Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
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  • This year Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind is celebrating its 125 year anniversary!

    This year marks 125 years of CLB's service to the visually impaired and blind in the Greater Washington DC region. To celebrate, we're raising $25,000 to fuel our services.

    Let's take a look back at the impact we've had over the past 125 years. 

    A Legacy of Independence Since 1900

    Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) has been a guiding light for individuals with vision loss for 125 years. Founded in 1900 as the Columbia Polytechnic Institute for the Blind by two visionary leaders, Francis R. Cleveland and H.R.W. Miles, the organization set out to create opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired in Washington, D.C. Over the decades, CLB has remained committed to its mission—helping individuals gain independence, access education, and build meaningful careers.

    From Printing Presses to Technology Training

    In its early years, CLB provided employment through a printing press, chair-caning workshops, and music instruction. As the needs of the community evolved, so did its services. By the mid-20th century, CLB had expanded to offer Braille instruction, vocational training, and support for veterans adjusting to vision loss after World Wars I and II.

    Expanding Reach, Transforming Lives

    In 1952, the organization rebranded as Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind and continued to broaden its impact. Rehabilitation services grew, and new headquarters were established to better serve the growing community. By the early 2000s, CLB embraced assistive technology, career services, and low vision care to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

    A Future Without Barriers

    Today, CLB is a leading organization in the region providing a full range of services for people in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia who are blind or visually impaired. From job readiness programs to youth camps, CLB ensures that vision loss is never a barrier to independence.

    As we celebrate 125 years, we invite you to be part of our next chapter. 

    Your support helps us continue to light the way for future generations. Here's an idea of the impact your donation can have: 

    • $40.00 - Gives a Long Cane
    • $200.00 - Provides a Free Low Vision Exam
    • $500.00 - Provides One Day of Orientation & Mobility Training
    • $1,000.00 - Provides Smart Phone Training
    • $1,000.00 - Provides Assistive Technology Training on JAWS Software
    • $2,500.00 - Sends One Person to Foundations of Adjustment to Blindness (FAB) Training

    Join us in celebrating our rich history and bright future.  Donate today and empower lives! We are just getting started!

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In Support of Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) is an engaged, community leader in the Washington metropolitan area serving people of all ages who are experiencing vision loss. Clients of CLB receive service, training and employment resources that support the whole person, at every level of independence and stage of life. Through vision screenings, a mobile eye care unit, independent living skills training, support groups for youth and adults, career counseling and job placement, CLB enables clients to reclaim personal and professional independence by learning to advocate for themselves and address the challenges that arise from vision loss. CLB is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions to CLB are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. CLB's tax identification number is 530196609. 
YOUR GIFT MATTERS

$40

Provide a white cane to someone. White canes are an invaluable tool in enabling individuals to navigate independently.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

$200

Provides a free low-vision exam.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

$1,000

Provide life-changing technology training. This training opens up job opportunities and provides a path to independence.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

$2,500

Provide access to our life-altering class, Foundations of Adjustment to Blindness, for one consumer. This course provides hope and a vision of independence to individuals who have newly lost their vision.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE