Drupal blog posts

The Blink Experience!

sharju1 — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 15:34:48 +0000

The Blink Experience!

THE LANTERN

sharju1 Thu, 10/13/2022 - 11:34

The Blink Experience!

by: The Elder Law Center of Kirson & Fuller
original article: www.kirsonfuller.com/blog/the-blink-experience/

On Wednesday, October 5^th team members from The Elder Law Center of Kirson & Fuller attended The Blink Experience hosted by Lighthouse Central Florida. Lighthouse Central Florida is the only private nonprofit organization in the region that can help mitigate costs by providing vision specific rehabilitation to residents of Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties who live with blindness or some form of vision loss.

The Blink Experience, hosted by Lighthouse Central Florida is held at their programmatic and commercial facility located at 215 E New Hampshire Street in Orlando. The experience includes simulated activities under blindfold and enlighten demonstrations of assistive technology. The goal is to help you gain a better understanding of the work they do to break down barriers and empower individuals to live full lives beyond the restrictions of vision loss.

Lighthouse offers an optimal blend of proven rehabilitation training and real-world application to help individuals of all ages, who live with any degree of vision loss, adjust to their reality with grace and confidence so that they can remain active, productive members of our community.

This hands-on involvement has allowed The Elder Law Center of Kirson & Fuller to learn about the services Lighthouse provides and experience how a person living with vision loss will benefit when going to Lighthouse Central Florida.

If you are interested in supporting this great organization, please select the link below:

DONATE | Lighthouse Central Florida (lighthousecfl.org)

You can also purchase item(s) on their “Wish List” (see below):

Apple iPhone 13 Mini (128GB, Starlight) [Locked] + Carrier Subscription
SAMSUNG Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G Cell Phone, Factory Unlocked Android Smartphone, 128GB, Flex Mode, Super Steady Camera, Ultra Compact, US Version, Phantom Black
SAMSUNG Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G Factory Unlocked Android Cell Phone US Version Smartphone Tablet 2-in-1 Foldable Dual Screen Under Display Camera 256GB Storage, Phantom Black (Renewed)
Echo Dot (4th Gen) with clock | Add Alexa to your nightstand | Twilight Blue
Apple TV 4K
Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones – Apple
Google Nest Learning Thermostat – Programmable Smart Thermostat for Home – 3rd Generation Nest Thermostat – Works with Alexa – Stainless Steel
Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) | HD smart display with Alexa and 13 MP camera | Charcoal
Refreshable Braille

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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

sharju1 — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 18:49:22 +0000

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

THE LANTERN

sharju1 Wed, 01/12/2022 - 13:49

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is Glaucoma Awareness month, and we want to encourage you and ask you to remind those around you about the importance of staying up to date with their regular eye exams. Getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to find out if you have glaucoma.

During this month, we want to share a little more of Nelida, who was recently featured in our Thanksgiving card. Nelida is living with vision loss due to glaucoma and employed as a Customer Care Professional at Lighthouse.

When Nelida moved to Orlando and was diagnosed with glaucoma, she turned to Lighthouse Central Florida. "The services I received returned my freedom, my independence, and my purpose to continue to live." Nelida was impressed and motivated by the Lighthouse instructors since some were also visually impaired, but had certifications and master's degrees in their fields. This fact encouraged her to pursue a higher education degree once she finished her training at Lighthouse.

"Lighthouse not only rehabilitated me, but gave me the opportunity to volunteer and become employed" says Nelida.

Nelida has also been an active member of her community, volunteering at her church and different non profits that help women and families struggling with domestic violence and substance abuse. She is an advocate for people living with vision loss as well as for those who are still trying to find their own voice in the community.

We are always happy to see clients thrive after receiving services from Lighthouse Central Florida. We could not help make these success stories possible without YOU.

Your support of vision rehabilitation services at Lighthouse Central Florida--especially during times of crisis and uncertainty--ensures that services and training continues for Central Florida's community of blind and visually impaired babies, children, teens, adults and seniors.

If you or someone you know is struggling with vision loss related to glaucoma, please know that Lighthouse Central Florida provides services that can help. Just contact us.

Thank YOU!

Kyle Johnson
President & CEO
Lighthouse Central Florida

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'Tis the Season for THANKS!

sharju1 — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 16:04:11 +0000

'Tis the Season for THANKS!

THE LANTERN

sharju1 Fri, 12/17/2021 - 11:04

'Tis the Season for THANKS!

Dear Friends,

My name is Izzi Guzman, and I’m an 18-year old sophomore college student diagnosed with Albinism and Congenital Nystagmus. I participated in Lighthouse’s Transition Program for two years. At a young age, I met people that gave me lifelong opportunities to pursue my passions. This didn’t happen overnight, though. I owe all of my thanks to Lighthouse Central Florida.

It’s with all of the skills and services made possible through YOUR support of Lighthouse that I was able to set forth to college with conﬁdence. I graduated high school early with honors, and I am attending two colleges to get into the career ﬁeld I really care about – music education.

Being a part of the Transition Program’s summer camp last year, which was held remotely during the early stages of the pandemic, sparked my passion for teaching. Not only did we persevere, but we soared!

Now as a sophomore in college, I have no uncertainties of what I can do. I’m not only a musician and future educator, but also a graphic designer – a skill that I never thought I would pick up with a visual impairment. I am a guiding light to new students to help them make the most out of their freshman year like I did. I will need extra tools in order to succeed, but no longer am I scared to be the odd one out after being in the Lighthouse environment for most of my time in high school.

Even with the everyday challenges of being visually impaired, I have a lot to be thankful for this year. YOUR support and Lighthouse of Central Florida brought me an inch of character into a mile of possibilities. It made me passionate, excited, and prepared for the world ahead of me. I thank YOU again for being a part of Lighthouse’s story and for making my transformation possible.

THANK YOU for your generous support. Your gift helps ensure that every child, youth and adult will continue to receive full, safe access to vision rehabilitation services in 2022.

With kind regards,

Izzi Guzman, Brass musician from Orlando
University of Miami '24 and Berklee College of Music '22

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World Diabetes Day

sharju1 — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 13:39:07 +0000

World Diabetes Day

THE LANTERN

sharju1 Wed, 12/01/2021 - 08:39

World Diabetes Day

Dear Friends,

Sunday November 14th marks World Diabetes Day— it was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes.

World Diabetes Day is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public and political spotlight.

To shine a light to this day, we want to focus on how YOUR support continues to impact our clients who are living with vision loss and in some cases, like in Daniel's case, who are also living with Diabetes.

Daniel is 43 years old and living with diabetic retinopathy in both eyes. He was referred to Lighthouse in August 2020 because he wanted to improve his computer and general technology skills and his confidence when crossing streets. At the time, he was already working at Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay water park and was experiencing some migraines after prolong times in the computer.

Daniel recently shared with us some great news. A couple of weeks ago, he was awarded with the "Bravo", which is an employee recognition program that highlights performance and core company values at Universal Orlando Resorts, where he is currently employed.

He said, "I give credit to the hard work and effort I put in, but I want to acknowledge the assistance that Lighthouse has provided. I credit the knowledge and empowerment I have gotten from them, that are helping me be a success story. Please share this with everyone on your team so they know, that I am grateful for everything they do."

YOU are part of Daniel's team, because of your support Daniel received the vision rehabilitation services needed to empower him and become, like he said himself, a success story. On his behalf, we wanted to share how grateful he is for your support.

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

If you or someone you know is struggling with vision loss related to diabetes, please know that Lighthouse Central Florida provides services that can help. Just contact us.

Thank YOU!

Kyle Johnson
President & CEO
Lighthouse Central Florida

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Giving Thanks for YOUR Support of Lighthouse!

sharju1 — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 20:39:05 +0000

Giving Thanks for YOUR Support of Lighthouse!

THE LANTERN

sharju1 Mon, 11/22/2021 - 15:39

Giving Thanks for YOUR Support of Lighthouse!

Dear Friends,

My name is Nelida, I am a single mother living with vision loss due to Glaucoma and employed as a Customer Care Professional at Lighthouse.

When I was in the midst of my despair with the painful reality of losing my vision as an adult, I was introduced to Lighthouse. Their services returned my freedom, independence, and my purpose.

I was invigorated when I saw instructors who were visually impaired or completely blind with master’s degrees in their respective fields. I knew then that the sky is limitless. If they could do it, so could I. They never gave up on me, and I am eternally grateful. Currently, I am completing my Master’s Degree in Spanish Literature!

The more I learned, the less I depended on my only child, whom I love and adore. My son, Jose Manuel, is finishing his degree at Valencia College and will study Finance at UCF. I am extremely proud because he has been there since my vision loss started.

This holiday season please consider making a donation to Lighthouse. Their services have been critical throughout the pandemic. Your support not only helped me, but gave me hope for my future.

Give today and your gift will be doubled through a generous matching grant from the Joseph G. Markoly Foundation.

Thank YOU for your support!

Nelida

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Giving Tuesday 2021

sharju1 — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 14:10:39 +0000

Giving Tuesday 2021

THE LANTERN

sharju1 Mon, 11/01/2021 - 10:10

Giving Tuesday 2021

Giving Tuesday 2021 is only 30 days away, and Lighthouse Central Florida is excited to participate in this global day of giving.

This is a big opportunity for us, and we have set a goal to raise $20,000 starting on Giving Tuesday through the end of the year. Your support will help Lighthouse continue providing in person and remote learning during this pandemic for those who are living with vision loss.

Beginning on November 30th through the end of the year, you can double the impact of your gift thanks to a $1 to $1 matching grant opportunity provided by the Joseph G. Markoly Foundation.

But you don't have to wait until Giving Tuesday to take advantage of this match - you can give TODAY!

Help us grow our community and maximize this Giving Tuesday opportunity. Consider tapping your social network to help leverage support for the critical programming Lighthouse continues to deliver both virtually and safely in person, to our friends and neighbors who live with vision loss in Central Florida.

You may also want to share what we at Lighthouse have been up to this year by sharing a link to our blog: The Lantern.

Your support of vision rehabilitation services at Lighthouse Central Florida--especially during times of crisis and uncertainty--ensures that between 600 and 700 babies, children, teens, adults and seniors living with vision loss continue to receive services and training.

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

Please take good care of yourselves and your families.

Thank YOU!

Kyle Johnson
President & CEO
Lighthouse Central Florida

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Blind Americans Equality Day 2021

sharju1 — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:38:52 +0000

Blind Americans Equality Day 2021

THE LANTERN

sharju1 Wed, 10/13/2021 - 10:38

Blind Americans Equality Day 2021

Please plan to join Lighthouse and a coalition of local advocacy groups and service providers, this Friday, October 15th, for a virtual observance of National Blind Americans Equality Day.

Formerly recognized as White Cane and Guide Dog Safety Day, the annual observance is organized to build awareness and reaffirm Central Florida's commitment to improving access to basic pedestrian safety for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Though the name of the annual observance has changed, it is important for motorists to understand the safety implications of Florida's White Cane Safety Law.

The statute states in part: Whenever a pedestrian is crossing, or attempting to cross, a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection or place where the pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection or place of crossing and, before proceeding, shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian.

VIRTUAL NATIONAL BLIND AMERICANS EQUALITY DAY

The Blind Experience: Moving Without Limits

Promoting Inclusion and Pedestrian Safety for Visually Impaired

WHO: Greater Orlando Council of the Blind, National Federation of the Blind Florida Chapter, MetroPlan Orlando, Division of Blind Services, Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX), Orange County Public Schools, Florida Department of Transportation, City of Orlando, Bike/Walk Central Florida and Lighthouse Central Florida/Lighthouse Works

WHAT: Annual awareness event in observance of National Blind Americans Equality Day (formerly White Cane Day); Local Government Proclamation presentations; Award Presentations Musical performances

WHERE: ZOOM https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_91j_EZ6XRVaowsZ4yJy2nw

WHEN: Friday, October 15th | 12 PM -1:30 PM

WHY: Each year this event is organized to build awareness and reaffirm Central Florida’s commitment to improving access to basic pedestrian safety for individuals who are blind or visually impaired; though the name of annual observance has changed, it is important for motorists to understand the safety implications of Florida’s White Cane Safety Law.

Your support of vision rehabilitation services at Lighthouse Central Florida--especially during times of crisis and uncertainty--ensures that uninterrupted services and training continues for Central Florida's community of blind and visually impaired babies, children, teens, adults and seniors.

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

Please take good care of yourselves and your families.

Thank YOU!

Kyle Johnson
President & CEO
Lighthouse Central Florida

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Mike Fox talks Digital Accessibility – WDBO

sharju1 — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 16:41:35 +0000

Mike Fox talks Digital Accessibility – WDBO

THE LANTERN

sharju1 Mon, 09/20/2021 - 12:41

Mike Fox talks Digital Accessibility – WDBO

Lighthouse Work's Digital Accessibility Software Developer, Mike Fox, was recently interviewed by WDBO about the importance for digital accessibility, the impact on his life and the work he does at Lighthouse Works to help our digital world become more accessible.

Listen to the interview now

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Meet Jackie| Staying up to date with Technology

sharju1 — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 15:00:45 +0000

Meet Jackie| Staying up to date with Technology

THE LANTERN

sharju1 Tue, 07/06/2021 - 11:00

Meet Jackie| Staying up to date with Technology

Deaf-Blindness Awareness Week is celebrated every year in honor of Helen Keller's birthday on June 27th. It is meant to highlight her accomplishments and encourage other people living with deaf-blindness to thrive and overcome their adversities.

Helen Keller was the first woman to earn a college degree in the United States, despite living with deaf-blindness. She was an educator, and author and one of the 20th century's leading humanitarians. Many of our Lighthouse staff and clients have been inspired by her.

Now, I want to introduce you to Jackie, currently receiving services at Lighthouse Central Florida. She lost her vision 35 years ago, but that did not stop her from teaching. Jackie previously lived in the Ocala area and was an Assistive Technology (AT) instructor at another agency that provides services similar to Lighthouse. She decided to retire in 2016, but is still very active and wants to continue learning about accessible technology.

Her current Lighthouse instructor, Maurine, says "Jackie brings a wealth of knowledge."

Jackie previously lived in the Ocala area and was an Assistive Technology (AT) instructor at another agency similar to Lighthouse.

Since Assistive Technology is always evolving and updating, Jackie came to Lighthouse in January this year to brush up on her skills.

Her goals included learning to use her iPhone and various apps to keep up with her independence, as well as learning Windows 10 and Google Chrome.

Since starting services at Lighthouse Central Florida, Jackie has mastered texting and setting reminders using SIRI on her iPhone. She is also currently learning how to navigate Facebook and continues to make outstanding progress. "I really like coming to Lighthouse, it helps me feel connected,"-says Jackie.

Your support of vision rehabilitation services at Lighthouse Central Florida helps us prepare adults, like Jackie, to stay up to date with technology and connected in their community.

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

Please take good care of yourselves and your families.

Thank YOU!

Kyle Johnson
President & CEO
Lighthouse Central Florida

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Kyle Coon- Discovering a Life Without Limits.

sharju1 — Wed, 26 May 2021 18:39:10 +0000

Kyle Coon- Discovering a Life Without Limits.

THE LANTERN

sharju1 Wed, 05/26/2021 - 14:39

Kyle Coon- Discovering a Life Without Limits.

Dear Friends,

Imagine that you graduate from college in 3 years, you have already climbed mountains all around the world, and you have spoken in public on several occasions and have been on national television. However, when you attend a job interview you are told, "we just don’t think you can do the job."

This is where Kyle Coon was at in 2014 when he sat with me for coffee and we talked about Lighthouse Works!

Kyle became part of the Lighthouse Works team for almost two years and then got recruited by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

Kyle later moved to Colorado and started competing in triathlons, working with the Association of Blind Athletes, and writing. His most recent accomplishments include winning first place at Yokohama, Japan World Triathlon Para Series, which has him on track to make the U.S. Paralympic Triathlon Team for Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games.

Kyle also published his book, “Discovering a Life without Limits”, which is currently available on Amazon and through his publisher. Remember that your purchase on Amazon can benefit Lighthouse Central Florida by using the Amazon Smile tool and selecting Lighthouse Central Florida. Amazon will contribute 0.5% of your purchase to Lighthouse!

Before we ended our interview, Kyle told me: “You and Lighthouse were the ones who gave me that shot of confidence that I could go our into the world and be ultimately successful.”

YOUR support has a direct impact on resources necessary to help meet the needs of the people we serve who are working hard to improve their lives.

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

Please take good care of yourselves and your families.

Thank YOU!

Kyle Johnson
President & CEO
Lighthouse Central Florida

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