Vol. 10 No. 1 - Winter 2009

Message from the President

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

At every turn we are reminded that the world is an ever-changing place and many parts of our world are fraught with uncertainty. A glance at today’s headlines bears more news about the plummeting stock market, our largest and most stable corporations downsizing and disappearing, and constant mergers and acquisitions.

However, some of the best things in life remain unchanged. Here at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., I am constantly reminded of the enduring values that make our work worth doing. We are delighted to highlight a few of these enduring, unchanging cornerstones in this issue of Horizons.

The importance of education: Our school tours program shows us that natural curiosity and a burning desire to learn still thrives in the hearts of young people everywhere. Each year, hundreds of fifth grade students participate in our school tour program. Our tours give children the opportunity to learn about the capabilities of blind and Deaf-Blind people in their community. Through this curriculum, our future leaders are learning that people with visual disabilities make significant contributions to our world every day.

Pursuit of excellence. With our two employees of the year, we see up close the results of unwavering pursuit of excellence. Kevin Jones and Andy Bacon truly demonstrate how hard work and dedication make a difference.

Machinist Kevin Jones exemplifies the spirit of teamwork at the Lighthouse, working with the machine shop team to produce exceptional high-quality aircraft parts. It’s because of hard-working employees like Kevin that we boast a 99.9% acceptance rate of all parts manufacturedfor The Boeing Company.

Fort Lewis Store Manager Andy Bacon has constantly worked to gain new skills and expertise in his time at the Lighthouse. Andy took the initiative to become one of our first Computer Training Program students. His drive and willingness to improve his skills led to a promotion and a place in National Industries for the Blind’s Business Management Training program.

Innovation. The human mind and spirit constantly quest to make the world a better place. The technology used in our Deaf-Blind Technology Training Center allows Deaf-Blind people to access information and communication in ways never possible before. Assistive technologies such as electronic braille displays, braille PDAs, and screen magnification have given the Deaf-Blind community access to the internet, email communication, and instant electronic communication. This program makes our goal of equal access to information a reality.

Generosity. Of course, we could not offer the programs and services mentioned above without the generosity of people like you. The story highlighting Norm Slader’s kind gift to Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation demonstrates that, through all of the troubled times we are experiencing, human generosity remains a constant we can count on.

Times are challenging, but donors and volunteers continue to step up and provide opportunities at Seattle Lighthouse. To each of you who have generously donated your time and your money, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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