Your Questions Answered

LightHouse Logo in persimmon and black. The word LightHouse is bookended by a braille L and a braille H. Words read LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Your Questions Answered

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  • A friend of mine was referred to LightHouse. How do they get started?  
  • What is a service navigator? 
    • A Service Navigator is your LightHouse point of contact for connecting to services. They will be with you as you start your unique journey, whether it is to gain employment or purchase a birthday present for your grandchild online. 
  • If I have a concern or feedback about my services, who can I contact? 
    • All complaints, grievances, and appeals will remain confidential and can be performed anonymously if the student so chooses. Upon filing a complaint, grievance, or appeal LightHouse must collect either an email or physical address for written communication for the resolution process. All communications during the resolution process, either written or verbal, will include the appropriate escalation pathways either internal or external. 
  • Does the physical closure of the North Coast office mean the end of LightHouse services in this area? 
    • North Coast services continue to be provided. LightHouse is sending mobile teams into all counties of the North Coast to better serve people in their resident communities. In between provider in-person visits, we offer an array of courses online. 
  • Why did the LightHouse decide to close the office in Eureka? 
    • Almost all North Coast residents are receiving and continue to receive services in or near their place of residence. The small office in Eureka was not large enough to hold group classes. Fewer than 10% of Humboldt County students received services at the brick-and-mortar Eureka office. 
  • What is happening with Ed Roberts Campus (ERC)? 
    • LightHouse is still under a lease agreement with ERC. That lease is set to expire in June 2026. Between now and then, classes will continue as normal. If there is a need for additional space in Berkeley in the summer of 2026, we will explore other alternatives. 
  • What is happening at the Earle Baum Campus (EBC)? 
    • All programs and services will continue to be provided at EBC. Including Service Navigation, Low Vision Clinic, Independent Living, Orientation and Mobility, and Access Technology. The site will continue to host cherished community service activities and picnics.  
  • Will you have to move out of 1155, the LH Headquarters, or is that a rumor? 
    • Yes, that is a rumor. The top three floors at 1155 Market are owned by LightHouse, which carries no debt on these assets, and the property is not collateral for any debt. It was recently reported in the SF Chronicle that there is a $28,000,000 loan on the top 3 floors, but this is inaccurate. The loan does not use the property as collateral and has beneficial terms for the LightHouse. 
  • It has been reported that LightHouse did not negotiate properly with the City of San Francisco to maintain the lease in the bottom 8 floors of the 1155 Market, is this true? 
  • Is the Adaptations store permanently closed? 
    • The store is temporarily closed for maintenance and preparing for new product launches. The online store will reopen late summer 2025. We will provide an update online and on our social channels when reopened.  
    • All product purchases will be made through the online store at www.adaptations.org. The physical store location at 1155 Market will reopen as a product demo space later in Fall 2025.  
  • Why is the LightHouse waiting until next April to fill the CEO position? 
    • The timeline for the CEO search has been pushed up with the search launching within the coming weeks. We anticipate the selection of the new CEO to take place early in 2026. The search profile will be shared with the community as soon as it is available. 
  • LightHouse received a $125 million bequest in 2015. Given the current financial situation, where has that money been spent? 
    • LightHouse still maintains a portfolio of $80,000,000.  
    • Expenditures have primarily been on capital projects at 1155, Sirkin Center and Enchanted Hills. 
    • Growing operational deficits due to the expansion of personnel have also had an impact on the balance of the portfolio. 
  • How much does it cost for a LightHouse student to go through a typical range of programming? 
    • $1000 – 2000 per week 
  • I have been receiving services from LightHouse for many years. I have heard rumors of upcoming changes to how I will receive services in the future. Can you explain what is changing and why? 
    • As directed in the strategic plan, adopted in 2023, the LH is shifting towards a person-centered care model. This is an approach that places the individual receiving services at the heart of all decisions and processes. Together, the LH participants with their Service Navigator will create an individualized service plan to promote independence, community, and equity created by and with blind and low vision people.  
  • I have heard rumors that Occupational Therapists will replace Independent Living Skills and Orientation and Mobility Instructors. If so, why is this happening? 
    • Occupational Therapists will be joining the LightHouse to support the work of our Low Vision Optometrist. LH has two LV Clinics, one at 1155 and one in Santa Rosa. LightHouse intends to continue to provide traditional Independent Living Skills, Orientation Mobility training, and access technology training as well.   
  • I have heard the Little Learners program is being eliminated, is this true? 
    • At this time the Little Learners program will continue. 
  • What additional changes are being planned in staff or services? 
    • It is our desire to maintain all programs and services; however, some additional changes may be required. These changes will be determined during the budget season June – September 2025.  Any changes will consider what we have heard from the community, and we appreciate your continued advocacy for the programs and services you value.  
    • LightHouse does not plan any additional workforce reductions through at least September 2025. 
  • How many total Service Providers does the LH have? 
    • Orientation and Mobility 
      • 8 Full-time 
      • 4 Part-time 
    • ILS 
      • 1 Full-time 
      • 3 Part-time 
    • AT 
      • 8 Full-time 
      • 2 Part-time 
    • Low Vision Docs 
      • 1 Full-time 
      • 2 Part-time 
    • Service Navigator 
      • 3 Full-time 
      • 1 Part-time 
    • Intake Coordinators 
      • 3 Full-time 
      • 1 Part-time 
    • Community Services 
      • 2 Full-time 
    • Volunteer Services 
      • 1 Full-time 
    • Camp 
      • 2 Full-time 
        • Plus, summer staff 
    • Little Learners 
      • 8 Full-time 
      • 2 Part-time 
  • Where can students or community members with more questions be directed? 
    • If you have questions or comments about anything LH-related, feel free to click the link below and fill out our Community Comment Form. Submit a Community Comment Here

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