Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss

The Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss is a local, independent 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is fostering independent and vibrant lives for individuals with vision loss.

Our organization's history dates back to 1919, when a local resident wanted to provide employment for local citizens who were blind. She established the Duluth Lighthouse for the Blind to provide work opportunities including weaving, basket making, and other work. The Lighthouse eventually grew into a large production facility, engaged in a wide range of activities including packaging toilet paper for the federal government, nails for Andersen Windows, and making snowshoes and decoys for private sale.

In 1977, the state of Minnesota designated the Lighthouse as one of three comprehensive training facilities in the state for individuals with vision loss. In the late 1990s, the Lighthouse closed the production facility and focused solely on providing training and support to individuals with vision loss.

Now known as the Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss, we provide training and services to more than 1,500 individuals each year. We provide training at our center and in the community either in homes or at the workplace. We offer training in daily living skills, orientation and mobility, technology, braille, and adaptive leisure.

In 2015, we began offering low vision occupational therapy as well as summer and school-year programs for youth with vision loss. Other services include our support groups which meet monthly throughout the region, the Low Vision Store selling adaptive devices for easy living, and the Twin Ports News of the Air radio show bringing local newspapers stories to listeners who have difficulty reading print.

At the Lighthouse, our goal is to help our clients to maintain vibrant, independent lives with the help of tools, training, and social/emotional support. We serve individuals of all ages with all stages of vision loss. Our motto is “See Life in a New Way,” because we enable each individual to discover new ways to do the activities that are important to him or her.

Adjustment to Vision Loss Training is individualized to meet the different needs of each client but focuses on teaching adults with vision loss the core skills they need to live and work independently. Topics include assistive technology, orientation and mobility, adaptive aids and devices, daily living skills, braille, and emotional tools for coping with vision loss. Training can take place at our center or in the home or workplace.

The Safe at Home with Vision Loss program provides seniors with vision loss the tools and resources needed to continue living safe, independent, and vibrant lives. Low Vision Occupational Therapists can visit clients at home and provide training on adaptive ways to cook and maintain their home, alternative ways to read, conduct a home lighting assessment, and make simple home modifications. Clients can also receive vision rehabilitation training if needed to help with orientation and mobility or assistive technology.

The Lighthouse Transition Program is available to youth with vision loss who are pursuing their high school diploma. Students participate in themed summer camps and a school year program to gain experience and training to help sharpen skills needed for future success and independence. 

The Lighthouse Low Vision Support Groups are hosted monthly throughout the region and offer a chance to connect with others experiencing vision loss.

The Lighthouse Low Vision Store offers adaptive devices and products to make living with vision loss easier including magnifiers, talking watches, writing aids, home safety items, large print playing cards, and more.

The Twin Ports News of the Air Radio service broadcasts local news stories read by volunteers at the Lighthouse to individuals who have difficulty reading print.