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Austin Lighthouse _________________
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| The History of the Austin Lighthouse Travis County Association for the Blind was founded in 1934 and made its first home in a small building near downtown Austin. As the little shop grew, it began to expand operations beyond loom weaving mats and canning Hill Country peaches.The hard working "Lighthouse" employees were soon turning out dozens of types of cotton mops and other household products. Many items were sold door-to-door around Austin neighborhoods. The US Government began buying the mops during World War II and this brought new opportunities to the Association. The mop contracts were the first of many to come to TAB by way of a new law, The Wagner-O'Day Act (later called the Javitz-Wagner-O'Day Act). TAB received assistance from National Industries for the Blind to get these contracts.In the late 1940's, the Government asked TAB to assemble cotton trouser belts for the armed services. TAB obliged, and over 55 years later still produces those belts for our men and women in uniform.TAB eventually dropped the "County" from its name and became Travis Association for the Blind, although many people will always refer to TAB as "The Austin Lighthouse". In 1965, the organization moved from the Oltorf & South Lamar location to a place on Manchaca Road.The 1970's brought new assembly sub-contracts from other manufacturers in Central Texas. Blind workers assembled IBM typewriter keyboards, Dictaphone components, circuit boards, traffic lights, and various plastic products. New products included nylon slings, suspension assemblies, cargo tie-down straps, and waist straps for soldier pack frames.After the State of Texas enacted a new law which paved the way for state agencies to buy products and services from Lighthouses across the state, TAB moved into high gear and began assembling highway reflector covers, loose leaf binders, lotion soap products, disposable safety vests, award plaques, and walnut desk accessories. Sales to the agencies were administered by Texas Industries for the Blind and Handicapped, which now is called TIBH Industries.By 2000, TAB was employing more than 100 blind individuals to produce more than 4 million products per year. Today, the Lighthouse is operating in its new building on Business Center Drive. In addition to this 67,000 square foot facility, it operates in another 87,000 square feet in southeast Austin where a distribution warehouse is being operated by blind and visually impaired workers to supply various products to thousands of customers nationwide. Here, workers learn new skills including computer operations, order processing, and customer service. These are important skills to have in today's work environment. Over the years, Travis Association for the Blind has assisted hundreds of blind and visually impaired men and women to gain work skills and job experiences which translates to their personal independence.The Lighthouse has a proud history and thanks to the efforts of many, including the citizens of Austin and surrounding communities, should have a proud future.
Copyright 2005 Travis Association for the Blind. All rights reserved |