East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind Inc

East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind Inc We empower the blind.

Created in 1976 to serve the needs of the blind and visually impaired, the mission of The Lighthouse in Tyler, Texas is the rehabilitation, education, training and employment of people who are blind or visually impaired. To accomplish that, The Lighthouse offers a wide range of programs and services including employment, adaptive equipment, independent living skills training, orientation and mobility training and a fully stocked low vision aids store.

04/01/2026

What a day!
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt was filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments. We’re so grateful to partner with Region 7 ESC , and Northeast Texas Public Health District and to First Baptist Whitehouse for hosting such a special day for East Texas families.
From the egg hunt to a visit from The Creature Teacher-Tyler/Longview, where kids got up close with reptiles, a bunny, and even a kangaroo, it was a day full of smiles and new experiences.
This is a tradition we look forward to every year… and it never disappoints!

50 Years of Impact | 2016–PresentA Decade of Impact and PossibilityThe most recent decade of the East Texas Lighthouse h...
03/31/2026

50 Years of Impact | 2016–Present
A Decade of Impact and Possibility

The most recent decade of the East Texas Lighthouse has been marked by meaningful growth, especially through the expansion of Client Services and student programs. With more trainings, classes, and resources than ever before, the Lighthouse continues to equip individuals who are blind or visually impaired with the tools they need for professional development, job readiness, and independent living.
This decade also introduced new traditions and opportunities. Camp Lighthouse was launched to provide visually impaired high school students with a week of fun, friendship, and fearlessness, while Blind Ambition, a partnership with ETX Brewing Co., became a key fundraiser supporting the camp and its mission.
At the same time, community engagement continued to grow. The evolution of White Cane Day into East Texas White Cane Day has created a unique and vibrant celebration that brings awareness, connection, and joy to our region each year.
This decade reflects a Lighthouse that continues to evolve, meet new needs, create new opportunities, and strengthen its impact across East Texas.
Stay tuned as we continue to share more spotlights and memories from the past 10 years!

We’re proud to celebrate one of our own!Alicia Lansford, VP/Chief Mission Officer at the East Texas Lighthouse, was one ...
03/28/2026

We’re proud to celebrate one of our own!

Alicia Lansford, VP/Chief Mission Officer at the East Texas Lighthouse, was one of seven Tyler women honored at the annual Women in Tyler Luncheon on March 25th.

This year’s theme, “Women Laying the Foundation,” recognizes women making a lasting impact across East Texas. Alicia exemplifies this every day through her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the individuals and families we serve.

We are grateful for her heart for our mission, honored to be part of her journey, and proud to see her recognized among other incredible women in our community.

03/27/2026

For more than four decades, Michael Hubbard has been part of the story of the East Texas Lighthouse.
In this special 50th anniversary spotlight, Michael reflects on his 43-year career, the strong culture and family feel that have grown over time, and the incredible evolution of services made possible through advancements in technology.
From expanding Client Services to creating meaningful employment opportunities, Michael has had a front-row seat to the Lighthouse’s impact and the lives changed along the way.
It’s more than a workplace. It’s a mission that continues to grow, adapt, and serve the blind and visually impaired community in powerful ways.

50 Years of Impact | A Season of GivingIn 2010, the East Texas Lighthouse hosted its first Toys for Tots shopping trip, ...
03/25/2026

50 Years of Impact | A Season of Giving
In 2010, the East Texas Lighthouse hosted its first Toys for Tots shopping trip, a meaningful opportunity for students with visual impairments to give back while building confidence and independence.
Today, that tradition has grown into our beloved Visions of Christmas event. Students receive funds to shop for toys to donate, enjoy a meal as part of an independent living skills lesson, and take part in hands-on activities like gift wrapping, scavenger hunts, and even a visit with Santa.
More than just a holiday outing, these experiences create lasting memories while helping students develop real-world skills they’ll carry with them for years to come.

50 Years of Impact - A Tradition BeginsIn 2009, the East Texas Lighthouse hosted its inaugural White Cane Safety Day Wal...
03/23/2026

50 Years of Impact - A Tradition Begins
In 2009, the East Texas Lighthouse hosted its inaugural White Cane Safety Day Walk in downtown Tyler, bringing awareness to the importance of the white cane as a symbol of independence, mobility, and safety.
What started as a simple walk has grown into a proud annual tradition. Today, the East Texas White Cane Day event continues to bring our community together each October with the traditional walk, along with food trucks, games, vendor booths, and more.
We’re grateful to those who helped establish this meaningful event and shine a light on the importance of the white cane. The impact continues to be felt year after year.

Another Vision Awareness Training completed!Students from TJC Nursing recently participated in Vision Awareness Training...
03/20/2026

Another Vision Awareness Training completed!
Students from TJC Nursing recently participated in Vision Awareness Training at the Lighthouse, learning how to better assist and communicate with individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Experiences like these help build confidence, understanding, and better care for all. We absolutely love hosting these trainings and the students are always so attentive and engaging!

50 Years of Impact - Investing in the FutureIn 2009, we launched our Scholarship Program, a meaningful investment in the...
03/18/2026

50 Years of Impact - Investing in the Future
In 2009, we launched our Scholarship Program, a meaningful investment in the future of our community.
Established by the Board of Directors, the program was designed to support not only individuals who are blind or visually impaired, but also their dependents, helping remove financial barriers to higher education.
Through assistance with tuition, books, room and board, and transportation, this scholarship has opened doors for students pursuing their goals at accredited Texas colleges and universities.
At the East Texas Lighthouse, empowerment doesn’t stop at employment. It extends to education, opportunity, and the promise of what’s ahead.

A Decade of Growth and Opportunity (2006–2015)Our fourth was marked by expansion, innovation, and a deeper commitment to...
03/16/2026

A Decade of Growth and Opportunity (2006–2015)
Our fourth was marked by expansion, innovation, and a deeper commitment to the people we serve.
During these years, Horizon Industries stepped confidently into the digital marketplace, opening new doors for manufacturing and nationwide sales. At the same time, the Lighthouse strengthened its community presence with the launch of the annual White Cane Safety Day Walk in downtown Tyler, an event that continues to raise awareness and celebrate independence.
This decade also brought major investments in the future. The ETLB Scholarship Program was established to support students who are blind or visually impaired, while the introduction of our mission “Empowering Blind Americans” helped shape the work and mindset of the entire organization.
Perhaps most transformative was the expansion of Client Services. With the opening of the Lighthouse’s first dedicated services building and later a newly renovated facility, programs such as Orientation and Mobility training, Assistive Technology instruction, and Independent Living support began reaching more individuals than ever before.
By the mid-2010s, the impact was clear: record numbers of individuals served, new opportunities for employment and independence, and a growing reputation both locally and nationally.
The Lighthouse was not only growing, it was helping more people build the skills, confidence, and independence to shape their own futures.

Recently, we hosted our annual Job Shadowing Day for students with visual impairments across Region 7. Students spent th...
03/13/2026

Recently, we hosted our annual Job Shadowing Day for students with visual impairments across Region 7. Students spent the day shadowing team members who are blind or visually impaired, learning about real careers, workplace technology, and the skills needed for success.
Experiences like this support the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) by giving students hands-on exposure to career education, self-advocacy, and independent living skills. Seeing adults with vision loss thriving in the workplace helps students build confidence and expand what they believe is possible for their future.

We also enjoyed some special reunions with teachers who once taught some of our team members. Moments like these remind us how powerful strong partnerships between educators, rehabilitation providers, and employers can be.

Families, this one is for you! 🎣Reeling in the Possibilities is a free outdoor skills event for children and youth with ...
03/11/2026

Families, this one is for you! 🎣
Reeling in the Possibilities is a free outdoor skills event for children and youth with a visual impairment (up to age 21) and their families.
Registration is required, so be sure to check the flyer for details and sign up soon.

A few snapshots celebrating the people who make the Lighthouse shine! We’re grateful for this team and the dedication th...
03/10/2026

A few snapshots celebrating the people who make the Lighthouse shine!
We’re grateful for this team and the dedication they bring to the mission every single day.

Address

411 W Front Street
Tyler, TX
75702

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+19035933111

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