After years of doing advocacy work himself, Greg Szabo, Director of Government and Public Relations, is now training fellow employees to be advocates for people who are blind.
“Our employees are why the Lighthouse is here and exists,” Greg shares. “To have a variety of employees sharing different stories, different backgrounds, and different reasons why employment and working at the Lighthouse is important to them, is really key for elected officials to understand the reasons why the Lighthouse has been around for more than 100 years.”
Why Advocates Are Important
Greg spends a significant portion of his job connecting with elected officials on issues that are significant to the Lighthouse and how it operates, both locally and nationally. As an AbilityOne contractor, lawmaker decisions have a direct impact on the Lighthouse and the jobs we’re able to provide.
Participating in advocacy training is an incredible opportunity for employees to not only make a difference, but also enhance skills like networking and public speaking. Through this program, they will have the opportunity to lead tours, connect with local officials, and share their personal stories.
Advocates in Training
Nicole Corbett, Computer & Assistive Technology Instructor, wanted to participate in advocacy training because the issue is personal to her. “I wish that I would have had someone advocate for blindness more where I came from. Typically, they tend to want to put blind people in a corner. Now I’ve seen that blind people do so much more than what was originally presented to me,” she shares.
“The job opportunities and programs at the Lighthouse have shown me that my life isn’t over, and that’s important for elected officials to know.”
Nicholas Shively, Production Lead, is excited to get involved in local government! He shares, “It’s always intrigued me how things get done in government. I’ve always felt I need to learn about how things get done. It’s kind of a dream situation for me.” He also notes the impact that getting involved can have.
“I’m excited about doing things that will benefit the younger generation of disabled people.”
Deng Kong, Receptionist & Office Assistant and advocate in training, is excited for the opportunity to get involved. She shares, “I thought this would be a good way to get back into being active in my community. I love to be face-to-face, interacting with people and this provides that opportunity.”
After meeting other advocates, Karl Schaeffler, Set Up Specialist, was inspired to get involved himself. “They were advocating for better ideas for the blind. I thought it would be interesting to be a part of that. I’m excited about the idea of just being a part of advocacy”
Wanda Johnson, Production Worker, was turned down for a multitude of jobs before finding work at the Lighthouse. She shares, “I’ve learned to navigate through many hurdles. But as a young adult, I learned that one way was to go inform and educate.”
“This program appealed to me because it was an opportunity to advocate for blind people.”
Plans For the Future
The Lighthouse operates manufacturing facilities in three main locations with different elected officials for each area. Greg shares, “We have some really important people that we’re working with and meeting with and it’s great to have additional employees working alongside me. Sharing their story is very important because their stories are important to me, and important to elected officials. Their stories are why we are in existence.”
“My plan is to grow the program by adding a couple of employees each year at our Spokane, WA, Seattle, WA and Summerville, SC locations.”
Learn more about advocacy at the Lighthouse >>
We’re Leaders in Blind Employment – View Our Open Positions and Apply Today!
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. transforms the lives of people who are blind, Deafblind, and blind with other disabilities. We are leaders in blind employment. Through employment opportunities, we are a catalyst for empowerment. We foster self-confidence and instill a life changing affirmation that independence is possible. From our expertise in cutting-edge technology to our understanding of mobility, we help people who are blind, Deafblind, and blind with other disabilities live fulfilling lives.
