FY 2024 Impact Report

Fueled by the amazing generosity of our friends, partners, and community, the Lighthouse is strong and uniquely positioned to create employment and opportunities for independence for individuals who are blind and DeafBlind! Fiscal year 2024 brought challenges, but we met them head-on. Our strength is in our people and the connections driving our mission: sustainable opportunities and transformative services for the blind and DeafBlind. Thank you for being part of our community!

Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report – PDF | Large Print
Fiscal Year 2024 Financials — PDF

FY 2024 Impact Report

Pictured on cover: Orientation and Mobility Specialist Jennifer Geffre provides sighted guide to a Lighthouse employee at a Link Light Rail Station in Seattle

In this Report:

  • President and CEO George Abbott

    We faced a year of both challenges and progress. The Lighthouse had a strong first half of the fiscal year.

  • A group photo of the Human Resources team standing outside of the Seattle facility and smiling on a spring day in Seattle

    The essential programs and services that the Lighthouse offers are made possible by the generosity of our donors and community and corporate partners.

  • Photo of Dr. Anna Shagas conducting an eye exam with a Lighthouse employee

    Low Vision Services are life-enhancing resources for Lighthouse employees and community members with low vision.

  • Read about the stories of our Employees of the Year for FY 2024, IT Systems Director Antonio Rozier and Setup Specialist Gregory Wilson.

  • Two DeafBlind Retreat Participants communicating with Protactile ASL

    We are dedicated to empowering blind and DeafBlind individuals to achieve their fullest potential through specialized programs and services.

  • Photo of Computer and Assistive Technology Instructor Gaylen Floy working with Jacob, a Lighthouse employee, on using his tablet in a computer lab in Seattle

    A look at the expenses from our Employee and Community Services in FY 2024, and the hours of direct services we provided to our employees.

  • Production Worker Justin Credle

    We offer diverse career opportunities, prioritize advancement, and ensure representation at every level of the organization.

  • A group of volunteers from Starbucks smile in the Fragrant Garden at the Lighthouse in Seattle

    We work with local and national foundations, corporations, and service organizations to ensure our programs are available to those who depend on them.

  • Orientation and Mobility Specialist Jennifer Geffre demonstrates using a tactile map to Lighthouse employee William Belina

    A look at the revenues from Fiscal Year 2024 at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

  • A Lighthouse employee who is DeafBlind communicates using Protactile ASL with an interpreter on the shop floor in Seattle

    A catalog of resources for information and education on our programs, ways to give, and blindness in general.

  • Exterior photo of the Lighthouse facility in Seattle

    Providing jobs for people who are blind in traditionally difficult blind employment locations.

  • Woman standing facing forward with her hands on top of her cane, smiling, wearing warm winter clothing.

    A New Discovery “When I was in my early teens my parents started noticing that I was tripping on things. I didn't see what was in front of me. I’d always been Deaf but this was a new development,” Paula shares. This discovery led to a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a progressive vision [...]

  • Three people stand together smiling. Two people are holding white canes.

    From Left: Director of Employee and Community Services, Amy Koehl; Lighthouse President and CEO, George Abbott; Workforce Development Manager, Cheryl Cumings. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is committed to fostering the professional development and upward mobility of employees and has begun offering a series of career development opportunities. Tony Jorgensen, Training and [...]

  • A man with greying hair is standing outside, wearing sunglasses. In one hand he is holding a white cane and in the other a smartphone.

    Below you’ll find a description and registration link for this months webinar, Accessible Apps to Tap in 2024. Check out our YouTube channel to view previous webinars. Details Date: January 24, 2024 Time: 4:00 PM PST Description Ring in the new year with an exciting and interactive webinar from The Lighthouse for the Blind, [...]

  • Portraits of two people. One is a medium dark skinned woman with short black hair, smiling. The other is of a man with medium skin and dark hair, wearing thick rimmed glasses and smiling.

    It is with immense pride and joy that we announce the exceptional individuals who have been nominated for The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.'s 2023 Employee of the Year awards. Each year, we have the honor of recognizing the incredible contributions of our outstanding team members in both direct and indirect labor categories. Join us [...]

  • Portrait of a woman with medium skin and dark hair sitting in a chair, smiling.

    As the year comes to a close, we at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. are delighted to announce the nominees for our 2023 Employees of the Year awards. This annual tradition allows us to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of our dedicated employees who have gone above and beyond in their roles. [...]

  • Portrait of a woman with light skin and blonde hair smiling.

    Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a progressive eye disease that can have a significant impact on vision. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to preserving vision and maintaining a good quality of life. To provide you with expert insights, we interviewed Dr. Shagas, a Low Vision Optometrist at The [...]

  • Portrait of a light skinned man with a red beard and red hair standing inside in a production area.

    As a production worker with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a progressive eye disease, Gregory Wilson’s story is one of determination, adaptation, and personal growth. Despite being diagnosed with a progressive eye disease, Gregory has transformed his life, built a family and is pursuing a fulfilling career. Gregory Wilson's Challenges and Adaptations Gregory's journey started with [...]

  • A close up of a hand holding a smartphone. Colorful app icons appear to be floating out of the phone's screen.

    As technology continues to evolve, blind students are finding more accessible and inclusive tools to aid their education journey. Apps that cater to the needs of people who are blind make returning to school or college a more seamless and productive experience. These apps range from assisting with document creation and organization to providing [...]

  • Close up of hands holding a smart phone. From the smart phone a glowing chat bot is saying "can I help you?"

    In a world fueled by technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the lives of individuals who are blind. As technology advances, AI-driven tools and apps are becoming increasingly accessible, offering new ways to bridge the gap in a largely inaccessible world. Meet the Blind AI Experts Tim Paulding, a certified orientation and [...]

  • Two portraits, side by side. On the left is a light-skinned man with light brown hair, wearing a suit and smiling. On the right is a medium dark-skinned woman with brown curly hair, wearing a colorful floral shirt beneath a magenta blazer, smiling.

    The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is excited to announce two new exceptional additions to our Board of Trustees, John Craddock and Lachelle Smith. Their impressive backgrounds, dedication to their communities, and passion for making a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities make them invaluable assets to our mission. Let's take [...]