A Brief History About LWSB
The History of Lions World Services for the Blind
Lions World Services for the Blind began in 1939 as a program that trained and employed people who are blind to operate vending stands in government buildings. The program was started by the late Roy Kumpe, an Arkansas lawyer who had been blind since the age of eight. Soon after starting the vending stand program, Kumpe came to the realization that not enough blind and visually impaired people were independent enough to be successfully employed. |
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This kindled his dream to create a training and rehabilitation center for people who are blind or visually impaired. One of the first steps toward the fulfillment of his dream was to persuade an Arkansas statewide convention of Lions Clubs to sponsor such a training and rehabilitation center. In 1946, he persuaded the Little Rock Founders Lions Club to provide $10,000, and in 1947 the first rehabilitation center to open under non-governmental auspices in the country was incorporated as Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind. |
In 1989, the name was changed to Lions World Services for the Blind to better reflect the range of services and the international scope. Now, LWSB is the largest, most complete center of its kind, and its programs are being emulated throughout the world.
Facts About LWSB
Our purpose is to provide personal adjustment training, psychological testing and counseling, prevocational evaluation and vocational training to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. LWSB has numerous training areas - educational services, independent living and orientation and mobility - in its comprehensive personal adjustment program. The 13 vocational courses prepare people for job opportunities in the business world. We are financed by the tuition paid by state rehabilitation agencies that purchase training services from LWSB for their clients, by the financial support of the Lions of Arkansas and surrounding states, grants, and by public donations. |
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We are housed in a complex of buildings located on a full city block between 28th and 29th Streets on Fair Park Boulevard, a residential area near the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. These six , two-story buildings are constructed around a tree-shaded courtyard.
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Our training capacity is approximately 100 trainees. On-campus housing is available for 91 trainees in our women's and men's dormitories and in two independent living apartments. The length of training varies with the progress of the individual and with the particular vocational programs, but the average period of training is approximately six months. Our admission requirements include an application submitted by the referral source and appropriate medical information. All arrangements should be completed in advance between the referral source and LWSB. A one-month evaluation is required of all trainees. |
Overview of Campus
| The LWSB campus complex is located on a full city block in southwest Little Rock just off Intersate 630 near the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Along with the two dormitory buildings -- one for men and one for women -- four other buildings for training and administration surround a tree-shaded courtyard. A beautiful water fountain rests in the center of the courtyard. A 1,200 square foot greenhouse is available for clients training in the horticulture program. Privacy and security are provided for the clients. |  |
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Laundry facilities and lounge areas are located in each dormitory building, as well as two independent living apartments. A full service cafeteria serves three meals each day. Facilities for recreation, physical fitness and shopping are easily accessible by foot or public transportation. |
