History
Lighthouse for the Blind
The First Eighty Years
Our mission: We exist to foster the independence of people who are blind and visually impaired, thereby helping them to realize their full potential as individuals.
In 1919 Bertha Hanford, a blind community activist, recognized the need for vocational and rehabilitation services for the blind and established a workshop and training center. In 1921 this workshop was incorporated as St. Louis County Association for the Blind and a satellite workshop was opened in Chisholm, MN. In 1933, the name of the corporation was officially changed to Duluth Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
In 1957 the Lighthouse became affiliated with National Industries for the Blind enabling the organization to produce products for the federal government and to provide additional employment opportunities for blind workers. The Lighthouse employees produced mops, brooms, pillowcases, sheets, laundry bags, and paper products. The Lighthouse also produced many products for the general public including duck and goose decoys and snowshoes. We packaged nails for the Anderson Window Company and microfilmed documents for the local business community as well.
In 1977, the Lighthouse expanded its rehabilitation services and classrooms with the assistance of a grant from State Services for the Blind and moved to a newly remodeled space at 27th Avenue West and Superior Street.
The expanded services included classroom training on Braille, Communications, Financial Management, Techniques of Daily Living, Orientation and Mobility, Typing, Adjustment To Vision Loss Counseling and Adapted Leisure Activities, as well as expanded home based instruction. Starting in the 1980 "s facilitated community support groups for people with a vision loss were started.
In 1990, a grant was received from the Department of Human Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division to provide services to individuals who are deafblind. In 1991, because of increased growth in paper production and the resulting need for additional space, the Lighthouse moved to 4505 W. Superior Street where it continues to reside today.
In 1994, the International Lion's Club provided a $50,000 technology grant to provide an assistive technology classroom at the Lighthouse. Local Lion's clubs matched this grant and continue to support this vital project. In their honor this classroom was named the Lion's Technology Center.
In 1998, a grant was received from the Department of Human Services, Deaf Services Division to provide Intervenor/Service Support Person Services for deafblind adults in Minnesota, a major step forward in improving the quality of life for people with this dual disability.
In 1999, the production department was closed after struggling with high financial losses. Through an anonymous donation the Employment Services program was started to help former employees find new employment and to assist Lighthouse students in development of employment seeking skills.
In 2000, The Lighthouse moved into renovated space on the first floor of the building and leased the remaining space to Saint Mary's/Duluth Clinic. The lease payments offset the cost of providing rehabilitation services.
In 2001, the Lighthouse celebrated its 80th anniversary and continues to provide rehabilitation services for up to 300 people each year who are blind, deafblind, and visually impaired by expanding and changing its programs to meet the needs of this diverse population.
THE NEXT 80 YEARS DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
To meet our mission, the staff and board members agree that the Lighthouse's most important goal must be to become financially secure!
Secondly, we must expand the low vision outreach program. This program has the potential to provide thousands of Northlanders with the resources to cope with vision loss, and hearing and vision loss that significantly affects their lifestyle. During May, the first of many low vision seminars will be held here at the Lighthouse. Future seminars will be held in communities throughout Northern Minnesota during the year. If you are interested in attending one of these 2-day sessions please contact us at 218-624-4828 or return to the "contact us" page of this web site and we will send you information about this great seminar.
Thank you for your interest!! Watch this page for more information about the Lighthouse!!
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