The Seattle Lighthouse is a private, not-for-profit agency providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities. We have provided employment and training to the blind people in our community since 1918.

Orientation and Mobility Statement of Purpose

-- to increase independence and self-sufficiency of blind and Deaf-Blind adults through orientation and mobility instruction --

Orientation and Mobility Program and Service
Orientation and Mobility training centers on teaching safe, independent travel techniques to people with visual disabilities. Our two orientation and mobility (O & M) instructors are fluent in both American Sign Language and English.

Orientation and mobility training includes:

• Bus travel
• Use of white cane while staying on route
• Route planning
• Mini-guide electronic travel aid training
• Relocation and route planning for new community members
• Safety techniques for low-vision travelers
• Supplementary training for dog-guide users
• Assistive technology assessment
• Equipment and technology expos
  

Eligibility
Service recipients may be blind or Deaf-Blind Lighthouse employees, Deaf-Blind community members, and blind community members seeking Metro bus-route training. The number of individuals served is restricted according to available resources.

Funding
Orientation and Mobility funding sources include community support and federal and state funds. Community support includes financial contributions from local corporations, foundations, service organizations, and individuals.

All community support for Seattle Lighthouse programs is channeled through the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation, whose sole purpose is to gather community support for fulfillment of the Seattle Lighthouse mission. Participants do not pay tuition fees.

Contact
Paula Hoffman
Director of Employment & Community Services and Government Affairs
Voice/TTY: 206-436-2113
Email: phoffman@seattlelh.org
www.deafblindlh.org
www.seattlelighthouse.org