The mission of Workforce/Business Development is to give those who are visually impaired or blind, and have the desire to work, an opportunity to join the workforce. Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) seeks to integrate blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages into the workforce, including those who are re-entering the workforce after losing their sight. CLB's employees work together to provide comprehensive services that provide employers with employees who are ready to enter the workforce. CLB's work enables people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired to remain active, independent and productive.

Current Government Contracts

CLB hires visually impaired and blind individuals for work through its contracts with the federal government. CLB has worked with ATF, US Marshalls, USDA, and currently has AbilityOne contracts with:

  • Department of State - Mailroom Operations
  • Treasury Department (IRS) - Mailroom Operations
  • Department of Veterans Affairs - 24/7 Incoming Communication
  • Andrews Air force Base - 24/7 Incoming Communication
  • Department of Education - Alternate Format Center
  • Bureau of Prisons - Administrative Services
  • FBI - Switchboard

Core Competences

  • Mailroom Management
  • Mailroom Research
  • Administrative Support Services
  • Incoming Communication
  • Janitorial
  • Alternate Format Centers
  • Document Scanning
  • Braille Production

NAICS Codes and Descriptions

  • 49110 Postal Services
  • 444120 Computer Software Store
  • 518210 Document Processing Services, Scanning
  • 561110 Office Administrative Services
  • 561410 Document Preparation Services
  • 561422 Telephone Call Centers
  • 611420 Computer Training
  • 621320 Low Vision Services by Doctor of Optometry
  • 624110 Community Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
  • 624120 Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities
  • 624310 Job Counseling Career Service

AbilityOne Program

ability_one_logo1CLB is a partner in the AbilityOne Program. The mission of AbilityOne is to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in the manufacture and delivery of products and services to the Federal Government.

Click here for more information about AbilityOne.

Benefits to the Federal Government

  • Quality products and services, on-time delivery
  • Fair market prices, best value procurement
  • National network of solutions providers
  • Program beneficial to the over all economy
  • Double Bottom Line -helping people to help themselves

Benefits to the Blind or Severely Disabled Worker

  • Wide range of employment opportunities
  • Long-term work experience
  • Marketable job skills
  • Equitable wages and benefits, plus a chance to advance
  • A measure of independence

 

"I am visually impaired and am currently employed at Andrew's Air Force Base in a managerial position! Had it not been for CLB, the training I received there and their government contracts, I would not be where I am today!"

- Alfredda J. Williams

 

If you are an employer looking to partner with CLB, or a person who is visually impaired or blind that is looking for assistance entering the workforce, contact us today!