Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way people interact with the world. For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, these advancements are creating powerful new opportunities for independence,...
Oh What a Night!
For 50 years, the East Texas Lighthouse has illuminated a path of hope, independence, and possibility for individuals who are blind or have low vision across our region. And now it’s...
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,...
April 10, 2026
KETK
From creating independence to professional development, the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind has been empowering the visually impaired for decades, led by its dedicated vice president...
March 31, 2026CBS19
WHITEHOUSE, Texas — For most children, Easter is about bright colors and candy. But for some kids, the holiday is experienced in a different way. Its experienced through sound....
In 2026, the East Texas Lighthouse proudly celebrates 50 years of service, impact, and unwavering commitment to empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired. What began as a small workshop...
January 5th, 2026KLTV
Women in Tyler revealed their 2026 honorees for their upcoming luncheon at the McClendon House on Monday night.
This year’s honorees include:
Marnelle Durrett
Elva Estrada
Cherie...
December 10, 2025KLTV
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Over 60 students from 17 East Texas School districts gathered in Tyler for the East Texas Lighthouse for the blind’s “Vision Christmas.”
Students...
The holiday season is a time of gratitude, gathering, and celebration……a moment when families throughout East Texas come together to reflect on the year and look forward to the future. But...
October 25, 2025Tyler Morning Telegraph
Friday’s third annual East Texas White Cane Day at Bergfeld Park celebrated the resilience of individuals with visual impairments while shining a spotlight...
Each October, we celebrate two meaningful observances that reflect the heart of our mission at the East Texas Lighthouse: Blind Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)....
September is recognized as Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on one of the most common yet often misunderstood causes of vision impairment in children. At the East...
With a new school year already underway across East Texas, students are settling into routines of homework, projects, and extracurricular activities. But there’s one essential for success that can still...
Losing vision unexpectedly—whether due to illness, injury, or a sudden diagnosis—can be overwhelming. It affects not only how you see the world but how you navigate it, both physically and emotionally....
May 6, 2025Tyler Morning Telegraph
The crack of the bat isn’t the only sound that matters in the game of baseball. For athletes who are blind or visually impaired, the success of a base hit depends...
At the East Texas Lighthouse, we often say that our products support our country and our military—but every now and then, we see that truth come to life in powerful ways.
Recently, a local U.S. soldier...
April 10, 2025
Earlier this month, East Texas Lighthouse was honored to be featured on KTBB’s weekly radio program, In Focus. Our very own Craig Ellis joined the show to share the rich history of our organization,...
The East Texas Lighthouse recently hosted a transformative Job Shadowing event, pairing blind and visually impaired students with professionals who share their experiences. This event carried a powerful...
ETX View MagazineStory by Jennifer Scott Photography by Les Hassell and Cause Creative Group
Click here to access full article and view pictures
TYLER, Texas (ETX View) – In the heart of...
Vision loss is a life-changing experience that can bring a range of emotions and challenges. For many, it may feel like independence is slipping away, leaving a sense of uncertainty about the future. However,...
As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to focus on building a more inclusive and supportive community. Starting the year with a commitment to advocacy sets the tone for meaningful change and growth....
As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, staying active can become more challenging—especially for those who are blind or visually impaired. Winter often brings unique obstacles, from icy sidewalks...
Eye health is essential to overall well-being, yet there are many myths that persist about eye care and vision loss. Misinformation can prevent people from taking proper care of their eyes, so it’s important...
Author: Alex Weister
KLTV
Published: October 12, 2024
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A White Cane Day celebration took place at Bergfeld Park to recognize the achievements of those who are blind or visually...
Each year in October, people across the United States celebrate National White Cane Safety Day to honor the independence, achievements, and contributions of individuals who are blind or visually impaired....
Texas law provides important protections for pedestrians who are visually impaired. Texas Transportation Code Section 552.010 specifically addresses how drivers and pedestrians must interact when individuals...
Vision plays a critical role in learning and development, and addressing common eye issues early can help prevent long-term problems. August is recognized as Children’s Eye Safety and Health Month, a crucial...
July marks UV Safety Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and its impact on our health. While many people are aware of the skin damage caused by UV rays,...
June is designated as Cataract Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about this prevalent condition and educate the public on the importance of early detection and treatment. The month-long observance...
May is Healthy Vision Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and the steps we can take to prevent vision loss. Our eyes are incredibly complex organs, and caring for them is...
The month of April provides us the first full month of spring and brings warmer weather to the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts. In timely fashion, it is also dedicated to promoting an often overlooked aspect...
Traveling can be an enriching and transformative experience, offering the opportunity to explore new cultures and environments. However, for blind and low-vision individuals, navigating unfamiliar places...
Author: Vanessa Johnson
KTRE
Published: February 2, 2024
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) – Goalball is a sport that not many people know about. Students across East Texas with different types of...
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that primarily affects individuals aged 50 and above, gradually impairing central vision. The macula (a small but crucial part of the...
Author: JD Conte
KLTV
Published: January 3, 2024
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, dedicated to spreading knowledge of the disease that, according to the CDC,...
Author: Avery Niles
KLTV
Published: January 7, 2024
EAST TEXAS (KLTV) – Roughly two percent of the population is legally blind or visually impaired. Of those, less than 10 percent can read braille.
Braille...
As we enter a new year, many of us are inspired to set goals and resolutions for the months ahead. For the blind and visually impaired community, the pursuit of these aspirations may require unique considerations...
Author: José Alonzo, Una Stanisavljevic
CBS19
Published: December 14, 2023
TYLER, Texas — The Tyler City Council approved a $150,000 grant from the East Texas Council of Governments to help with operating...
Author: Ron Everett
CBS19
Published: November 30, 2023
TYLER, Texas — A holiday-themed shopping trip is helping give students a valuable experience they may not receive while in school.
“They’ve...
As Christmas approaches, it’s a time for gift giving, celebrations, and spreading joy. For individuals with visual impairments, the gift of accessibility takes on a special meaning, and exploring...
Abilities.com
Published: November 30, 2023
Nestled in the heart of Tyler, Texas, the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind has stood as a beacon of hope, offering guidance, support and a sense of belonging...
For centuries, lighthouses have stood as towering structures along coastlines, guiding ships safely through treacherous waters. But there is another type of lighthouse, one that has been guiding individuals...
KETK/FOX51
Published: October 22, 2023Michael Garcia
TYLER, Texas (KETK) – An employee of East Texas Lighthouse in Tyler recently won the 2023 Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award from...
CBS 19
Published: October 11, 2023Zak Wellerman
Tyler, Texas – An East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind employee has been named the winner of the National Industries for the Blind‘s...
Tyler Morning Telegraph
Published: October 14, 2023Jennifer Scott
Tyler, Texas – The East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind hosted its inaugural East Texas White Cane Day on Friday morning...
KLTV – Tyler
Published: September 21, 2023
LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – If you were told you will permanently lose you sight, what would you do? Two East Texans who have accepted that loss...
October 1, 2023
October is a month that provides us cooler temperatures, vibrant fall colors, pumpkin spice lattes, and excitement about the upcoming holiday season. It also happens to be National Disability...
KLTV – Tyler
Published: September 19, 2023
September is known as National Service Animal Month. This month is used to highlight and bring awareness to the extraordinary work service animals...
KCTV – Kansas City
Published: September 4, 2023
A Kansas City man who was born blind defied the odds and was able to fulfill his dreams, throwing the first pitch at the Royals game on Labor...
September 8, 2023
For many of us, the ability to see and navigate the world around us is something we take for granted. For the blind and visually impaired, daily tasks we might consider simple can be...
Tyler Morning Telegraph
Published: August 17, 2023
East Texas Lighthouse was recognized with Grainger’s 2022 Partners in Performance Award. Grainger, a distributor of maintenance, repair and operating...
August 16, 2023
The human sense of sight is a priceless gift that allows us to experience the world around us in vibrant detail. However, visual impairments can significantly impact an individual’s...
July 21, 2023
White Cane Safety Day is an annual reminder of the resilience and determination of visually impaired individuals. On October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress was signed into...
July 19, 2023
In recent years, services available for blind and visually impaired individuals have advanced significantly, offering enhanced independence, professional development, and overall quality...
KLTV
Author: Andrea Valdez
Published: July 6, 2023
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – As people get older, many would think it is time to slow down and take it easy. However, with the help of new technology,...
Tyler Morning Telegraph
Author: Jessica Payne
Published: July 4, 2023
The East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind recently held its second annual Camp Lighthouse last week focusing on independence.
The...
CBS 19
Author: José Alonzo
Published: June 29, 2023
TYLER, Texas — It’s the season for summer camps and many within East Texas are already underway.
While many focus on fun activities the...
Tyler Paper
Author: Jennifer Scott
Published: June 7, 2023
When Alberto Destarac began losing his vision last year, he felt his future was bleak, especially since he was attending the U.S. Naval...
CBS 19
Author: Ashley French
Published: 7:40 AM CDT May 17, 2023
LONGVIEW, Texas — The road to graduation is never easy. As a matter of fact, it’s even harder for students living with a disability....
PALESTINE, Texas (KLTV) – What started as a love for cars for an East Texas student has turned into a passion.
“My goal is to own my own shop,” Tristen Stickle, senior at Jacksonville High...
As part of their Subaru Support series, Peltier Subaru in Tyler is featuring a non-profit organization each month. For February, our latest stop takes us to the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, a non-profit...
LONGVIEW, Texas – If you can’t see, you can still do a painting. That’s what a North Texas artist discovered after he lost his sight.
John Bramblit is legally blind, but that didn’t stop him from...
WHITEHOUSE, Texas – Easter is just around the corner and over at the Whitehouse Baptist Church they hosted a very special egg hunt.
These eggs create a beeping sound, helping visually impaired students...
The hunt for Easter eggs is a time-honored tradition, as children carry their Easter baskets and display immense joy and satisfaction with that first found egg, then moving on to the next hidden egg.
But...
East Texas Lighthouse has been expanding its mission of empowerment and education from one coast to another by attending conventions of assistive technology.
“While our priority will always be our local...
When one nonprofit organization has a mission for a better community, it is inspiring. When two nonprofit organizations come together to help each other, it is a force to be reckoned with.
“It is amazing...
Kilgore — Plastic drop cloths lined the floor and tables of a room Thursday inside the Region 7 Education Service Center in Kilgore as the space was temporarily converted into an artist’s studio.
Forty-six...