In talking with people about the Seattle Lighthouse, we find some common questions cropping up. Here are a few of the more frequent ones:

Q: How many people with visual impairments do you employ?

A: Out of the 320 people currently employed at the Seattle Lighthouse approximately 195 are blind, Deaf-Blind, or blind with other disabilities according to recent numbers. Of approximately 175 employees with visual disabilities, 35 are Deaf-Blind and 25 are blind or Deaf-Blind with a developmental disability.

Q: How many blind people are there in the United States?

A: Legal blindness in the U.S. is defined as either having vision that cannot be corrected beyond 20/200 in the better eye or having a visual field restricted to 20 degrees or less in the better eye. Under this definition, there are approximately 1.3 million blind people in the United States today (source: American Foundation for the Blind)

Q: What kind of jobs do people who are blind do at the Lighthouse?

A: People who are blind and Deaf-Blind fill a wide range of positions including machinists and machine set-ups, production workers, computer instructors, information technology specialists, web programmers, receptionists, customer service representatives, administrative assistants, and management staff.

Q: How much do Seattle Lighthouse employees earn?

A: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. pays a competitive wage based on our annual survey of pay rates throughout the Puget Sound for similar jobs. Each individual at the Lighthouse earns a comparable rate to what someone in the same position earns at another company or nonprofit.

Our group supported employees, who are blind or Deaf-Blind with developmental disabilities, receive a piece-rate wage based on the prevailing wage paid in Seattle for entry-level assembly jobs.

All Lighthouse employees receive a full benefits package including medical and dental coverage, life-insurance, paid sick and vacation leave, and a pension plan.

Q: What programs do you offer?

A: In addition to offering employment opportunities, we also offer Orientation and Mobility (O & M) Training, Housing Support, Computer Training Program for blind adults, and a comprehensive Deaf-Blind Program.

We have three Orientation and Mobility Specialists serving the needs of blind and Deaf-Blind people. Individualized trainings include such skills as white-cane use, route planning, bus and other transit travel, and supplementary guide dog training. O & M Specialists also provide blind and Deaf-Blind people with bus kits and other travel aids.

Our housing support program supports blind and Deaf-Blind individuals in locating suitable, affordable housing. Our Computer Training Program for blind adults focuses on providing students with computer and assistive technology skills for upward mobility.

Our nationally acclaimed Deaf-Blind program includes a completely accessible annual retreat for Deaf-Blind people in Seabeck, Washington on Hood Canal. Deaf-Blind Community Classes also offer a completely accessible experience for Deaf-Blind people throughout the academic year. Our Deaf-Blind Technology Training Center is a unique program providing one-on-one computer instruction to Deaf-Blind people. We also offer Independent Living Classes for people who are Deaf-Blind.

Q: How are you funded?

A: The majority of Seattle Lighthouse operations are self-funded through manufacturing and sales of products to customers including the Boeing Company and the federal government. However, the Lighthouse bears significant costs that other manufacturers do not: five in-house sign language interpreters, expensive Braille computer equipment, and other assistive technologies. In addition, the Lighthouse has programs and support services for the larger blind and Deaf-Blind community. Therefore, remaining funding must come from federal and local governments as well as support from the broader community.

Community support includes financial contribution from local corporations, foundations, service organizations, and individuals. This additional funding is critical to preserving and expanding the existing programs and creating new opportunities for the people we serve.

All community support for 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.

Q: Why is the unemployment rate for blind people so high?

A: A number of barriers are factors in the national 70% unemployment rate for blind adults. Many employers and members of the public are unaware of the assistive technology available to blind and Deaf-Blind people that enable them to do their jobs. In addition, the lack of visibility of blind and Deaf-Blind people in society contributes to misconceptions and bias towards people with visual disabilities.

Q: Do you ever sell your products commercially?

A: Our product lines are made specifically for the federal government and commercial contractors. Some of our federal products may be purchased by private individuals, though many items are priced differently for private individuals versus government agencies or personnel. If you are interested in purchasing Lighthouse products, please visit www.lighthousestore.com

Q: When did the Lighthouse begin operating?

A: The Lighthouse traces its roots back to 1910 and the formation of a social club called Seattle Association of the Blind. The organization incorporated in 1918, focusing on creating employment opportunities for blind people in the Seattle area.

Q: How can I find out more about the Seattle Lighthouse?

A: Coming to the Seattle Lighthouse in person for a tour is the best way. To receive a tour schedule, contact Development Assistant Melissa Mueller at 206-436-2116 or mmueller@seattlelh.org. If you are unable to visit, ask Melissa to send you a copy of our free video. And as always, make sure to read Horizons when it hits your mailbox every three months.