how you can participate, please visit www.SpokaneBrailleRally.com

If you plan on joining us, RSVP if you can to info@SpokaneBrailleRally.com

Thank you to our wonderful INL Advisory Council Members: Traci Anderson, Bonnie Bell, Joel Crosby, Craig Dias, Lori Elston, Jeremy Lewis, Jack McIlory, Don Morgan, David Troyke, Jennifer VanVleet, and Lorna Walsh.

Thank you to our generous Sponsors: Numerica Credit Union, Coffman Engineers, Hoyte Lewis & Associates, LLC., Haskins Steel Co., Inc., David Troyke, Western Peterbilt, Inc., U.S. Bank, BDO, Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc., Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Platinum Town Car, and The Pacific Northwest Inlander.

Lighthouse Board of Trustees Approve New Accessibility Policy

2011-04-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is very excited to announce that the Board of Trustees approved the Lighthouse's new Accessibility and Training Policy on March 22, 2011. The Lighthouse is proud to have the support of the Board of Trustees in making accessibility a top priority at all Lighthouse locations. Thank you to Training and Accessibility Ad Hoc Committee members Bruce Walker, Fred Mendoza, Patrick Sullivan, Marlaina Lieburg, Dr. Phil Hatlen, Tami Berk, Constance Engelstad, Kirk Adams, Peggy Martinez, and Ron Morey. Thank you to Sub Committee Members Mark Landreneau, Don Swaney, Deng Kong, Julie Brannon, Mike King, Meg Johnson, and Dana Van Dussen for their invaluable input and support. Seattle Lighthouse's Peggy Martinez, in her new role as Accessibility Manager, will oversee the process, and is hard at work gathering employee feedback, ideas, and input to implement the policy.

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

Accessibility and Training Policy

Title: Accessibility and Training

Submitted by: Ad Hoc Committee on Accessibility and Training

Date: September 27, 2010

Revised by Sub Committee 12/10, and by Ad Hoc 1/4/2011

Approved by Board of Trustees 3/22/11

Approved By: Sub Committee, Accessibility Ad Hoc, and Board of Trustees

Scope: Organization Wide

Purpose: To establish with clarity the commitment of the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. to promote, facilitate and encourage innovative accessibility and training initiatives throughout its organization.

Policy: It is the policy of the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. and the Board of Trustees to encourage, develop and implement innovative accessibility and training initiatives at all levels of the organization. This commitment extends to providing appropriate human and financial resource support in an on-going and intentional effort to promote employment of people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, or blind with other disabilities. This commitment is crucial to support the implementation of initiatives which align with the strategic goals and mission of the Lighthouse, and includes the support of the CEO.

Procedure: In order to effectively implement this policy the following initiatives will be undertaken:

The CEO will establish a standing management committee named “Accessibility and Training”. The Accessibility Manager will serve as chair, and the committee will include representatives from Administration, Operations, Deaf-Blind Program, Employee & Community Services, Information Technology, Finance, and qualified community members that represent our diverse population. The Committee may call on other departments as needed for specialized input. The committee will draft its own Charter to be approved by the CEO and will meet at least one time per quarter, or more often as determined by the Accessibility Manager. The committee will develop an in-depth awareness of existing accessibility and training initiatives at the Lighthouse, as well as fully understanding the barriers and obstacles that limit opportunities for advancement. It is the role of this committee, along with the Accessibility Manager, to eliminate identified barriers and to lead in navigating identified obstacles.
Ensure accessibility is taken into account as a basic criteria of each new product, service, and built environment including facilities that the Lighthouse considers developing.

Annually the Accessibility Manager is responsible to develop and present a budget to the CEO. The Accessibility Manager will receive input from this committee as well as other staff and stakeholders to develop a specific list of initiatives as well as discretionary funds required to meet stated accessibility training goals. It will include an amount to meet the needs of unforeseen opportunities that may arise during the year.
Minutes of each committee meeting will be documented by a member designated by the chairperson. These minutes will be distributed to appropriate staff and stakeholders.
Annually the chairperson of the committee will report to the Board of Trustees on progress made during the preceding year.

The committee will review annually all initiatives in place to assess their value and recommend continuation, expansion, modification, further observation or abandonment. Recommendations will be developed and reviewed with department supervisors, managers and the CEO.

The committee will provide input into the development of Accessibility standards for all Lighthouse locations, and will review these standards on a regular basis to be determined by the committee.

"An Interpretation of the Lighthouse" - by Inland Northwest Lighthouse Employee Jennifer Marshall

2011-03-11T12:42:00.000-08:00

The lights come on in a timely manner so business can ensue as usual. Inspecting the grounds for the nights prowlers, investigating for new discoveries as we go.

Coffee is lovingly made to cease the morning chill. The air smells like glue, wood and cardboard, greeting our nostrils and subconsciously preparing our hands for the fun to come .A new day can begin almost as seamlessly as the one before it ended. Friendly “hello’s” and “good morning’s” echo off the walls like bird calls against a canyon. A sense of being in your home away from home resounds off the wallboard adorned walls.

Then, the noise commences. A cacophony of men music and machines envelopes us as we undertake the days challenges. Hammers swing and staples fly. A camaraderie builds as we do. We yell at and with one another inharmoniously beseeching for our needs. It is this place where we create something that would not have been the same otherwise, something very unique and special. We gain strength knowing everything we accomplish and empowerment accomplishing all that we undertake. Day by day, overcoming figurative as well as literal obstacles. Growing with one another to really be all that we are and could become. We are our own inspirational and educational teachers.

Suddenly a sing song voice is perceived over the others. It musically chimes out “yoo hoo”. A chorus of others follows. Then the sound of a hammer drumming away across a building table. Almost pushing the masses toward anarchy (but only almost). Now a forklift maneuvers around in the next aisle over beep beep beeping its own harmonious little ditty. The minutes wined into hours when a palpable sense of relief washes over with one word. Lunch. What an experience! The smells of 40 kinds of food being made intermingling, while the microwaves hum and beep along. Some may stay while others will go however we will all return.

Breaks break up the day and work breaks up the breaks. Once every few months when you least expect it the fire alarm shrilly screams out in protest to get out of the building. But don’t fret this is only a test. On birthdays we are privileged enough to be gifted with delightful baked goods lovingly prepared much like our products. Ingredients tossed inside with just the perfect amount to bring about completion. Much like the Lighthouse has become more than a place to work this poem has evolved into a detailed tirade. So I will bring it to a close.

We prevail daily, continuing enhancing and let’s not forget earning. Meshing together as only strangers brought together by a similar desire can. We share a commonality and have become a sordid family. I hope that I have been able to convey to you today what and how much this place means to the people involved. Thank you.

- Jennifer Marshall, Inland Northwest Lighthouse Employee

Blind Driver Challenge

2011-02-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

I’ve been pretty fortunate to witness some great events in my lifetime - but on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at 11:30am, being present for the first blind driver to go around the Daytona Speedway was the best of them all.

I was surrounded by about 300 very enthusiastic National Federation of the Blind/Blind Driver Challenge event supporters, and a gathering crowd of Daytona race fans.

On Saturday, none of that seemed to matter. It felt like the moment was everything, and that a blind person would be driving a car for the first time in history on one of the world’s largest driving stages, and I’d be there with 300 other people who are blind to bare first-hand witness. Once the announcer began, I distinctly felt a rush of excitement. Over the speedway loud system, the announcer broadcast each step of the driver’s progress, from key receipt to driver prep to the slow journey around the track. The once energetic, boisterous, and loud assembled audience, was now dead silent - as if any noise might disturb the blind driver, who of course wasn’t at all close enough to hear. Once the blind driven car successfully completed the lap, a thunderous cheer like I’ve never heard before rose from the group. It was “blind” pandemonium!

Yes, this was a very calculated and structured drive under particular conditions. Yes, the speed was slow and measured. And, yes, it was just the initial and first step towards a person who is blind being able to independently operate an automobile. But it was dramatic, inspiring, and allowed us all to take an encouraging peak at what the future of being blind might be like.

- Kevin Daniel, Inland Northwest Lighthouse Executive Director

Inland Northwest Lighthouse Employees Attend Spokane City Council Meeting

2011-02-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

On January 10th, Inland Northwest Lighthouse employees Ryan Strickland and Mark Shiveley had the opportunity to speak at the Spokane City Council meeting. The issue they addressed was the proposal to use funds that were designated for transportation to retrofit sidewalks that had become uneven and broken. Mark and Ryan stressed the importance of well maintained sidewalks for all pedestrians, including people who are blind and visually-impaired. They were able to share their personal experience from both the perspective of a dog guide user and a cane traveler. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the proposal didn’t pass. We were heartened, however, by encouraging words from Council Member Richard Rush on the overall progress and understanding of these issues compared to just a few years ago:

“Thank all of you for your excellent contribution to the dialogue at City Council yesterday. I was wonderful to have such a professional, knowledgeable and credentialed group pushing our community toward healthy and sustainable outcomes."

"Going into yesterday’s meeting I genuinely believed our position had a chance to prevail. In retrospect it is clear there are other political agendas afoot that prevented this outcome from being realized. The good news is that the dialogue we had yesterday at Council would have been inconceivable just two years ago. The conversation has moved significantly due to your efforts. Thank you!"

"I have to add that you are on the right side of history, just a little ahead of it. That is the definition of leadership. I deeply appreciate your sharing of this leadership role with me as we continue this endeavor. Best wishes!” - Richard Rush, Spokane City Council, District 2 Position 1

Many thanks to Ryan and Mark for attending the meeting, and for speaking to the importance of travel safety for blind and visually impaired individuals in our community.

- Paula Hoffman, Vice President of Government Affairs

3rd Annual Sensory Art Contest

2011-01-25T12:26:00.000-08:00

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is excited to sponsor its third annual juried Sensory Art Contest. The contest is open to ALL artists within the state of Washington. The winning art pieces will be displayed at an art show held in conjunction with the Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute (JLTLI) Conference held in Seattle on March 11-12. Winning pieces will then be donated and sold at the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation’s annual Redefining Vision Auction on May 21, 2011.

Exhibit Eligibility:

This juried art exhibit is open to all persons age 14 and up throughout the state of Washington.
All artwork exhibited must be a form of “sensory” art, excluding visual art. This would include sculptures, quilts, pottery, jewelry, and other tactile arts.
Artwork must be original.
One (1) entry per applicant will be accepted.

If you have a question about eligibility of an item, please contact Robert Hanna at 206-436-2149 or email rhanna@seattlelh.org.

Judging:

The works of art chosen will be viewed by a panel of experts and prizes will be awarded. It is expected that the winning pieces will be donated to Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation and will be exhibited for sale at the Redefining Vision Dinner and Auction on May 21, 2011. Proceeds from the sale of the art will go to the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation in support of their mission.

Submission deadline:

Artwork must be delivered to Seattle Lighthouse no later than Friday, February 25, 2011. Artists must complete the artist profile and artist procurement form attached. These may be submitted via email as attachments to Robert Hanna at rhanna@seattlelh.org.

Please ship artwork to:

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
P.O. Box 14959
Seattle WA 98114

Or arrange delivery of artwork to The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. at:
2501 South Plum Street
Seattle WA 98144

Winner notification:

Notification of the judging results will be made to the artists no later than Monday March 7, 2011.

All materials used in artwork must be self-funded. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. will not provide funds to spend on the projects.

Winning submissions will be donated to the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation to be exhibited for sale at the annual Seattle Lighthouse Redefining Vision Dinner and Auction on April 10th, 2010. Proceeds from the sale of artwork at the auction directly support the Lighthouse mission of creating and enhancing opportunities for independence and self-sufficiently of people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities. Your generous donation of time and talent sustains and expands existing programs and new opportunities for blind and Deaf-Blind individuals in our community. The Lighthouse art show is also an excellent way to showcase your talent, with donated artworks featured in the auction catalogue and in Lighthouse publications that reach over 5,000 community members and local residents annually.

About JLTLI:

The purpose of the Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute (JLTLI) is to improve the quality of programming and services to blind and visually impaired children, adults, and their families. The Institute is designed to provide a forum in which leadership personnel and emerging leaders from the blindness field can come together to increase and share their knowledge and expertise. In addition, the JLTLI affords opportunities to network, share common concerns and innovative strategies, as well as learn about what projects American Federation of the Blind (AFB) personnel and others in the field have undertaken to improve quality of life for people with visual impairments.

Lighthouse Participates in DSB Supervised Internship Program

2011-01-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

The Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) offers a Supervised Internship Program (SIP) through its Orientation and Training Center for blind and visually impaired individuals. Designed to provide Orientation and Training Center graduates with career choices and exposure, in addition to the blindness skills and confidence they develop, SIP places individuals in internship opportunities that meet their career interests.

Since the program’s inception in 2007, the Lighthouse has hosted internships for six SIP participants, including positions in manufacturing, accounting, administration, and a placement within our Braille Training Program and Computer Training Program. The Lighthouse’s Braille Training Program Instructor, Julie Brannon, is also employed by DSB and is the SIP Program Coordinator. SIP encourages confidence on the job for individuals loosing their vision or newly blind, and builds professional skills for individuals who have minimal work experience. The Lighthouse enjoys participating in the program and collaborating with DSB, providing the opportunity for individuals to utilize the professional skills they are learning in a workplace environment. Julie mentions that in addition to the Lighthouse, SIP internship providers also include but are not limited to King 5 News, the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library, Starbucks, the University of Washington, Seattle Central Community College, and the Seattle Housing Authority.

Lighthouse Receives Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound Grant for Braille Computer Equipment

2011-01-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.'s Computer Training Program (CTP) is designed to increase and support independence, self-sufficiency, and upward mobility in the workplace for blind adults through appropriate training and access to computer technology. In order for our employees to succeed in the workplace, we provide comprehensive training and support for each individual. This support and training provides increased access for blind and visually impaired employees, and increases the opportunity for upward mobility in the workplace.

The CTP is designed expressly to serve blind and visually impaired adults and meet a glaring need in the blind community: a chronic lack of access to current information. In the United States, 70% of blind adults are unemployed. Increased exposure and training on adaptive technologies through programs such as the CTP opens up more job opportunities to adults who are blind, which results in greater independence and social integration.

In September of 2010, the Lighthouse received a grant from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound to purchase new computer equipment. This grant, valued at $34,970, is funding the purchase of ten new refreshable braille displays that will be used as equipment upgrades for the CTP at Seattle Lighthouse. We received the displays at the end of December, and the equipment is installed and in the CTP for a great beginning in 2011!

"The braille displays previously used in the CTP were more than a decade old and did not meet the needs of program participants and restricted the types of instruction that we were able to provide," states Lighthouse President and CEO Kirk Adams. "The new braille displays reflect current technology, and the skills learned through coursework in the CTP utilizing the new equipment will become more transferable to independent living, job roles, and opportunities for upward mobility."

Before the purchase of the displays with the grant from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound, our antiquated equipment was not meeting the needs of program participants and was restricting the types of instruction that could be provided by the program. With the purchase of new braille displays, CTP instructors are able to offer instruction on various types of braille displays, choosing which display resembles what the employee will be using on a regular basis. This allows employees to quickly transition from CTP coursework to becoming fluent and confident braille display users, allowing for increased access and upward mobility in the workplace.

Thank you Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound, for your support of the Lighthouse and our Computer Training Program.

Lighthouse Benefit Holiday Concert

2010-11-23T18:45:00.000-08:00

You are cordially invited to join us for winter cheer with an evening of holiday music performed by The Bellevue Community Band. Proceeds from this special concert will go directly to support Lighthouse Employee and Community Services.

The Bellevue Community Band (BCB) is a 70+ member adult symphonic band with membership drawn from the greater Seattle metropolitan area. The band has a rich history of musical excellence. On December 1st, they will play seasonal classics both new and old to welcome the season in while raising support for the Lighthouse.

Date: Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Kirkland Performance Art Center, 350 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland 98033

Please mark your calendars for an evening of warmth, fun, and celebration in support of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.!

Unable to attend? You can still support the Lighthouse this holiday season.

If you are interested in learning more about the concert or to RSVP by November 25th, please contact Keri Brent at 206.436.2134 or email kbrent@seattlelh.org.

Boeing NewGen Tanker Rally at Everett Field

2010-10-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. employees attended the NewGen Tanker Rally at Boeing in Everett on September 27th. Lighthouse employees had an opportunity to personally meet Senator Patty Murry and Congressman Dave Reichart. Nelly Barnett and Lauren Schlaeppi had the opportunity to test out the Aerial Refueling Technology in the simulation trailer. Read Boeing's press release about the event, and Kiro 7's videos and article about the tanker contract.

Audible Darts for Blind or Visually Impaired Individuals

2010-09-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

I attended the American Council of the Blind (ACB) National Conference in Phoenix from July 11-14th on behalf of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. for the purpose of keeping current with assistive technology for people who are blind or sight-impaired. I talked with many vendors about a variety of amazing products including a bar code reader app for the iPhone, talking way-finding software for the PC, and a new really small, really light electronic notetaker.

However, this blog entry is about recreation! Did you know that there is an accessible way for people who are blind or visually impaired to play darts? Yes, audible darts! I would like to highlight this fully accessible talking dartboard, because along with notetakers and way-finding technologies, games and recreation can be crucial for participation in a balanced life. So, here's the scoop - it's a standard dartboard that talks. Everything you'd want to know is spoken - games, rules, points scored, and there's a talking help system. Go to audiodartmaster.com for details or to hear interviews about the product, or call 763.383.0077.

Happy playing!

- Peggy Martinez, Computer Training Program Lead Instructor, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

Government Relations at the 31st Annual Deaf-Blind Retreat

2010-09-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Last week was all about The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.'s annual Deaf-Blind Retreat at Seabeck, WA. Interspersed with the activities, learning, and visiting that always occurs at the retreat were Government Relations activities.

On Tuesday, Mark Landreneau hosted a workshop presented by State Representative Kathy Haight, from the 35th District (where Seabeck is located), on the legislative process and working with your state representatives.

On Friday, Maura Little, Constituent Services Representative from Congressman Jay Inslee's office, toured the retreat, visiting crafts, technology and waterfront activities, and meeting many retreat participants.

Also on Friday, Lou Oma Durand, Director of Washington State's Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), visited the retreat with DSB manager Arlene Itou. Lou Oma has been involved with the Deaf-Blind community since the establishment of the Deaf-Blind Service Center (DBSC). She is currently facing very difficult times related to required budgetary cuts. She shared the sobering news with us that she has been directed to reduce her state-funded budget by 10%. She is not able to reduce programs that have a federal match, or programs that are part of DSB's core mission of finding employment for people who are blind. The result is a proposed elimination of funding for the Deaf-Blind Service Center. The Deaf-Blind community is still absorbing this stunning information. When DBSC and the community have developed their response strategy, our Government Relations team and the Lighthouse will be ready to support the community in their efforts to restore state funding, possibly from another source, to this unique agency and its critical work.

My Visit to Guide Dogs for the Blind and Enchanted Hills

2010-08-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit two venerable blindness institutions in Northern California. On July 2nd, my wife Ros and I visited the Guide Dogs for the Blind campus in San Rafael, California. The next day we drove to Enchanted Hills Camp near Napa.

Our visit to the guide dog school was my second as I had visited the school seven or eight years ago. A number of Lighthouse employees received their dogs from Guide Dogs for the Blind from either their California or Oregon campus. The Lighthouse recently formed a partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind. Their new Northwest regional staff person, Carrie Skym, maintains office hours at the Seattle Lighthouse facility. Carrie works with Guide Dogs for the Blind alumni, local puppy raisers, and also gives Guide Dogs for the Blind graduates working here at the Lighthouse some extra refresher courses. The San Rafael Guide Dogs for the Blind campus was much as I remembered it, but our tour guide Aerial Gilbert took us into some places not on the regular tour. We were able to visit the student dormitory and the veterinary clinic. Of course, the best part of the tour was petting a puppy. The little guy we got to spend some time with was named Nandi, and he is on track to become a guide dog and partner for a blind adult some time in the future.

We learned of upcoming plans to raise both the dormitory and administration buildings, swap their spots, and build brand new facilities. I especially appreciated Guide Dogs for the Blind's emphasis on the partnership between a guide dog and a blind person, and how this partnership enables blind people to lead independent and self-sufficient lives. This philosophy perfectly aligns with the Lighthouse mission.

As I mentioned, my wife and I were also able to visit the Enchanted Hills Camp and join in their 60th year anniversary celebration. The new San Francisco Lighthouse CEO Brian Bashin welcomed us and hosted a brief celebration program. I learned that Rose Resnick, the founder of Enchanted Hills Camp, had moved to California from New York state in the 1940's. Rose had grown up as a blind child attending a camp for blind kids in New York. In California, she learned there were no such opportunities for blind kids. So, she got to work.

Rose held camps in 1947, 1948, and 1949 in other locations. One of her original 1947 campers was at the celebration my wife and I attended! Rose worked with a few other folks to raise $40,000, and purchased a boys camp in the hills near Napa that was some 280 acres. The camp has been held every summer at Enchanted Hills since 1950. There are a wide variety of camp sessions, for young kids, teens, adults, Deaf-Blind people, etc.

The lasting impression I took away from my visit was what a strong community had grown up around the camp. There were campers and volunteers there representing every decade from the 1940's on. There were lots of people who had met their significant other or spouse at camp and people whose weddings were performed at the lower chapel in the woods - successful blind adults who had some of their first tastes of independence as little kids at camp.

These two visits gave me an opportunity to see what other organizations are doing to enhance opportunities for blind people to be independent, self-sufficient, and successful. My time at Guide Dogs for the Blind and Enchanted Hills reaffirmed for me that The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is doing important work and that we are helping change lives for the better.

- Kirk Adams, President and CEO

News from the Government Relations Department at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

2010-08-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Life is always interesting in the Government Relations Department! I am finding that increasing my position as Vice President of Governmental Affairs to full-time definitely helps the Lighthouse be more responsive to fast moving policy issues and requests.

In the last few years, the Lighthouse has been involved with several key federal initiatives on a national level. The Lighthouse has been involved with the modernization of the JWOD Act, put forth a request for funding for safe travel training for blind and Deaf-Blind individuals, and has been involved with the effort to improve access to technology for individuals with disabilities. Well, a recent revised and quite reasonable JWOD Act was just introduced into the House, the Lighthouse will soon be receiving and putting to use the travel training funding we are receiving through Senator Murray's efforts, and we were thrilled to hear recently about the unanimous passage of the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act by the Senate. Thunderous ovations go out to Mark Richert at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and Eric Bridges of American Council of the Blind (ACB), and to all the many advocates in the blind, Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Disabled communities for their resolve in getting this through the House and the Senate. We are still waiting to hear the decision from the Air Force on the Boeing NewGen Tanker, another issue that the Lighthouse is involved in.

The coming year might have us a little closer to home as we work on ways to bring the Lighthouse's high quality products to the state. Mark Landreneau continues his involvement with transportation planners, and we continue to build our relationships with public officials in Spokane.

Our Government Relations staff is small, just Mark Landreneau and myself, but our team is HUGE (we are like the Verizon commercial with all those people behind us). Thanks to our dedicated fellow Lighthouse employees, we have great sources of engaging speakers and advocates to help us out on our legislative visits and our public policy work. Will try to keep you posted as Government Relations at the Lighthouse marches on!

- Paula Hoffman, Vice President of Governmental Affairs

Baseball and Puppies!

2010-07-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

Support Guide Dogs for the Blind while enjoying the Mariners vs. Angels baseball game on August 31st! If they reach their goal of selling 600 tickets, they qualify to have a Guide Dog user throw out the first pitch with puppies on the field. As of July 18th, only 123 more tickets need to be sold to reach the goal.

Visit their Facebook page or the Mariners website to purchase tickets and for more information.

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. to Present the Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers with AbilityOne Award

2010-07-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. will be presenting the Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers, from the 5th District of Eastern Washington, with an AbilityOne award at the Spokane Indians baseball game this coming Tuesday, July 6, 2010. President and CEO Kirk Adams and Inland Northwest Lighthouse production worker Mark Shively will be presenting the award to Rodgers, a 3-term veteran in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she serves on the Education and Labor Committee as the ranking member on the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, and on the House Armed Services and Natural Resources Committees.

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Completes Taproot Foundation Service Grant

2010-05-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., a non-profit social enterprise and blindness agency, with a team of volunteer marketing and communications professionals, recently completed work on a Key Messaging and Brand Strategies Service Grant awarded by the Taproot Foundation. As a result of the grant, which has an in-kind value of $55,000, the agency will incorporate the Taproot team's recommended strategies into its organizational development and marketing campaigns.

"We're extremely happy with the outcome of the grant," said Kirk Adams, President and CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. "We rely on monetary donations to provide training such as orientation and mobility, braille literacy, and independent living skills. As we incorporate the team's recommendations, we're confident we will see an increase in our donor base and our ability to fulfill our mission."

Members of the Taproot Foundation volunteer team included: Robin Staples (Maven Designs, Inc.) as Account Director; Duane "DF" Hobbs (Andrews/Hobbs Design Co.) as Brand Strategist; Carrie Zheng (Starbucks Coffee Company) as Marketing Manager; Anne Geurts (communication consultant) as Copywriter; and Britta Michalove (relocation services professional) as Project Manager. This project is the third project for Zheng, the second project for Geurts and Michalove, and it is the first project for Staples and Hobbs.

The Seattle-based non-profit social enterprise is dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities and training opportunities for adults who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities. In addition to its headquarters in Seattle, at which it employs more than 230 blind adults, in 2008 the organization opened Inland Northwest Lighthouse, a satellite facility in Spokane that now employs 39 adults who are blind.

For more information, please contact Melanie Wimmeanuer at 206-436-2116 or mwimmenauer@seattlelh.org

About The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. - The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) social enterprise dedicated to generating opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency for adults who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities, through a comprehensive range of training programs and career development opportunities. We create meaningful employment as well as products and services of outstanding quality, offering access to adaptive technology and the accommodations necessary for success.

While manufacturing operations are self-funded, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. relies on community support to fund training programs and support service to adults who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities. Philanthropic contributions form individuals, corporations, foundations, and service organizations are channeled through the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation, whose sole purpose is to raise money and create awareness in order to help us expand opportunities beyond what is possible through the sale of our products and services alone.

For more information about The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. visit our website at www.seattlelighthouse.org

San Antonio Lighthouse 'Simply Amazed'

2010-04-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

San Antonio Lighthouse President and CEO, Mike Gilliam, and Vice President of Manufacturing, Bob Buckley, visited the Seattle Lighthouse in April and had this to say:

“I have been in a lot of Lighthouses and Goodwills, but never have seen a shop so technically advanced and accessible. Seattle was the perfect place to take Bob for his first visit. Wish I had come sooner. Now he (and I) truly know that just about everything is possible if you just focus on providing the right tools and find the right partners.

You have provided new inspiration for us as to what we can eventually become if we follow your lead. Thanks for raising the bar temporarily out of sight. Sometimes you need that target way out there to give you the visions to strive for.

Thanks again. We were simply amazed.” -Mike Gilliam, President, San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind.

An affiliated agency, The San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the State of Texas. Serving people who are blind or visually impaired for over 75 years, the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind provides rehabilitation services to over 3,500 people who are blind, as well as employment opportunities through its light manufacturing assembly plant and 13 Base Service Centers on 11 military installations.

Like The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., The San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind produces products under contract with the Federal Government through the AbilityOne Program. Their product mix includes: Mechanical Pencils, Rollerball Pens, Highlighters, Clam Clip System Fastening Products, Military Helmet-Retention Assemblies, Aerospace Insulation Blankets, U.S. Postal Straps, Navy Fleece Parka Liners, Spill Kits and Absorbent Products, Aviation Oil Analysis Kits and other textile apparel items. Through its production facility, the San Antonio Lighthouse also offers employment to individuals that are blind or legally blind through assembling, machine operation, warehousing, quality assurance, maintenance, engineering, management and sewing machine operation.

We Have Extended the Criteria and Deadline for our Annual Art Contest!

2010-02-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

Due to increased interest in this year’s contest, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. has decided to extend the deadline and criteria for our Annual Art Contest. The deadline for submissions has been extended to Monday, March 1^st 2010. We are also opening up the criteria for the contest to include visual art as well as tactile art. The contest is open to ALL artists with disabilities within the state of Washington, collaborating with artists from VSA Arts of Washington and The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

The winning art pieces will be displayed at an art show held on March 12, 2010 at The 2100 Building, located at 2100 24th Ave S in Seattle. Winning pieces will then be donated and sold at the Redefining Vision Auction on April 10, 2010. Remaining pieces will be available for pick-up on

March 15^th, 2010. Artists may choose to donate their submissions that did not win to be displayed in our Braille Library, located at Seattle Lighthouse.

Exhibit Eligibility:

· This juried art exhibit is open to all persons with disabilities age 14 and up throughout the state of Washington.

· Artwork must be original.

· One (1) entry per applicant will be accepted.

If you have a question about eligibility of an item, please contact Robert Hanna at 206-436-2149 or email rhanna@seattlelh.org.

Judging:

The works of art chosen will be viewed by a panel of experts and prizes will be awarded. It is expected that these works of art will be donated to Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation and will be exhibited for sale at the Annual Seattle Lighthouse Dinner/Auction on April 10, 2010. Proceeds from the sale of the art will go to the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation in support of their mission.

Prizes:

1^st Place Winner - $250

2^nd Place Winner - $100

3^rd Place Winner - $50

Submission deadline:

Artwork must be delivered to Seattle Lighthouse no later than March 1st, 2010. Artists must complete the artist profile and artist procurement form attached. These may be submitted via email as attachments to Robert Hanna at rhanna@seattlelh.org.

Please ship artwork to:

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

P.O. Box 14959

Seattle WA 98114

Or arrange delivery of artwork to The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. at:

2501 South Plum Street

Seattle WA 98144

Winner Notification:

Notification of the judging results will be made to the artists no later than March 5, 2010.

All materials used in artwork must be self-funded. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. will not provide funds to spend on the projects.

Winning submissions will be donated to the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation to be exhibited for sale at the annual Seattle Lighthouse Redefining Vision Dinner and Auction on April 10th, 2010. Proceeds from the sale of artwork at the auction directly support the Lighthouse mission of creating and enhancing opportunities for independence and self-sufficiently of people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities. Your generous donation of time and talent sustains and expands existing programs and new opportunities for blind and Deaf-Blind individuals in our community. The Lighthouse art show is also an excellent way to showcase your talent, with donated artworks featured in the auction catalogue and in Lighthouse publications that reach over 5,000 community members and local residents annually.

Seattle Community Celebrates White Cane Safety Day

2009-10-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. held its second annual celebration of White Cane Safety Day on October 15th. Representatives from local blindness agencies, state, and local government joined Lighthouse employees and donors gathered at the newly opened Mount Baker Light Rail station to commemorate this day honoring the blind and Deaf-Blind communities.

Mayor Greg Nickels was on hand to deliver his official proclamation of White Cane Day while Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl served as the keynote speaker for the event. Ms. Earl's work on the Light Rail opened up a new avenue for accessible travel for blind and Deaf-Blind people throughout Seattle. "Sound Transit under Joni's leadership has been sensitive to the need for accessibility for all riders. In addition to establishing a Citizen's Accessibility Advisory Committee, features such as clear signage and audible / tactile pedestrian signals have resulted in a more user-friendly system," says Government Relations Specialist Mark Landreneau. "The Light Rail has allowed blind and Deaf-Blind people more independence and a greater quality of life."

Mark closed the event with the following thoughts: "At the heart of this event is the desire for ALL people, blind and Deaf-Blind among them, to be able to travel via bus and train throughout our city to their jobs, their homes, their daily activities independently and safely. By being here today, community members are saying this is a worthwhile endeavor."

Accessible Voting Centers Now Open in Seattle, Bellevue, and Tukwila!

2009-10-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

King County now votes entirely by mail, and it's important that voters who need assistance know their options. King County operates three accessible voting centers designed for voters who need assistance casting their ballot.

Each center is operated by trained staff and offers equipment to make voting accessible for everyone. The touch screen accessible voting unit has lap paddle and sip-and-puff devices, and audio option, and large and high contrast front features to aid voters.

How do you plan to cast your ballot? If you are interested in using an accessible voting unit, plan your trip now. King County's accessible voting centers are located at the Elections office in Tukwila, Union Station in Seattle, and Bellevue City Hall. Locations are accessible by public transportation and parking is available.

For more information on accessible voting or the November 3 general election, please call 206-296-VOTE or visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections

The Lighthouse and The Boeing Company

2009-10-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

We wanted to share with you an email we received from Bruce Johnson, a manager at The Boeing Company after we worked together on a manufacturing project:

"I just want to remind you of the great team you have at the Lighthouse. In the last twenty four hours your team supported an impossible requirement and built parts that go to an airplane that delivers to a customer tomorrow. Your team worked late into the night to complete the parts and then delivered them to the Delivery Center in Everett early this morning. Then you and your team, hosted the executive staff of the Fabrication Division with a wonderful tour of the facility. All the feedback I got was very inspirational and positive around the mission and capabilities of the Lighthouse. Thank you for all you and your team do in support of The Boeing Company."

Bruce Johnson
ME/IE Manager
Community Manufacturing Partnership
The Boeing Company

Consortium of Schools and Philanthropists Gives Blind Students a Chance to Excel

2009-10-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

CANnect Expands Access to Online Learning for Visually Impaired Students

Vancouver, WA — The lack of quality educational opportunities for people who are blind/ visual impairments—both the 100,000 school-aged children as well some 18.5 million working-age Americans—is a serious problem that leads up to a seventy percent unemployment rate among this group. As education increasingly migrates to the online sphere, blind/visually impaired students face even greater barriers to learning.

Whether students are in a classroom or learning remotely, online resources now play a major role in all aspects of education. Many high schools and over 90 percent of public colleges and universities now teach courses online, and even in traditional learning environments, students are required to use online education tools such as Blackboard, Moodle, etc. to obtain course materials, participate in class discussions, and receive grades and feedback from instructors. Unfortunately, research has shown it is three times harder for a blind/visually impaired person than a sighted person to use the Internet, and most online learning content is not consciously designed with the usability and accessibility of blind/visually impaired students in mind.

Responding to this dilemma, in November 2008 the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation awarded CANnect—a consortium of schools and philanthropists addressing the challenge of online learning for blind/visually impaired students—a $50,000 grant to explore joint programs between CANnect and the Sloan Consortium. The Sloan Foundation grant has allowed CANnect to institute three unprecedented projects that explored making online learning an increased reality for these students. These initiatives include:

- A comprehensive “How-to Guide” for creating accessible online learning content. The guide shows course content developers how to create learning materials that are usable and accessible for all students.

- A series of workshops aimed at raising the awareness of Web site developers and course designers to the principles of universal design—ensuring that web and online learning content is usable for all students.

- A study that examines the popular learning management system Moodle in terms of usability for blind/visually impaired students. While CANnect’s report found that the vast majority of Moodle is technically accessible, the report lays out ways in which the experience can be improved for blind/visually impaired students.

These new resources can change how educators and content developers design online learning programs, thus making such opportunities more accessible for all learners. Additionally, CANnect is working with its member institutions—the Carroll Center for the Blind, Washington State School for the Blind, and the Gibney Family Foundation—to expand online learning opportunities.

CANnect is a consortium of schools and philanthropists with years of experience. We bring together some of the best minds in education and training for the blind, in Internet business, and in online learning. We promote independent living by forging the most comprehensive, most accessible collection of online learning opportunities for people with visual impairments. Find out more at www.cannect.org

The Sloan Consortium is an institutional and professional leadership organization dedicated to integrating online education into the mainstream of higher education, helping institutions and individual educators improve the quality, scale, and breadth of online education. In addition to a range of services, Sloan-C maintains a catalog of degree and certificate programs; provides speakers and consultants to help institutions learn about online methodologies; hosts conferences and workshops to help implement and improve online programs; and offers variety of publications. Find out more at www.sloanconsortium.org.

Goalball Coming to Seattle!

2009-10-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

Goalball is coming to Seattle! Come and check out this international sport played by blind people around the world. You can come to play or just find out about the sport Goalball.

When: 6-8pm on Friday evenings for 5 weeks, beginning September 25th and running until October 30th. We will not be playing Friday, October 16th due to a conflicting basketball tournament.

Where: Franklin High School auxiliary gym at 3013 South Mount Baker Boulevard

Dinner: Join us for an early dinner at 4:30pm before Goalball at Philly's on 3019 Martin Luther King Junior Way. They have great, reasonably priced sandwiches and are located right next to the Mount Baker Light Rail Station.

Transportation: You can take the Light Rail or the #7,8,9,42, or 48 buses to the area right around Franklin High School and Philly's.

Information: For more information or details please contact Pat Copeland at 206-282-3913

White Cane Safety Day

2009-10-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Carrying on a proud tradition first established with the 1964 White Cane Safety Day Proclamation, the Seattle Lighthouse will hold its second annual White Cane Safety Day on October 15th, 2009. The event, which will be held at the Mount Baker light rail station of Seattle's new light rail line, celebrates the expansion of accessible travel and independence for blind and Deaf-Blind people throughout Seattle.

As part of the event, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels will offer an official proclamation commemorating the day, and Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl will deliver the keynote address. Other representatives from local blindness agencies, state, and local governments will also join Lighthouse donors and supporters at the event.

When: Thursday, October 15th, 10-11:30am

Location and Address: Mt. Baker Light Rail Station at 2415 S. McClellan Street (located on the west side of the three-way intersection of Rainer Avenue S, 23rd Avenue S, and S McClellan Street)

The Lighthouse worked closely with Sound Transit, the Seattle area's regional transit authority, to ensure the recently opened light rail line incorporated features that make it accessible for white cane users.

White Cane Day was first established by President Lyndon B. Johnson, honoring the commitment of our society to accessibility and opportunities for blind individuals and all people with disabilities. The White Cane is a symbol of independence, safety, and dignity for blind and Deaf-Blind people.

For more information about the event, contact Kathryn Wiegel at 206-436-2116 or kwiegel@seattlelh.org

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

2009-10-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is proud to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The United States has been celebrating the work of disabled Americans since 1945, with the week-long recognition evolving into a month-long event. Each October, we acknowledge the employment needs and celebrate the contributions of individuals who are blind or have other disabilities.

Lighthouse Base Supply Centers are gearing up once again to commemorate NDEAM, celebrating the economic and personal independence gained through meaningful employment. Andy Bacon, who is visually impaired and the manager of our Fort Lewis Base Supply Center, has some innovative plans for commemorating NDEAM.

Andy plans to not only display NDEAM posters and distribute fliers, but is making efforts to get other blind Lighthouse employees involved with their customers. Blind and visually impaired employees will accompany interested customers through the store as they shop. Customers will wear vision simulation goggles to simulate the same visual impairments as the employee who is accompanying them. Customers will be able to experience visual conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa (tunnel vision) and macular degeneration (lack of central vision). I applaud Andy's creativity in allowing his employees and customers to share this blindness awareness activity.

- Kirk Adams, President and CEO

Inland Northwest Lighthouse One Year Anniversary

2009-09-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, September 2nd, we celebrated the one year anniversary of the opening of the Inland Northwest Lighthouse (INL) in Spokane, WA.

Purchasing the former Tidy Man's grocery store in January of 2008, Lighthouse board, staff, and supporters moved briskly down the path of getting a manufacturing operation up and running.

The INL saw its first blind production employees hired in June of 2008. Last week we celebrated with 34 blind employees in Spokane.

INL employees are hard at work producing quality office products for the General Services Administration (GSA), including a line of communication boards (display easels, dry erase wall boards, and cork bulletin boards), paper trimmers, metal covered binders, and hanging file folders.

We were privileged to have some of our major customers from GSA visit us. Jack Wise and Linda Charo were in from GSA Region III - Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. We were also joined by Greg and Mark from our co-branding partner the Acco Corporation in Chicago. We are partnering with Acco to produce the highest quality communication boards in the industry. Four staff members from National Industries for the Blind in Alexandria, Virginia, joined the party, as did our Chelan based board of trustees member Don Mollett and his wife Betty.

While our employees, special out-of-town guests, and members of the Spokane community enjoyed a fantastic barbecue lunch in the sunshine, we were all entertained by the Ravins band. This professional band plays gigs around Spokane, and their talented drummer is our very own blind production worker Kurt Lantz.

Kurt also presented Jack Wise with the 40,000th communication board made in our Spokane facility - a dry erase magnetic board with aluminum frame that Kurt and his co-workers produced.

After the presentation, "The King" made an appearance. Our new operations guy in Spokane, Doug Wever, is a talented musical impersonator. He wowed the crowd with three Elvis numbers in full Elvis regalia, and bestowed the sacred Elvis scarf on production worker Maria Bradford.

The celebration could not have been any better.

Looking forward to next year!

- Kirk Adams, President and CEO, Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

64th Annual Blinded Veterans Association Convention

2009-09-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Last week I attended the 64th Annual Blinded Veterans Association Convention in Portland, Oregon.

The conference kicked off with a presentation by Veterans Administration Secretary Eric Shinseki. He spoke of three main focus areas: accessibility, backlog, and homelessness. By accessibility he meant the ease with which each veteran can access the services they are entitled to. He said that of 23 million eligible veterans, only about 8 million receive the services they need.

Turning to backlog, Eric said that they measure this in terms of claims that are over 120 days old. When he came on board in January, there were around 487,000 cases in backlog. The number now is down to 300,000 cases. In July 85,000 cases were closed, but 88,000 new cases were opened as President Obama broadens the parameters of eligibility.

Homelessness among blinded veterans was also a big focus during the conference. Eric mentioned that there would be homeless veterans sleeping on the streets of Portland that very evening. Currently there are 131,000 homeless veterans in the United States. Eric and President Obama have pledged to bring that number to zero in five years through a multi-pronged attack, focusing on mental health, substance abuse counseling, and access to affortable housing.

The Lighthouse contributed $5,000 in support of Operation Peer Support (OPS). OPS works to bring recently blinded veterans from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq together at the annual convention. This year 11 blinded veterans and many family members attended. The OPS veterans enjoyed some great recreational activities, including white water rafting on the Deschutes River, as well as sessions focusing on the newest assistive technology for people who are blind and briefings on the supports available to them through the Veterans Administration.

I was on an employment panel Wednesday afternoon for the OPS group. I focuses on the message that blind people can successfully pursue nearly any imaginable career using the correct tools, technology, and with a solid grounding in blindness skills.

Thursday evening the favor was returned as a blinded veteran from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Dexter Durrante, schooled me in how to use my new KNFB Reader Mobile Cell Phone. I now know how to put contacts in my phone and how to check missed calls - Thanks Dexter!

Friday afternoon was the Father Carroll memorial lecture by Colonel Donald Gagliano, the new director of the VA's Eye Care Center of Excellence program. The Colonel is also an eye surgeon and talked about the fantastic battlefield emergency care people now receive, saving lives, but resulting in more survivors with disabilities. Father Carroll, namesake for the annual luncheon lecture and a pioneer in blindness services, helped found the Blinded Veterans Association in 1944. Prior to 1944, blind people used the white cane as a symbol of blindness only, holding it across their bodies in public. Father Carroll, working with newly blinded WWII service men, turned it into a mobility tool by introducing the techniques still used today with the long white cane.

Father Carroll also stared the Carroll Center for the blind in Newton, Massachusetts. The Lighthouse currently partners with the Carroll Center and uses their distance computer training program designed for blind computer users.

During the Father Carroll lunch, I chatted with Bob Campbell, a district director from Kansas City. I learned that the BVA is divided into six districts, with over 50 regions within these districts. There are six district directors who serve on board. In addition, five board officers are elected from the membership at large. There are approximately 30 staff people whose salaries are covered by fundraising.

Next year's BVA conference is in Washington, DC, and I am very much looking forward to continuing to build our relationship with this fine organization.

- Kirk Adams, President and CEO, Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

9th Helen Keller World Conference

2009-08-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

The Ninth Helen Keller World Conference will be held in Uganda this year, from October 22nd -27th. An international event held every five years, the conference is used as a platform for discussing issues concerning Deaf-Blindness as a critical agenda in development and human rights. In 2005 the conference was held in Finland, and in 2014 Japan will host the event. This is the first Helen Keller Conference to be held on the African continent. Read more about this year's conference.

Save the Date for White Cane Day!

2009-08-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

Save the date to celebrate National White Cane Day on Thursday, October 15th at 10am. Join the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. in celebrating White Cane Safety Day at the Mt. Baker Light Rail Station. An annual event, White Cane Safety Day celebrates the independence of blind and Deaf-Blind individuals.

We are excited to have Sound Transit as a sponsor of this year's event, and will spotlight light rail's accessibility features during our walk at the Mt. Baker Light Rail Station. The Mt. Baker Station is located on the west side of the three-way intersection of Rainier Avenue S, 23rd Avenue S, and S McClellan Street. View Map.

Alphapointe Creates 15 Jobs

2009-08-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

Fellow National Industries for the Blind member Alphapointe Association for the Blind created 15 new jobs in the Kansas City area. The unemployment rate for individuals who are blind in the United States is 70% during good economic times, making these new jobs in the Kansas City area particularly valuable. Watch a local news broadcast featuring Alphapointe.

Peggy Martinez on 94.9 KUOW Radio

2009-08-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Peggy Martinez, who teaches in the computer lab at the Seattle Lighthouse, was a guest on 94.9 KUOW's Weekday radio program on August 19th. Born with low vision, Peggy discussed how she experiences the city, and talked about the challenges and blessings of her daily life. Listen to the program.

Lives Enriched and Businesses Benefited - A Community Celebrates!

2009-08-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) and several Seattle businesses will come together on September 16th, 2009, to celebrate a two-year successful partnership that has enhanced the employability of Washingtonians who are blind or have low vision. The partnership, titled "Supervised Internship Program" (SIP) was designed to give newly-trained blind individuals the opportunity to apply thier skills in a real-world setting in thier preferred field of work, while offering free labor to businesses to help with thier bottom lines.

November of 2007 marked the first of the SIP placements. Presently, the list has grown to twenty internships, represending a variety of jobs, including:

Accounting Assistant, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. - Seattle
Administrative Assistant, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. - Seattle
Engish Tutor for and After-School program, Horn of Africa
Maintenance Crew Worker, Seattle Housing Authority at Rainier Vista
Administrative Assistant, Seattle Housing Authority at Rainier Vista
Patron Assistant for Access Technology and Website Access, Seattle Public Library LEAP
Food Service Worker, Dennis's Cafe
Administrative Assistant, Washington Biomedical and Biotechnology Association
Floral Assistant, KC's Flowers
Aide to Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Bow Lake Elementary School
Receptionist / Customer Service Agent, Seattle Housing Authority at Yesler Terrace
Children's Violin Instructor, Arts in Motion
Counselor Assistant, Redmond WorkSource
Assistive Technology Instructional Assistant, Seattle Central Community College

Everyone appears to benefit from this internship program. SIP participants show and report increased self-confidence, as one totally-blind intern noted, "This experience gave me the confidence to know that even though I'd done this work as a sighted person, I know now I can increase my skills and still be part of the community despite my blindness and public percentions".

Businesses have appreciated the helping hand. Arts in Motion Executive Director Denise Mimura stated, "[Our intern] is wonderful...Thanks for the assistance. We all enjoy her presence and assistance".

Lighthouse President Kirk Adams at the Blind Baby Jamboree

2009-08-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, August 8th, I was privileged to serve on a panel of blind adults at the first ever Washington State Blind Baby Jamboree. Held at the Washington State School for the Blind in Vancouver, WA, the jamboree brought together twelve families with blind children ages birth to three. The kids are living with a variety of visual conditions, and several had additional severe disabilities.

Their parents and sighted siblings were there to learn about eye conditions and how to set up environments and routines that would help their blind family members flourish and grow.

The panel on Saturday evening included me and for other blind adults who fielded questions from parents about the experiences of growing blind. Many of the parents had no previous exposure to blind people other than their small children, and they welcomed this opportunity to ask questions from the practical to the philosophical: What did your parents do when you were a child that helped you to become independent? What was the most challenging think about being a blind student and how did you overcome it? If you could restore your sight today, would you?

Sunday morning saw the parents gathering to learn about literacy and how to start preparing their kids to become readers of large print or braille. The instructors talked about sequencing, patterns, letting the kids feel and touch huge varieties of objects and textures to develop the ability to distinguish between various objects and eventually to read braille.

We discussed creating a braille rich environment, to try and give blind kids the same early exposure to braille as sighted kids get to print. It's a very big challenge indeed if you take a look around and notice all the print that is in our world. Cindy, one of the instructors, commented that sighted kids can identify McDonald's Golden Arches long before they can read a printed word. What is the equivalent symbol recognition going to be for a blind child? It is up to the parents to create these special tactile symbols with meaning for their child.

For instance, a version of the popular children's book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie was customized to be more accessible for blind children. On each page, objects were glued that related to the story, not least of child was a real chocolate chip cookie. Also represented was a paper cup for drinking a glass of milk, the top of a milk bottle, a straw, a paintbrush to represent the brook, a sponge for washing up and a cozy mouse bed made of a small box with blanket and pillow.

I am hoping to be invited back again for next year's Blind Baby Jamboree and am hoping the original dozen wonderful families are joined by many others. Hats off to those parents who spent last weekend devoted to the love and support of their blind kids!

Kirk Adams, President and CEO, Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

New Device Helps People Who are Deaf-Blind Communicate with Anyone

2009-08-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

A new device lets people who are Deaf-Blind converse with anyone. Robert Steppler is interviewed by the Seattle Times and discusses his experience with the new portable DeafBlind Communicator. Read the article to learn more.

Lighthouse Sponsors Blinded Veterans Association 64th Conference

2009-08-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is pleased to sponsor the Blinded Veterans Association 64th Conference. President Kirk Adams and Director of Communications Melanie Wimmenauer will attend the 64th Blinded Veterans Association in Portland, OR August 17-23. For more information visit the Blinded Veterans Association webpage.

Lighthouse Machinist Harry Pike Speaks at Tech Expo 2009

2009-08-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

Lighthouse machinist Harry Pike attended and was a feature speaker at Tech Expo 2009 presented by Cimtech, held at the Museum of Flight on August 5th 2009. Harry spoke about his work at the Lighthouse, and the audience watched a video that showed him in action, performing set-up on and operating an OKUMA computer numeric controlled (CNC) milling machine as a machinist who is blind. The audience consisted of representatives from aerospace manufacturers (including programmers, machinists, design engineers, and managers) and they were amazed! Way to go, Harry!

King County Has Options for Voters with Disabilities

2009-08-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

King County now votes entirely by mail and it's important that voters who need assistance know their options. King County operates three accessible voting centers designed for voters who need assistance casting their ballot. Each center is operated by trained staff and offer equipment to make voting accessible for everyone. The touch screen accessible voting unit has lap paddle and sip-and-puff devices, an audio option, and large and high contrast font features to aid voters.

How do you plan to cast your ballot? If you are interested in using an accessible voting unit, plan your trip now. King County's accessible voting centers are located at the Elections office in Renton, Union Station in Seattle, and Bellevue City Hall. Locations are accessible by public transportation and parking is available. For more information on accessible voting for the August 18 election, please call 206-296-VOTE (8683) or visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections.

What Light Rail Means to the Blind and Deaf-Blind Communities

2009-07-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

Aside from the obvious increase in mobility for blind and Deaf-Blind people, the new light rail opens a broader range of possibilities in terms of where people can live. With the cost of living in Seattle being so high, many people are finding their home farther and farther away. Light rail makes it possible to live a distance away and get to and from work. The bus system is well linked to the light rail route, creating a web of commute options. Inside the cars are large visual displays indicating the next stop on high contrast backgrounds making it easy to see. The engineers of the system thought to place tactile markers near the tracks creating a safe situation for all blind people.
- Mark Landreneau

Link Light Rail Inaugural Ride

2009-07-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

Mark Landreneau and I were invited to be on Sound Transit's Light Rail inaugural ride Saturday morning! The event was quite festive and the crowd seemed happy to see the rail opening at last! Dave Ross emceed the opening ceremonies with humor. Seattle Mayor Nickels and Tukwila Mayor Jim Haggerton arrived on their respective trains to commemorate the historic connection of Seattle and Tukwila.

Members of the Boys and Girls club held a blue ribbon that was cut before invitees boarded the trains. We had the opportunity to greet several public officials including Congressman Jim McDermott, Mayor Nickels, ST CEO Joni Earl, King County Council Chair Dow Constantine, King County Council Member Larry Phillips, and King County Executive Kurt Triplett. Our good friend Jackie Engler represented our sister agency, The Deaf-Blind Service Center, and rode in the same train car as we did. Scott Gutierrez from the Seattle PI interviewed Mark, photo above, during the ride about the impact of the new transportation system for Deaf-Blind people. Mark, who is deaf and vision impaired, was on a citizen's advisory panel for the rail line.

The ride was smooth. In a rail car crammed full of people, we glided along down to the Tukwila station near SeaTac, enjoying the view, the company and the public art work along the route. When I returned to the Seattle Lighthouse, there was a crowd of Deaf-Blind people in front of the building with their supporters getting ready to grab the bus to the station to ride the Light Rail.

We are really excited to have this additional transportation option out there for our employees, stakeholders and community members!

- Paula Hoffman, Vice President of Governmental Affairs

Inland Northwest Lighthouse

2009-07-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Inland Northwest Lighthouse (INL) is rapidly approaching its one-year anniversary this summer! Our first satellite operation, the INL has helped to expand job opportunities to blind people across Washington State. Hiring the first blind employee at the INL in June 2008, today we employ 30 blind individuals in Spokane and plan to add more jobs in the year to come. Products currently manufactured at the INL include wallboards, file folders, binders, paper trimmers, and easels. INL employees celebrated this wonderful milestone with the summer trip to the Spokane Indians baseball game. Congratulations to all Inland Northwest Lighthouse employees on their amazing growth and hard work over the last year!

Get Ready for the 31st Annual Deaf-Blind Retreat!

2009-07-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

In August, our Deaf-Blind Retreat celebrates its 31st anniversary of offering an accessible community retreat to Deaf-Blind people across the Unites States. Ninety Deaf-Blind people from throughout the US and beyond will come together for an extraordinary week of learning, recreation, and community-building that shows "Deaf-Blind Can Do." Through the years, the Deaf-Blind community has come together at the retreat to support and learn from one another. The passion of the Deaf-Blind community, volunteer interpreters and guides, and generous private donors has kept this wonderful experience going strong for over three decades. Thanks to all of you for making this wonderful experience possible. For more information, visit www.seattlelighthouse.org

The Seattle Lighthouse Expands Fragrant Garden for the Blind and Deaf-Blind

2009-07-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

Interest in fragrant plants is growing locally and nationally, and Seattle Lighthouse’s Ethel L. Dupar Fragrant Garden is on the cutting edge of this trend! As the only year-round display garden dedicated to fragrant plants in Seattle, the garden is designed expressly for the enjoyment of people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, or who have other disabilities. This year there are many changes on the horizon for the garden, including the addition of a new raised flower-bed! Visit http://www.seattlelighthouse.org/garden/ to read more about the garden.

Welcome to the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Blog!

2009-05-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

We will be posting news, events, photos, and other important information to this page. Keep posted here and on our new Facebook profile too!