Vol. 10 No. 1 - Winter 2009

School Tours at Seattle Lighthouse

Accessibility and Orientation Coordinator Don Swaney (center) introduces students to his guide dog Louie during a school tour

Every year Seattle Lighthouse invites fifth graders from local elementary schools to visit and learn about blindness, braille, and American Sign Language (ASL). Before their visit, each class is given a Braille is Beautiful kit designed to help sighted students understand braille as an important tool of literacy while developing a greater perspective on blindness.

Students participate in a variety of activities on their visit including a simulated blindness exercise. Students are blindfolded and given small white canes, then try to navigate around tables, chairs, and fellow classmates. Additionally, students get to see the machine shop, observe an assistive technology demonstration with JAWS and electronic braille displays, and learn ASL from a Deaf-Blind employee. Also, students get to meet a guide dog and learn about proper etiquette to use when greeting a guide dog.

Did you know?
The Lighthouse also conducts tours for American Sign Language (ASL) students. For over 30 years our Deaf-Blind Program has provided valuable training and support services to Deaf-Blind adults, such as our Technology Training Center, Deaf-Blind community classes, and our annual Deaf-Blind retreat in Seabeck, Washington. Because of our longstanding relationship with the Deaf-Blind community, a tour of the Lighthouse is a unique opportunity for students to meet deaf and Deaf-Blind adults, practice their signing skills, and learn more about Deaf culture.

If you cannot make it to Seattle Lighthouse, our Community Outreach Program sends employees to schools to talk to students directly.

Renee Boulac, an ASL teacher at Inglemoor High School, says:

Last year, Mark Landreneau visited my class and the students really enjoyed his presentation and were amazed at the technology advancements that can help blind and Deaf-Blind individuals. They appreciated everything that he had to share.

If you have questions about school tours or other tours, please contact Communications Assistant Keri Brent at (206) 436-2134 or via e-mail at kbrent@seattlelh.org.

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