Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LightHouse a national organization?
The LightHouse serves the blind and visually impaired of Northern California and operates autonomously of other LightHouse organizations throughout the country. We are headquartered in San Francisco with locations in San Rafael, Eureka and Oakland. In addition, our Enchanted Hills Camp is located in Napa Valley.
What services does the LightHouse provide?
The LightHouse provides a variety of educational, recreational, rehabilitative and social services to blind and visually impaired clients. We offer programs and services to youths, adults and seniors experiencing varying degrees of vision loss. The LightHouse operates regular business hours, six days of the week, throughout the year.
Does the LightHouse offer braille or ADA consulting services for other companies and organizations?
The LightHouse welcomes the opportunity to work with outside organizations and companies to produce accessible materials or to help make the workplace more accommodating for blind and visually impaired employees. Sensitivity training helps staff raise awareness about visually impaired employees and strengthen the organizational or company community.
How is the LightHouse funded?
The LightHouse is able to meet the needs of the blind and visually impaired community through a multifaceted, hybrid funding model that includes institutional grants, government contracts, business services, bequests, earned income and generous individual donors. Because of our diversified funding stream, we have been stable and have continued to expand services even during the toughest economies.
How can I support the LightHouse?
Your support in any form is greatly appreciated. The LightHouse is only able to meet the needs of the blind and visually impaired community because of the generous efforts of volunteers and the financial support of kind individuals. There are a number of volunteer opportunities to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
What does "legally blind" mean?
Legal blindness does not mean total blindness in all cases. A person is legally blind if central vision in one eye, with glasses or contact lenses, is no better than 20/200, or if peripheral vision is no greater than 20 degrees in diameter in that eye. A person who is legally blind may be able to read with the aid of magnifying devices and move about without difficultly.
What does the braille on the exterior of the LightHouse building located at 214 Van Ness mean?
The large braille print on the building reads, "Independence. Equality."
