Austin Lighthouse for the Blind

Today we recognize Juneteenth, the day enslaved Black people in Texas finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth became an official Texas state holiday in 1980 and a federal holiday in 2021. It is a day to reflect on freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. Happy Juneteenth!

A big thank you to Toby Anne Penington, Low Vision Coordinator at the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, and Charlotte Simpson, Texas Workforce Commission Orientation & Mobility Specialist, for joining us for Low Vision, Low Batteries. We'd also like to thank Lauren Bradford from our Services team for helping bring this presentation to the Lighthouse.

Using the idea of eyes being stuck in "permanent power-saving mode," Toby and Charlotte helped explain something many people with low vision experience every day: the difference between vision measured in a doctor's office and vision used in the real world.

The presentation sparked thoughtful questions and meaningful conversations, with employees sharing their own experiences and perspectives. It was a great opportunity to learn from one another and gain a deeper understanding of the many ways low vision can impact daily life.

We appreciate Toby and Charlotte for sharing their time, expertise, and insights with us.

Earlier this year, we were selected to present at SXSW EDU with a session called Seeing Differently: Learning Through Nonvisual Senses. Facilitated by Independent Living Specialist Hien Tran, Adaptive Technology Specialist Lauren Bradford and Independent Living Specialist Angie Hall, the session explored how orientation and mobility training, adaptive technology, and access to resources can help create greater independence for people who are blind or have low vision.

Participants experienced hands-on activities using nonvisual senses and explored practical ways to create more inclusive classrooms, programs, and workplaces.
We're proud to have shared our expertise and lived experiences on a national stage.

In recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’re celebrating the importance of designing with accessibility in mind from the very beginning.

Last week, we visited the ACC Rio Grande Campus to hear presentations from UX students who partnered with Austin Lighthouse on redesign concepts for our homepage and donor page.

Throughout the project, students explored what it really means to design with accessibility in mind — not just as a checklist item, but as part of creating better experiences for everyone.

“When you design for accessibility, you truly design for all users. Accessibility should be at the heart of every design, because all users only stand to gain from a design that is more accessible.” – Austin Garrett

Thank you to these talented students and Austin Community College for your creativity, collaboration, and thoughtful work. We’re excited about what’s ahead.