San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind

The Lighthouse is San Antonio’s icon for training and educating both the blind and vision impaired, in addition to being a leader in manufacturing for the military and government agencies.

Founded in 1933, the San Antonio Lighthouse began as a small sewing plant on the south side of San Antonio and has since grown into an agency that provides employment for over 475 employees.

The San Antonio Lighthouse manufacturing operation supports our nation’s military efforts by manufacturing office supplies (Mechanical Pencils, Rollerball Pens, Highlighters, and Clam Clip Fastening systems), Military helmet chin straps and textile apparel, Spill Kits and Absorbent Products, and floorboards for KC-135 cargo planes. The Lighthouse is ISO9001 and AS9100 certified, which ensures that we have top quality management systems in place in manufacturing and aerospace industries. The programs/services provide vocational and technology training and independent living rehabilitation services that increase the independence of individuals who are blind or vision impaired, as well as those with other challenges.

The San Antonio Lighthouse also operates 14 Base Service Centers on 11 military installations located in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. These stores operate under the AbilityOne Program, which helps blind and disabled employees nationwide find jobs. The AbilityOne program also partners with non-profits to provide AbilityOne products made by the blind and disabled to the federal government at fair market prices. The San Antonio Lighthouse Base Service Centers sell office supplies and mission support products for the military and provide additional employment opportunities for blind individuals.

While our products and employment opportunities may have changed over time, our focus on improving the lives of the blind and vision impaired has remained steadfast.