An organization in San Antonio understands the challenges which come with vision loss and has created extensive programs to benefit residents of Bexar County, as well as Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kerr, Kendall, Kimble, Mason, and Real counties. Established in 1933, the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind & Vision Impaired continues its mission to educate, support, and employ individuals. Today, it features technology training, job counseling and placement, Braille instruction, independent living skill training, and a Senior Center. Additionally, the San Antonio Lighthouse has established partnerships with the Army and Air Force, currently operating 14 retail stores on 11 military installations across New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma.
Lifestyle
San Antonio Lighthouse Offers Hope to the Blind and Vision-Impaired
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Photo: envato elements
In the organization’s 85-plus years of service, people who are blind and vision-impaired have grown their community, learned new ways of living with reduced vision, and provided Texans and Americans with “U.S. made” pens, pencils, and highlighters, as well as supporting our troops through manufacturing of uniforms, helmet chin straps, and oil analysis kits, and more for the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force.
Among the independent living skills they provide are large print items and talking devices, Orientation and Mobility (which includes training with the iconic white cane), and Counseling to help those with vision loss learn to cope with the condition. Additionally, their low-vision clinic performs eye exams and provides devices. If those in need are diabetic, the organization also offers Diabetes Education.
Photo Courtesy of San Antonio Lighthouse
San Antonio Lighthouse is one of only two agencies for the disabled in the world to be awarded quality certifications of both ISO 9001 and AS 9100. It also operates the only low-vision stores in South Texas, an education program for blind children from birth to 18, and a support group for parents. Their commitment to Texans has not gone without notice: San Antonio Lighthouse is a five-time winner of “Best Place to Work in San Antonio,” a four-time winner of “50 Top Non-Profits in Nation to Work For” award, and the recent recipient of a generous grant from the Stephens Foundation.
Photo: envato elements
Visual impairment and blindness are common in the United States. The number of citizens experiencing the effects of vision degeneration is expected to double to eight million by the year 2050, according to projections for the National Eye Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health. An additional 16.4 million Americans are expected to experience nearsightedness or farsightedness. Learn more about the services and products offered on the website www.salighthouse.org or by calling 210-531-1547. Whether for family, friends, or yourself, the website’s “Request for Services” button is ready to be clicked!
