East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind Inc

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

03/06/2026

Celebrating the people who power our mission!
Our team enjoyed an unforgettable National Employee Appreciation Day that included team competitions at Horizon, hibachi lunch at Kawa’s, and an afternoon of arcade games and bowling at Grand Slam.
In honor of the Lighthouse’s 50th anniversary, each employee also received a $50 gift as a small thank-you for the big impact they make every day.
Here’s to the incredible team behind 50 years of service to East Texas!

03/05/2026

It’s always a privilege to share our story with the East Texas community.
Alicia Lansford, our VP/Chief Mission Officer, recently joined In Focus on KTBB 97.5FM to spotlight the Lighthouse, Horizon Industries, our programs, and five decades of impact across East Texas.
We appreciate platforms like this that help raise awareness and celebrate the power of independence and opportunity.
Check out the full interview at https://ktbb.com/post/?cat=2402

03/03/2026

What an incredible week in Washington, D.C.
Our NIB/NAEPB Conference nominees William, Kody, Cesar, and Pam, along with their guests, were awarded a trip to our nation’s capital to celebrate their achievements. From touring historical landmarks and a company dinner to a riverboat cruise along the Potomac and recognition at the awards banquet, it was a well-deserved experience honoring their hard work and dedication.
We also celebrate our Sighted Employee of the Year, Cierra, who earned the trip as well!
Congratulations to the National winners and to all who continue to represent the East Texas Lighthouse with excellence.

02/26/2026

Celebrating excellence in a memorable way!
Our Employees of the Year and their guests enjoyed a day of sightseeing around Washington, D.C. They were able to experience the history and uniqueness of our nation’s capital through a guided, descriptive tour.
We’re proud to celebrate the incredible individuals who make our mission possible!

02/25/2026

We love this resource from Braille Works!
Thank you for continuing to share practical tools that help build more inclusive, informed communities.
If you’ve ever wondered about proper etiquette when interacting with someone who is blind or has low vision, this is a great read. We encourage you to click the link and take a few minutes to learn the common courtesies that make a big difference.

Show courtesy to the blind. A list of the 10 most common courtesies to exhibit when spending time with people who are blind.

02/23/2026

50 Years of Impact | Expanding to Meet the Moment
Growth continued in 2004 as Horizon Industries added a 28,000-square-foot finished goods warehouse to the Bois D’Arc facility. The major expansion was designed to support increasing production, larger contracts, and a growing customer base.
This addition strengthened logistics, improved efficiency, and positioned the organization for even greater impact.
In 2005, the warehouse was formally dedicated with Congressmen Ralph Hall and Louis Gohmert in attendance, a testament to the Lighthouse’s growing reputation and importance not only in East Texas, but on a national stage.
Every expansion has meant more than square footage. It has meant more opportunity, more jobs, and more independence for blind and visually impaired individuals across our region.

02/20/2026

50 Years of Impact | 'Bound' for Growth
In the spring of 2002, Horizon Industries began making direct shipments of green parachute cord, a product long trusted by the U.S. military and increasingly popular in the retail marketplace.
What had once been primarily a military supply item was becoming a widely used, versatile product across the country. By stepping into direct distribution, Horizon strengthened its role in federal contracting while also positioning itself in a growing commercial market.
Today, Horizon Industries remains one of the largest suppliers of paracord to the United States military. This is a testament to quality, reliability, and the skilled workforce behind every shipment.
From East Texas to service members around the world, the mission continues.