Since
its founding in 1906 by a group of blind and sighted women, The Chicago
Lighthouse for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired has assumed a
leadership role, both locally and nationally, in providing services for
children and adults who are blind and visually impaired. The history of
Chicago Lighthouse is one which reflects a positive shift in philosophy
- from taking care of "blind people" for life, to assisting
"people who are blind" in taking charge of their own lives.
Initially, the Lighthouse's services were welfare oriented, providing for basic physical needs such as food and clothing. As early as 1910, however, the focus became more work oriented with the securing of subcontracts for a weaving shop which produced baskets. During the next few decades, traditional tasks were replaced by a broad variety of subcontracts from private industry, which helped introduce program participants to job opportunities available in the general marketplace.
These
subcontracting opportunities gave birth to what is now Chicago Lighthouse
Industries, a modern manufacturing facility employing people wo are
blind or visually impaired to provide quality products to the marketplace.
Chicago Lighthouse Industries has evolved and grown over the years from
a "workshop" environment to a professional organization with
over 70 years experience in quality manufacturing. We will continue
to focus on our Mission, and to work closely with our customers in order
to provide the highest quality products and services.
Chicago
Lighthouse Industries
1850 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
312-666-1331
copyright
©1999 Chicago Lighthouse Industries. All rights reserved