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<p>Congratulations and best wishes to one of our city's premier institutions, <a class="Link" href="https://chicagolighthouse.org/careers/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11666709291&gbraid=0AAAAADOfDWyLQ7l8HllYu66b6-pDGWpOb&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_IXQBhCkARIsADqELbL2fWWczOKnUWkUUu5b17JVjgxUtZMrPFcnQa0IV6mQAGYXJZHE5AoaAmDOEALw_wcB" target="_blank" >the Chicago Lighthouse</a>, which officially celebrates its 120th anniversary Saturday with a festive sold-out gala at the Art Institute of Chicago.</p><p>Since it was founded on the West Side in 1906, the organization has been a dynamic innovator, providing far-reaching services to individuals who are blind, visually impaired, disabled and veterans.</p><p>One of the most comprehensive social service organizations in America, it assists more than 50,000 people every year through 40 game-changing programs in education, employment training and placement, vision care and independent living and advocacy.</p><p>It also has an exclusive contract to manufacture clocks for the U.S. government, houses one of the oldest low-vision clinics in the country, and has been a trendsetter in establishing a social business enterprise, specifically in customer service centers, where veterans and people with disabilities are trained and hired. </p><p>In fact, the Chicago Lighthouse's efforts have buttressed its reputation as a visionary in disability employment.</p><p>Most recently, it established the <a class="Link" href="https://fogliaresidences.com/" target="_blank" >Foglia Residences</a>, the country’s first income-qualifying residential development designed for people with visual impairments, which was partly financed through low-income housing tax credits.</p><p>The Chicago Lighthouse's clients, who hail from all backgrounds, ages, ethnicities and economic strata, reflect the city's rich diversity.  Moreover, it never turns away anyone who needs care.</p><p>All Chicago area residents should give a shout-out to this amazing organization and wish it many more years of success as it strives to build a world that is accessible to everyone.</p><p><i>Dominic Calabrese, adjunct professor, Columbia College Chicago</i> </p><div class="RichTextSidebarModule Enhancement" data-module data-align-center><a class="AnchorLink" id="module-e00000" name="module-e00000"></a> <div class="RichTextModule-items RichTextBody"><h3>Give us your take</h3><br>Send letters to the editor to <a class="Link" href="mailto:letters@suntimes.com" target="_blank" >letters@suntimes.com</a>.