1871-1943
Lydia Young Hayes was the first director of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind which had offices in Newark at 14 James St (now Audible). She became director in 1910 and served until 1937, when she served as a consultant until her retirement in 1942. As director she organized home teaching, workshops, and social events for the blind at their headquarters in Newark.
Upon her death the State Commissioner of Institutions said, “Miss Hayes was one of the best known pioneers in the work for the blind in this country. She had a record of nearly half a century of service in the interest of the blind.”
Lydia, born in Minnesota, was blind herself from a childhood farm accident, and advocated for not segregating the blind. She graduated college and taught school before getting the job in New Jersey.
Lydia was first VP of the American Association of Workers for the Blind, a member of the National Society for Prevention of Blindness and the American Foundation for the Blind.
Bibliography
Cummings, Charles. “Behind every successful city, there are many great women”, Mar 2, 2000
“NJ Blind Led By Sightless Women” Trenton Times Feb 16, 1930
“Miss Lydia Y Hayes, Aided State Blind” Newark News Feb 9, 1945
“Head for Jersey Board for Blind Appointed” Trenton Times Jul 2, 1937
“Miss Hayes is Dead Pioneer In Blind Aid” Trenton Times Feb 9, 1943
H-16, Hayes Lydia, Newark News Morgue, Newark Public Library