To mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month and International White Cane Day on Oct. 15, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, took on a new challenge as part of his “Marc Means Business Initiative,” as he worked alongside the blind and visually impaired at the Lighthouse for the Blind in Fort Worth.
The non-profit organization, located in Fort Worth, empowers the blind and visually impaired, helping them to achieve their highest level of independence, employment, and quality of life through training, employment, and individualized service.
On Tuesday, Oct. 14 Congressman Veasey wore a blindfold while participating in blind-sensitivity training, which included simple tasks such as typing, pouring water and counting change. He also learned to navigate stairs, sidewalks and hallways with a cane, and read braille. Veasey heard testimonials from Lighthouse clients living with blindness and visual impairments and got the chance to experience their world first-hand through the use of goggles which simulate various eye diseases as he worked on the facility’s paper assembly line and the paper tube shipping line.
“I would like to thank Lighthouse for Blind of Fort Worth for providing this unique experience,” said Congressman Veasey. “While I could never fully understand what it is like to be blind or visually impaired, this work day provided me with the rare opportunity to experience the world as they do. I left with a new appreciation for the technologies and opportunities that organizations like Lighthouse provide to blind Americans in the Metroplex.”
Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth is one of largest manufactured goods producers in the area with over 200 different items. Their products are distributed to commercial businesses as well as local, state, and federal government agencies.
“We were honored to have Congressman Veasey visit the Lighthouse and participate in many of the work activities that occur here on a daily basis,” said Ariel Humble, External Communications Coordinator for Lighthouse for the Blind of Forth Worth.“What was especially impressive was his willingness to embrace the blindness sensitivity and awareness training to get a better understanding of what it is like to work as someone who is blind or significantly visually impaired. We hope Congressman Veasey left with a positive impression and valuable insight of the mission of the Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth to empowering independence, as he left a positive impression on the employees with which he interacted.”
To invite Congressman Veasey to work with you as part of his “Marc Means Business” initiative, please contact his District Office.
