When she was twelve, Deng Kong and her family fled Laos for the United States. They spent eight months in a refugee camp before immigrating to the United States By this time, Deng was totally blind due to untreated glaucoma.
Deng set to work attaining English fluency as well as learning independent living skills for people who are blind. She gained proficiency in Braille, independent white cane travel, and assistive technology. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese Studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. She is fluent in Laotian, Mandarin Chinese, and English.
Deng started working at the Seattle Lighthouse in 2001 as an intern after completing the Service and Office Systems (SOS) training program that was jointly sponsored by The Seattle Lighthouse and Washington State Department of Services for the Blind. After completing her internship Deng accepted a position as a customer service representative in the Lighthouse customer service department.
In addition to her duties in the Lighthouse call center, Deng has expanded her role to include acting as the backup receptionist for our front office. She is also a regular participant in the Lighthouse school tours program, which educates local school children about the capabilities of people with visual disabilities.
Away from work Deng leads a very active life. In addition to being featured in Lighthouse publications, she has also been recognized in the Seattle Times for her experience as a cross-country skier and her experience judging a tactile art exhibit.
As an art devotee, Deng especially enjoyed serving on a panel of judges for the Touching Art exhibit hosted by the University of Washington School of Art. The Lighthouse hosted a special reception for this exhibit of art pieces made expressly for the enjoyment of blind people. A photograph of Deng examining one of the art pieces won a special prize in Parade magazine's photos of the year.
An avid reader, Deng loves to curl up with romances, mysteries, and science fiction. Other activities she enjoys include cross country skiing, walking, crocheting, and organizing a large summer picnic each year for Lighthouse employees. She loves to listen to music and also to sing karaoke with family and friends. "Chinese oldies only please," she smiles.
Deng Kong