Dear Members of the California Deaf-Blind Community and Beyond,

At LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, we deeply value our Deaf-Blind community, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities you face. As we begin a new year and continue to move forward with our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, we want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to serving and uplifting your vibrant community.

Our plan explicitly acknowledges the distinct experiences of Deaf-Blind individuals, and we are dedicated to addressing the inequities that persist. We understand that accessibility goes beyond vision and communication supports; it encompasses comprehensive resources, equitable services, and tailored programs that reflect the intersectionality of your experiences.

To this end, we are dedicating focused resources to expand and enhance our Deaf-Blind services. This includes the development of a comprehensive Deaf-Blind program with offerings such as employment and workforce services and an innovative Deaf-Blind curriculum integrated with independent living skills and assistive technology. Additionally, we are committed to building a Co-Navigator and Support Service Provider (SSP) program that ensures you have the support necessary to thrive in all areas of life.

Central to this commitment is our Whole Person Care Model, which emphasizes treating each individual as a complete, multifaceted person with unique needs and aspirations. This model is designed to address not only the immediate challenges of daily life but also the broader aspects of well-being—physical, emotional, social, and psychological. By incorporating interdisciplinary support, such as mental health services, case management, and peer mentorship, we ensure that Deaf-Blind individuals are empowered holistically. Our goal is to foster not just independence but a thriving quality of life, built on community, equity, and personal growth.

We have set a goal to increase services for Deaf-Blind individuals by at least 25% each year. In the first year, we exceeded this target, ensuring that our programs and services are accessible, inclusive, and tailored to meet your needs. To foster continuous learning and improvement, we will engage in ongoing dialogue with a subcommittee of Deaf-Blind individuals to gather feedback on the relevance and effectiveness of our services.

On a personal level, my commitment to the Deaf-Blind community extends far beyond what is outlined in our strategic plan. It is a deep and enduring passion of mine to ensure that you receive the care, support, and opportunities you deserve. During my time at LightHouse, we have made significant improvements across all services, including the introduction of dedicated case management specifically for Deaf-Blind individuals. Service navigation has become more streamlined and responsive, ensuring that Deaf-Blind members of our community can access the resources they need more easily and efficiently than ever before. This is just the beginning, as we continually strive to adapt and refine our offerings based on your input.

While we have made strides, I believe the best way to truly serve you is to listen directly to your experiences, aspirations, and challenges. Therefore, I would like to personally invite you for a Q&A Session where we can hear from you, answer your questions, and explore new ways to enhance our services. This session will provide an open space for dialogue, and we encourage your active participation. Your insights will be invaluable in helping us shape the next phase of our work and deepen our commitment to your community.

Your voice matters, and it is central to shaping the future of our services. Together, we will create a world where Deaf-Blind individuals not only live independently but flourish with full participation and respect in their communities.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. I look forward to working with you and for you as we move forward with this plan.  I would like to work with you to plan a date for the Q&A Session that will work best for members of your community to be held live at our 1155 Market Street location, as well as, virtually if that would encourage more participation.  Please feel free to reach out to me at SharonG@LightHouse-SF.org or directly at (415).694.7346 voice, video or SMS.