Lilac Blind Foundation -- About Us --

Since 1971, the Lilac Services For The Blind, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, has been helping blind and partially sighted people take back control of their lives. The Lilac Services For The Blind is a gateway to freedom and independence for more than 1300 individuals each year. Our purpose is to provide the services and encouragement needed to enable participants to reach their potential level of independence. We continually update our services in order to meet the needs of our participants.

As our primary service, the Independent Living program provides in-home training, which includes adaptable communication methods, home management skills, activities of daily living, personal adjustment, techniques for maximizing use of residual vision and adaptive aids, orientation, mobility instruction, and more.

Another significant service is our adaptive computer lab where participants learn how to use adaptive products including screen reading and magnification software. Other important services provided are our expanding Braille transcription services, Braille library, adaptive aid demonstrations, low vision department including free evaluations, magnifier loaner program, support groups, and information and referral services. With every life changed for the better, our mission statement is fulfilled and our services prove successful.

Philosophy

More important than our services, however, is that the Lilac Services For The Blind teaches a new attitude about blindness and partial vision. We believe that blindness and partial vision is a characteristic, not an overwhelming burden. Given the proper training and opportunity, people with blindness and partial vision can be contributing members of society and lead satisfying lives.

Participant Demographics

A majority of our participants subsist on low-incomes, live in rural areas, and have multiple impairments. Eighty-seven percent of the individuals being served in the Independent Living program are over 55 years of age. Moreover, the Lilac Services For The Blind provides services for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. We do not discriminate against any participant needing services.

Geographic Service Area

The Lilac Services For The Blind is the sole agency providing specialized skills training for blind and partially sighted individuals within our service area that includes 14 counties, which encompass 36% of the state of Washington territory. Our in-home training is provided for blind and partially sighted people living within the following service area: Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Kittitas, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman counties in Eastern Washington.

Referrals

The Lilac Services For The Blind processes referrals with over 100 agencies throughout our vast service area. By providing and receiving referrals from physicians, Lions Clubs, senior centers, retirement centers, visiting nurses, family members, caregivers, and other agencies, we have made partnerships that prove valuable to our blind and partially sighted participants. We address all referrals, and provide in-home training as long as the potential participant is receptive to the rehabilitation teacher coming to their home.