Chicago Lighthouse

Among the many programs it offers are a school for children with multi-disabilities; job training and placement; a low vision clinic; and a manufacturing facility that boasts the nation's sole contract to supply clocks to the U.S. government.

During its existence, The Chicago Lighthouse has improved the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired and has provided opportunities toward increased independent living.

Its founding purpose was to provide basic care and community services for blind and visually impaired individuals.

Job opportunities included crafting coffin handles and edges, assembling various products such as electrical wires for Edison Appliance Company, and hand weaving baskets, which were later to be sold as gift items in the shops and holiday catalogs of Marshall Field's.

In 2020, the Chicago Lighthouse obtained an assistive device called the OrCam MyEye 2.0 which was provided to a number of employees.

However, in 1938 President Roosevelt signed the Wagner-O'Day Act which directed the government to purchase products manufactured by blind Americans.