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Home » News & Media » In The Media » Navigating the Pandemic with Vision Loss

Navigating the Pandemic with Vision Loss

Posted on July 8, 2020May 4, 2021

WGCU (PBS and NPR for southwest Florida)

Navigating the Pandemic with Vision Loss – July 8, 2020

Posted in In The Media
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Inspirational Stories

Meet Dan

Dan is an 83-year-old man who was referred to Lighthouse of Collier by his home health care nurse. Dan is a self-described “hermit” who lives alone in a dilapidated trailer in southeast Naples and receives limited income. Currently, his son lives nearby but will be moving out-of-state this summer. About 10 years ago, Dan stopped driving due to legal blindness and other health conditions. Without help, Dan’s situation could be tenuous.

Dan’s initial priorities were to obtain fresh groceries, travel to and from doctors’ appointments, continue reading books, safely navigate public places, and access paperwork and pay bills. Through funding from Florida Legislative bills sponsored by Senator Kathleen Passidomo and Representative Bob Rommel, the Lighthouse addressed his goals, enabling him to remain in his home.

With help, Dan learned how to schedule Paratransit rides. He also learned how to download and read books using the National Library Service’s Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) app, allowing him to cancel his expensive Audible.com subscription. Additionally, Dan was provided with magnifiers and a check-writing guide. Dan now independently reads his mail and pays bills.

Fortunately, Dan already possessed a high level of technological skill, using his iPad to order canned foods and cat food through Amazon. However, he struggled with reading emails. Learning how to use the Speak Screen feature to listen to emails and dictation to create emails has helped considerably. Dan also learned to use Siri to create and read calendar appointments.

Most importantly, Dan was unaware that he could have fresh groceries delivered to his home. The Lighthouse instructor downloaded the Walmart grocery app and helped Dan learn to search for and add items to his favorites list. With practice, Dan will be able to order healthy, fresh foods. Dan is close to reaching his goals and keeping his independence.

MORE STORIES

Members Of

Florida Agencies Serving the Blind
Florida Diversity Council
The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce
SWFL
VisionServe Alliance

Partners With

Naples Children and Education Foundation Blueprint Partner
Collier Community Foundation Logo
United Way of Collier County
Florida Division of Blind Services
GuideStar Platinum Participant
Florida Lions Eye Clinic
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute - University of Miami Health Systems
AER Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired

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  • About Us
    • Mission & History
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Team
    • Corporate Documents
    • Program Excellence Award
    • Resources
    • Inspirational Stories
    • News & Media
    • Accreditation
    • Videos
  • Programs
    • Early Intervention and Babies (birth through age 5)
    • Children (ages 6 to 13)
    • Transition Program (ages 14 to 24)
    • Adult Programs
  • Events
    • Annual Benefit
    • Summer Camp
    • White Cane Awareness Day
  • Donate
    • Volunteer
  • Contact Us
    • Employment
    • Maps and Directions
    • Employee Directory
    • Request to be a Speaker or Presenter
    • For Doctors

Lighthouse of Collier, Inc.

2685 Horseshoe Drive South, Suite 101, Naples, FL 34104

239.430.3934 239.430.9213 (Fax) [email protected]

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