Who We Are
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides education, training, advocacy, and community for blind individuals in California and around the world. Founded and based in San Francisco since 1902, the LightHouse is one of the largest and most established comprehensive blindness organizations in North America, with a wide variety of programs to suit a wide variety of needs, as well as a rich network of blindness advocates and professionals.
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, tax EIN 94-1415317.
Fast Facts
Each year:
- 650 of our students learn to use a white cane and other skills needed to stay active and independent.
- 320 of our students get training in technology ranging from basic keyboarding skills to talking GPS and cell phone apps specifically for people who are blind.
- 100 young people participate in our enrichment programs such as STEAM activities, job and college prep, and outdoor adventures.
- 180 of our DeafBlind students learn skills like braille and receive accessible tech equipment.
- 420 of our campers enjoy a quintessential camp experience at Enchanted Hills Camp in Napa.
- 60 of our blind jobseekers gain skills needed for employment.
- 1,300 blind people buy more than 5,000 low vision and blindness tools at Adaptations Store.
- 650 of our volunteers give their time to further our mission.
Each month:
- 100 people access support services such as support groups, information and referral and case management.
- 50+ social and recreational activities engage people who are blind in a supportive community.
- 10 tours and outreach events educate the community about our mission and services.
Each day:
- People who are blind become part of the LightHouse community, take steps to maximize their independence, and advocate for themselves and others.
Tours
Tours are hosted by our Information Concierge Esmeralda Soto by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Email ESoto@lighthouse-sf.org to schedule an individual or group appointment.
In 2016, the LightHouse completed the move from its old location at 214 Van Ness Ave., where it was situated for more than two decades, to a new, state-of-the-art headquarters at 1155 Market Street in the heart of downtown San Francisco.
A rare example worldwide of physical space designed by and for blind individuals, with the leadership of world-renowned architect Mark Cavagnero and blind architect Chris Downey, the New LightHouse is not only a blindness center fit for the 21st Century, but has dozens of subtle but meaningful features which may not be obvious to those unfamiliar with universal design. Held together by an elegant three-story staircase which serves as the top-floor office’s centerpiece, the New LightHouse also includes short-term residential facilities, a large teaching kitchen, a HAM radio room, technology centers, studios and computer labs, among many other technological and practical meeting spaces for blind education, community building and skills training.
Links
- If you are blind or have low vision, and would like to benefit from our services, visit our programs page.
- If you would like to support the LightHouse, visit our donate or volunteer pages.
- To participate in our summer camp sessions, classes and workshops in Napa, visit our Enchanted Hills page.
- For press inquiries or to read about LightHouse in the news, visit our press page.
- For canes, technology, and other assistive devices at our store, visit our shop page.