The Lighthouse for the Blind
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a Washington-state nonprofit founded in 1918 that employs 480+ people, 270+ of whom are blind or DeafBlind, operating AS9100/ISO 9001-certified aerospace manufacturing (Boeing, BAE Systems, Triumph), AbilityOne SKILCRAFT federal product sales, government managed services, and rehabilitation programs across the Pacific Northwest, Southeast, and West Coast military bases.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1918
- HeadquartersSeattle, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What The Lighthouse for the Blind does
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a Washington-state nonprofit organization founded in 1918 that operates as a social enterprise providing sustainable employment and rehabilitation services to people who are blind, DeafBlind, or blind with other disabilities. The organization employs 480+ individuals, more than 270 of whom are blind or DeafBlind, across manufacturing, managed services, retail, and community programs spanning the Pacific Northwest (Seattle headquarters, Spokane), the Southeast (Summerville, SC), and West Coast military installations.
The organization operates three revenue-generating pillars built on AS9100- and ISO 9001-certified quality systems. (1) Manufacturing produces precision aerospace parts via CNC machining, injection molding, hydroform manufacturing, water-jet cutting, metal fabrication, RF sealing, and assembly for Boeing, BAE Systems, Triumph Composite Systems, and federal customers—output reaches 5,000+ unique parts and 45,000 pieces per month for Boeing at a 99.9% acceptance rate. The Lighthouse also produces office products and hydration equipment sold under the registered SKILCRAFT trademark to the Federal Government and U.S. Military via the AbilityOne Program. (2) Managed Services delivers Contract Management Support (appointment setting, QA, reconciliation, close-out) and Section 508 accessibility compliance services to U.S. Navy, Defense Contract Management Agency, and Defense Logistics Agency contracts. (3) AbilityOne Base Supply Centers comprise 15 retail stores on West Coast military bases. Complementary programs funded partly by philanthropic contributions include the Low Vision Clinic and Store, Computer Training Program, Braille Literacy Program, DeafBlind Program (Technology Training Center, Retreat, Community Classes), Orientation and Mobility Services, Independent Living Services, ASL Interpreting Services, and the Supported Employment Program serving approximately 25 blind and DeafBlind adults with developmental disabilities.
Go-to-market is direct-to-government via federal contracting under AbilityOne designation (sourced through the National Industries for the Blind), direct B2B sales to aerospace primes, and on-base retail. Leadership is Pat O'Hara (President & CEO); the strategic team also includes SVP Shawn Dobbs, VP Diana Crombie, VP Amy Koehl (40-year tenure overseeing community services), and Senior Directors across HR, Talent Acquisition, Philanthropy, and Marketing. Workforce development is anchored on a four-year Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) apprenticeship producing journey-level certified machinists among blind employees. The organization is headquartered at 2501 S. Plum Street, Seattle, WA 98144, with a stated growth ambition to employ 500+ people who are blind in livable-wage jobs.
The Lighthouse for the Blind firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Lighthouse for the Blind
- Legal name
- The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
- Website
- https://lhblind.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1918
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a Washington-state nonprofit founded in 1918 that employs 480+ people, 270+ of whom are blind or DeafBlind, operating AS9100/ISO 9001-certified aerospace manufacturing (Boeing, BAE Systems, Triumph), AbilityOne SKILCRAFT federal product sales, government managed services, and rehabilitation programs across the Pacific Northwest, Southeast, and West Coast military bases.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Lighthouse for the Blind industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Other Specialized Design Services (54149)
- SIC
- Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Accessibility & Universal Design Consulting (HSABAJAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Assistive Technology (AT) Access & AAC Access Support (OT-Led) (EDAKAFAG), Assistive Technology & Accessible Digital Skills (EDAAAIAK), Computer Access & Alternative Input (Switch, Eye Gaze, Head/Mouse, Keyboards) (EDAKAIAD)
Keywords
Where The Lighthouse for the Blind is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Seattle
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
The Lighthouse for the Blind business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Manufacturing - Aerospace Parts: Precision machining of aerospace parts for Boeing Company and other aerospace manufacturers, producing over 5,000 unique parts and 45,000 individual pieces per month with 99.9% acceptance rate
- Manufacturing - Federal Government Products: Office products and hydration equipment sold to Federal Government and U.S. Military under the AbilityOne Program and SKILCRAFT brand
- Managed Services: Contract Management Support services for government contracting offices including appointment setting, quality assurance, account reconciliation, contract close out, and administrative services
- Base Supply Centers Retail: Retail stores operated on military bases along the West Coast offering Lighthouse products directly to military customers
- Philanthropic Contributions: Donations funding Employee and Community Services programs including accommodations, interpreting services, braille literacy, low vision services, orientation and mobility training, and DeafBlind program
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Low Vision Clinic Services |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Lighthouse for the Blind product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a mission-driven social enterprise that manufactures aerospace precision parts, SKILCRAFT® office products, and injection molded components for federal government agencies and aerospace manufacturers under the AbilityOne Program. Beyond manufacturing, it operates Contract Management Support and accessibility compliance services for government agencies, runs 15 retail Base Supply Centers on military bases, and provides Low Vision Clinic, rehabilitation, computer training, braille literacy, and orientation & mobility services for blind and DeafBlind individuals in the Pacific Northwest.
Product overview
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a social enterprise offering a diverse portfolio of products and services centered on employment and support for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and those with other disabilities. The organization's product suite comprises three main pillars: (1) Manufacturing Operations including Precision Machining, Injection Molding, Assembly, and SKILCRAFT® Products sold to the Federal Government under AbilityOne; (2) Managed Services including Contract Management Support, Accessibility/Section 508 Compliance, and Strategic Recruiting/Onboarding; and (3) AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (15 retail stores on military bases). Complementing these are community services including the Lighthouse Low Vision Clinic, Low Vision Store, Computer Training Program, Braille Literacy Program, DeafBlind Program, Orientation and Mobility training, Independent Living Services, Interpreting Services, Supported Employment Program, and Accessibility Program. The organization has provided employment and support since 1918, employing over 480 individuals with more than 270 who are blind, DeafBlind, or have other disabilities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Precision Machining CNC and conventional machining operations producing aerospace parts and components for customers such as Boeing and the Federal Government.
- Injection Molding Plastic injection molding services for various aerospace and government customers.
- Assembly Sub and final assembly services for aerospace components.
- SKILCRAFT® Products Office products and supplies sold to the Federal Government through the AbilityOne Program under the SKILCRAFT® brand.
- Contract Management Support (CMS) Administrative services including appointment setting, quality assurance, account reconciliation, and contract close out for government contracting offices.
- Accessibility / Section 508 Compliance Services Services to help organizations ensure their products and materials meet federal accessibility standards.
- Strategic Recruiting / Onboarding Recruitment and onboarding support services for federal and commercial customers.
- AbilityOne Base Supply Centers 15 retail stores operating on military bases along the West Coast offering Lighthouse products and providing customer access.
- Lighthouse Low Vision Clinic Functional vision assessments by optometrists trained in mitigating vision loss, including low vision exams, prescription of optical and non-optical devices, and occupational therapy services.
- Lighthouse Low Vision Store Specialized store offering low vision products including high-powered reading glasses, magnifiers, electronic magnifiers (CCTV), talking watches, white canes, adaptive kitchen aids, and task lighting.
- Computer Training Program (CTP) Distance learning training in computers and assistive technology skills, teaching students to use assistive technology with Microsoft Office, email, and internet for vocational skills.
- Braille Literacy Program Comprehensive braille instruction and training for beginners and advanced users, including the Braille Reading Library (BRL).
- DeafBlind Program Comprehensive program including DeafBlind Technology Training Center (TTC), DeafBlind Retreat, DeafBlind Community Classes, and DeafBlind Education.
- Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Instruction in skills for independent travel including white cane travel, bus route planning, electronic travel aid training, and guide dog training.
- Independent Living Services Program helping people who are blind or have low vision develop skills and confidence to live safely and independently in their own homes and communities.
- Interpreting Services Full-time American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters skilled in working with DeafBlind people at the Seattle facility.
- Supported Employment Program (SEP) Program employing approximately 25 blind and DeafBlind adults with developmental disabilities, providing job coaches for instruction and support.
- Accessibility Program Provides equipment, human supports, information, technology and training in appropriate formats to meet employees' needs while at work.
Quantifiable outcome
- 99.9% acceptance rate on parts for Boeing Company
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The Lighthouse for the Blind
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Lighthouse for the Blind technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
The Lighthouse for the Blind partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- City of RentoncoreTwo-year partnership with City of Renton to provide Lighthouse Low Vision Services to Renton residents with low vision or other visual impairments, empowering community members through specialized vision care programs.
- Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC)corePartnership providing four-year machinist apprenticeship program with 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training, producing journey-level certified machinists among blind employees.
- National Industries for the Blind (NIB)coreAssociated participant in NIB network; AbilityOne Program partner providing employment opportunities for blind individuals through federal procurement.
- Washington State Department of Services for the BlindcoreAdministers the Independent Living Program through state partnership, serving King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Pierce counties with O&M services.
- Cascadia Eye CareminorService site partnership providing low vision services at Sedro-Woolley location (2131 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284).
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
The Lighthouse for the Blind competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Chicago Lighthouse: Chicago-based nonprofit social enterprise serving people who are blind or visually impaired, with manufacturing operations and adaptive workforce programs. Directly comparable mission and operating model as one of the oldest Lighthouse organizations in the U.S.
- Lighthouse Guild International: National nonprofit providing services for people with vision loss, including rehabilitation, technology training, and workforce programs. Comparable mission and service portfolio to The Lighthouse for the Blind's Low Vision Clinic and training programs.
- Melwood: One of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the U.S., operating social enterprise businesses including manufacturing and federal agency contracts. Directly comparable social enterprise model employing people with disabilities across commercial and government contracts.
Others
- National Industries for the Blind (NIB): National nonprofit that serves as the central nonprofit agency for the AbilityOne Program, coordinating with affiliated agencies including The Lighthouse for the Blind. Acts as the industry's coordinating body rather than a direct competitor.
- SourceAmerica: National nonprofit that partners with the federal government through the AbilityOne Program to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Comparable AbilityOne participation and federal contracting model, though focused on broader disabilities rather than blindness specifically.
Broad incumbents
- Goodwill Industries International: Largest nonprofit social enterprise employing people with disabilities and other barriers to employment, operating retail, manufacturing, and contract services. Comparable nonprofit employment mission but operates at much greater scale across broader disability categories.
- Easterseals: National nonprofit providing disability services including employment, rehabilitation, and accessibility programs. Comparable mission focus on disability services but does not focus specifically on blindness or operate manufacturing at comparable scale.
- Triumph Group: Major aerospace supplier providing precision-machined parts, assemblies, and components to Boeing and other aerospace OEMs. Comparable aerospace manufacturing capability and customer base, though operates as a for-profit supplier without the social enterprise mission.
- Howmet Aerospace: Global provider of aerospace engineered components including precision castings and fastening systems, serving major aerospace OEMs including Boeing. Comparable aerospace parts manufacturing business but at much larger scale and with broader product portfolio.
- Precision Castparts Corp (Berkshire Hathaway): Subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway manufacturing complex metal components for aerospace and industrial gas turbine markets, including as a Boeing supplier. Comparable aerospace precision manufacturing capability at much greater scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Lighthouse for the Blind social profiles
Digital presenceThe Lighthouse for the Blind compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
The Lighthouse for the Blind financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Lighthouse for the Blind leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
The Lighthouse for the Blind funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Lighthouse for the Blind M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Lighthouse for the Blind
What does The Lighthouse for the Blind do?
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a mission-driven social enterprise that manufactures aerospace precision parts, SKILCRAFT® office products, and injection molded components for federal government agencies and aerospace manufacturers under the AbilityOne Program. Beyond manufacturing, it operates Contract Management Support and accessibility compliance services for government agencies, runs 15 retail Base Supply Centers on military bases, and provides Low Vision Clinic, rehabilitation, computer training, braille literacy, and orientation & mobility services for blind and DeafBlind individuals in the Pacific Northwest.
Is The Lighthouse for the Blind a public or private company?
The Lighthouse for the Blind is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Lighthouse for the Blind founded?
The Lighthouse for the Blind was founded in 1918. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is The Lighthouse for the Blind based?
The Lighthouse for the Blind is headquartered in Seattle, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Lighthouse for the Blind make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Manufacturing - Aerospace Parts are the primary driver. The others are manufacturing - Federal Government Products, managed Services, base Supply Centers Retail and philanthropic Contributions.
Who are The Lighthouse for the Blind's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Chicago Lighthouse, Lighthouse Guild International and Melwood. Others are National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and SourceAmerica. Broad incumbents are Goodwill Industries International, Easterseals, Triumph Group, Howmet Aerospace and Precision Castparts Corp (Berkshire Hathaway).
Does The Lighthouse for the Blind have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Lighthouse for the Blind.
What industry is The Lighthouse for the Blind in?
The Lighthouse for the Blind's product category is Aerospace Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSABAJAB, Accessibility & Universal Design Consulting, with a secondary code of EDAKAFAG, Assistive Technology (AT) Access & AAC Access Support (OT-Led). Its NAICS code is 54149 and its SIC code is 8744.