The Lighthouse for the Blind

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.

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

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

• Aerospace precision machining
• Federal AbilityOne manufacturing
• Office product manufacturing
• Low vision rehabilitation services
• Disability employment services

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. 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
2. Manufacturing - Federal Government Products: Office products and hydration equipment sold to Federal Government and U.S. Military under the AbilityOne Program and SKILCRAFT brand
3. Managed Services: Contract Management Support services for government contracting offices including appointment setting, quality assurance, account reconciliation, contract close out, and administrative services
4. Base Supply Centers Retail: Retail stores operated on military bases along the West Coast offering Lighthouse products directly to military customers
5. 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

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core 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

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• City of RentoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Two-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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociated participant in NIB network; AbilityOne Program partner providing employment opportunities for blind individuals through federal procurement.
• Washington State Department of Services for the BlindcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdministers the Independent Living Program through state partnership, serving King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Pierce counties with O&M services.
• Cascadia Eye CareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerService 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/Lighthouse_Inc
• Facebookfacebook.com/Lighthouse.Inc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-lighthouse-for-the-blind-inc-
• Instagraminstagram.com/thelighthousefortheblind_inc
• TikToktiktok.com/@thelighthousefortheblind

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&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