Lions World Services for the Blind began in 1939 as a program to train and employ persons who are blind to operate vending stands in government buildings. In 1946, the Lions Clubs of Arkansas provided funds to allow the facility to expand services and become a comprehensive rehabilitation center, and in 1947 the fi rst client was admitted for training. Since that time, more than 9,300 people from all 50 states and 58 other countries have come to Little Rock for training.
LWSB has become the worlds largest, most comprehensive rehabilitation center of its kind, and it’s programs have beenemulated throughout the world.
The mission of Lions World Services for the Blind is “to enable people who are blind or visually impaired to function independently and to live full, productive lives with dignity and self-respect, and to promote a positive public awareness of blindness.” The Center provides counseling services, personal adjustment training, pre-vocational training, and vocational training in 13 career areas ranging from computer programming to small engine repair. Trainees are given guidance through the often traumatic and emotional adjustment to blindness, while being taught techniques for daily living, communication and mobility. They also learn valuable job skills that help them function efficiently and competitively in the work place. The expenses for training, rooms and meals are sponsored by each trainee’s state rehabilitation agency for the blind, the Lions Club of Arkansas and neighboring states, and through personal contributions and bequests.
Presentations for your club about the services offered at Lions World Services for the Blind can be arranged by contacting LWSB.
2010-2011 LWSB BOARD OFFICERS
President and CEO....................................... Dr. Larry R. Dickerson
Chairman. .......................................................... Mark Clifton, PDG
Vice President. .................................................. Bob Williams, PCC
Secretary ........................................................................Cleve Jones
Treasurer .................................................................. Dr. Tom Dukes
Past Chairman............................................................................Carl Foreman
2010-2011 Tentative Schedule of events
Visiting Lions Weekend................................................August 27-29, 2010
Full Board Meeting ..............................................................August 14, 2010
Full Board Meeting ............................................................ October 23, 2010
Full Board Meeting .........................................................December 11, 2010
Full Board Meeting ...........................................................February 26, 2011
Full Board Meeting ................................................................. April 30, 2011
Full Board Meeting .................................................................. June 25, 2011
All meeting will be held at Comfort Inn, 708 Hwy. I-30, LR
Contact Us: 2811 Fair Park Boulevard Little Rock, AR 72204
501-664-7100, 1-800-248-0734
Fax: 501-664-2743