2006 Report to the Community Annual Report

Building Employment Opportunities

“Working at the Lighthouse gives me a real sense of worth. It builds your self-esteem being able to set up your own jobs and meet the challenges. The gift of a job is a gift of self-reliance and financial security.”  -- Dan Staub, Machine Set-Up

Lighthouse Employment FY 2006

With the national unemployment rate for blind adults at 70%, our mission focus is on providing employment opportunities and training to people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities.

In FY 2006, blind and Deaf-Blind adults filled 15 new jobs for a total of 169 employees with visual disabilities.  The 169 Lighthouse jobs filled by blind and Deaf-Blind employees include production worker, machinist, department lead, customer service representative, human resources coordinator, administrative assistant, business analyst, government affairs specialist, technology training instructor, community class coordinator, and president-elect.

Lighthouse Employees FY 2006

Blind employees: 120
Deaf-Blind employees: 27
Blind or Deaf-Blind employees with developmental disabilities: 22
Deaf employees: 5
Sighted employees: 126
Lighthouse Employee Total: 295

Career Training

Leaders at all Levels: In 2006, The Lighthouse for the Blind commenced Leaders at All Levels classes with the goal of increasing upward mobility for all employees. This curriculum was selected by National Industries for the Blind from the worldwide education company AchieveGlobal. The program’s five modules consist of Work Skills: the Basic Principles, Helping Your Team Work, Positive Responses to Change, Getting the Information You Need, and Speaking with Confidence. A total of 229 Lighthouse employees participated in Leaders at All Levels trainings.

Machine Shop Peer Training Program: In our machine shop, blind senior machinists provide in-depth machining training to new employees. The peer training program includes comprehensive, documented procedures for each machine with supporting materials available in alternate formats such as braille and large print. The training covers the immediate shop environment, orientation of the machine equipment, safety features and procedures, set-up, and equipment operation. Trainees undergo an assessment period and receive feedback on their progress.

Tooling University: Lighthouse machine shop employees have the option of enrolling in online Tooling University classes supplemental to hands-on training. Class subjects include shop essentials, blueprints, intermediate and advanced mathematics, CNC machining, and the latest machining and blueprint updates.

Business Management Training: Providing a major opportunity for upward mobility of blind individuals, the Business Management Training (BMT) program offers Lighthouse employees in-depth leadership training. The University of Virginia's Darden Graduate School of Business Administration facilitates this challenging, participant-centered program. For the past two years, three Lighthouse employees desiring a more in-depth knowledge of business management have completed the program.

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