Launching a New Era of Accessibility

“The Foglia Residences building itself has many wonderful accessible design elements, but one of my favorites is on the outside where the southwest corner will shine at night as a beacon of safe harbor, comfort and inspiration for people with disabilities for years to come. In 1955, when dedicating our original building, Helen Keller called us a ‘Shining Symbol of Progress.’ That light is a direct reflection of her words and our impact on the community.”

And with those remarks from Lighthouse President and CEO Dr. Janet Szlyk, The Chicago Lighthouse cut the ribbon on The Foglia Residences, a 76-unit housing development designed to provide safe, affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired.

More than 200 people attended the ceremony, including U.S. Senator Richard Durbin, U.S. Representative Danny Davis and Chicago Vice Mayor and Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr., all of whom noted the impact The Foglia Residences would have on the surrounding community and the country.

“The Lighthouse has demonstrated the effectiveness of an organization that is one of the best of its kind in the United States of America.”
—U.S. Representative Danny Davis

“Why did it take us so long? That’s a question I can’t answer,” said Senator Durbin. “But I can tell you today is a day we can all take pride in. Good people here in Chicago came together and developed a project that’s going to make a substantial and sizable difference in the lives of people who felt that they had no chance and no place to go.”

The government representatives in attendance proclaimed The Foglia Residences were just the beginning of this new era of accessibility. Alderman Burnett made a plea to the state and federal representatives to devote more resources to similar projects in the city and around the country, noting that with more than 400 applications submitted, demand for the accessible housing far exceeded supply.

“I’m putting the plug in right now: after the first building like this, we need the second building like this,” Burnett said.