At The Lighthouse of Houston, every individual brings a light of their own—unique abilities, lived experiences, and strengths that illuminate the path toward inclusion and empowerment for all.
“Direct connection.”
“Meaningful work.”
“Insight that some might not have.”
We’ve all heard these phrases before. Ask any hard-working American what motivates them beyond a paycheck, and you’ll likely hear something similar. But what makes these statements remarkable isn’t the words themselves—it’s who said them. Each came from an employee of The Lighthouse of Houston, individuals with different abilities and lived experiences whose perspectives illuminate what purpose and inclusion truly mean.
Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) invites us to celebrate the many contributions of employees with disabilities and to promote workplaces where all talents shine.
At The Lighthouse of Houston, inclusion is more than a value—it’s our foundation. Every person who walks through our doors brings a unique strength, a spark of perspective, and a story that adds light to our collective mission. This year, we reflect on the theme “Every Ability Lights the Way,” a truth that echoes through every program, every partnership, and every individual who helps illuminate possibility for others.
We asked several Lighthouse employees to share what meaningful work, inclusion, and empowerment mean to them. Their reflections remind us that when ability is recognized and nurtured, everyone shines brighter.
Thomas Morrison
Administrative Assistant, Front Desk
Reflects on what it means to witness transformation up close:
I do not think it is a personal accomplishment. My sight impairment and that I was a client gives me an insight that some might not have. I love seeing how clients go from grieving and mourning their sight loss to asking the question of ‘What’s next?’ I love watching co-workers’ reaction to having a job they might not have in the sighted world.
Thomas’s story is a reminder that one person’s experience can become another’s encouragement. His insight lights the way for clients finding hope after loss—proof that ability can shine through even the darkest transitions.
Steven Johnson
Assistive Technology Specialist and Transcriptionist
Shares how empowerment leads to purpose:
The Lighthouse has truly given me the gift of empowerment by allowing me to help others who are blind discover the independence that technology can bring. My advice: ‘Believe in your ability to make a difference. Meaningful work begins when you recognize your own value and pursue opportunities that allow you to use your strengths to help others. When you find an organization like The Lighthouse that believes in inclusion and growth, you’ll find that the work itself becomes a form of empowerment.’
Steven’s words capture the ripple effect of empowerment. Each skill he teaches passes light forward—proving that knowledge shared with purpose becomes its own kind of illumination.
Victoria Hillard
Manager of Education and Training
Speaks to the power of inclusion and recognition:
Working at The Lighthouse is personally and professionally rewarding because it uniquely fosters an environment of support and inclusion that directly relates to my own life experience. I genuinely enjoy working here because I get to work directly with individuals in my blind and low vision community, a mission that resonates deeply with me as I am blind myself. This direct connection to the community we serve is inherently supportive. I particularly feel the inclusivity because my co-workers treat me as an equal. They do not discredit me because of my disability; rather, they acknowledge and respect my experience and abilities. This is a powerful form of support—it moves beyond mere accommodation to true peer recognition of my skills and contributions. I am grateful to be able to be a part of developing and implementing programs and services that have such a positive impact and help blind and low vision individuals reach their full potential. Contributing to such meaningful work reinforces my value and provides a deep sense of career fulfillment and purpose.
Victoria’s reflection shines with authenticity. Her work and leadership exemplify what happens when inclusion moves from policy to practice—when every ability is valued, every voice is heard, and every contribution matters.
At The Lighthouse of Houston, inclusion is not an initiative—it’s our identity. It guides how we work, how we serve, and how we grow. Our employees’ stories remind us that ability takes many forms—and that when we see each person’s light, we illuminate the path forward for all.
This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate every member of our Lighthouse family who proves that Every Ability Lights the Way toward a more inclusive, empowered world.
Discover opportunities to join our team and help make a difference in the blind and low vision community:
