Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

Meet Shawn Dobbs — a remarkable leader and advocate. Shawn embodies our mission to provide transformative services for independence and career advancement, while demonstrating how one person's journey can illuminate the path for others.
Shawn has been legally blind since birth. As he entered the workforce, like most people who are blind or DeafBlind he had difficulty finding employment that would accommodate him. 70% of people who are blind are unemployed or underemployed, with that number reaching 80% for those who are DeafBlind.
“The Lighthouse allowed me to grow – to focus and crystallize my goals for myself.”
Shawn came to the Lighthouse in 2012 to work in development at our Spokane facility. He knew that he wanted to help people but had been unable to envision his own goals and desires.
Through continuing employee services and programs like Government Advocacy and Business Management training, Shawn found his skills as a leader. In 2020 he accepted the position of Senior Director of Talent Acquisition, where he could help other people who are blind or DeafBlind find and hone their skills and personal goals.
“Everybody comes in with a story - by giving people an opportunity, you give them a chance to add a chapter to their story.”
In his newest role as VP of Administration he leads Human Resources and Talent Acquistion Marketing, Public Relations, and Marketing departments. Shawn serves on our Strategic Leadership Team, where he uses his experience from working at all three of our manufacturing facilities across the United States, to help guide the organization.
Shawn embraces his penchant for storytelling to promote all that the Lighthouse can offer – meaningful employment that empowers people who are blind and DeafBlind to achieve anything they want in life.
“Freedom is what we’re all after – freedom to live a life not of restrictions but of opportunity.”