THE LANTERN
Meet Elaine: #LowVisionLeader | Low Vision Awareness
Elaine at a recent assistive tech conference with a physician consultant.

Elaine and her guide dog KaylieDear Friends,

February is Low-Vision Awareness Month! It's a time meant to highlight the issue and educate yourself on the causes and risk factors related to low-vision.

For the remainder of the month, I will be introducing you to three of our staffers who all live with low-vision and were recently selected to participate in #MoreThan2020 a national campaign with our partner, National Eye Institute (NEI).

First up is Elaine Mara, who works as an Employment Services Career Counselor here at Lighthouse. Elaine's low-vision was the result of underdeveloped optic nerves at birth.

 portrait-style image of Elaine. Copy includes Elaine’s quote and header: February is Low Vision Awareness Month! NEI campaign logo is included as well as partner logos

Through the use of proven vision rehabilitation techniques and leveraging assistive technology, Elaine remains an actively engaged member of her community and works with all of us to promote Lighthouse Central Florida's mission of empowerment and independence.

"I work with teens and adults who are blind or visually impaired, hoping to get them employed, as I am because I love working and I want everybody who is blind or visually impaired to have the opportunity to have a job."

Listen to a brief conversation I had with Elaine after she was selected as a #LowVisionLeader for the NEI's low-vision awareness campaign.

CLICK IMAGE BELOW

Lighthouse CEO, Kyle Johnson, pictured here with Lighthouse staffer, Elaine Mara

Your support of vision rehabilitation services at Lighthouse Central Florida helps us prepare teens and adults--like those with whom Elaine works--to enter or reenter the workforce. Gainful employment, despite vision loss, can be attained with the right training.

See what YOU can make possible with your donation to Lighthouse Central Florida!

Thank YOU!

A headshot of Kyle Johnson 
Kyle Johnson
President & CEO
Lighthouse Central Florida