We are excited to announce that Lighthouse of Collier has established a scholarship fund to support our local community and future leaders! The scholarship grants will be awarded to Lighthouse of Collier clients who are in high school, college or graduate school. The fund will help recipients complete an undergraduate or graduate education in the…
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The program utilizes GoodFeel software to convert print music scores into Braille. To best illustrate how the program works and its benefits, please read the story below: Music has powerful effects on human beings, including lifting moods, reducing anxiety, improving memory and connecting with others. Children who are blind or visually impaired currently face barriers…
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Scott Flagel, Lighthouse of Collier CEO was elected Treasurer of the Board of Directors for Florida Agencies Serving the Blind (Florida ASB). This is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 consortium of 17 not-for-profit agencies serving the blind. It is considered a national leader in setting standards and best practices for providing services to the blind. Learn…
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Two staff became certified! Congratulations to Jennifer Nieves and Phyllis Dratnol whom both are now Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT). Stephany Estremadoiro promoted to Intake Specialist Stephany Estremadoiro has been promoted to Intake Specialist (also known as Case Manager). She is responsible for the initial contact with the potential client, and for conducting a detailed…
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Lighthouse of Collier’s annual summer camps are approaching! The Children’s Summer Camp will be hosted virtually June 14 through July 2, MWF 9am – 2pm. The camp will consist of daily career presentations from guest speakers, as well as cooking, and arts and crafts, activities with an “Around the World” theme. The goal of the…
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Lighthouse of Collier is pleased to announce the addition of 2 new members to the Board of Directors. Eloy Ricardo Fire Chief, North Collier Directs North Collier Fire’s all-hazards response efforts. A fundamental element to Ricardo’s management style is the Service First philosophy that guides him in all aspects of his personal and professional life…
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Lighthouse of Collier will be entering the next phase of re-opening the office. On April 5, 2021, we will begin to host small groups in the office, as well as one-on-one appointments. Please contact the office in order to reserve your spot for the group classes as there will be a five-person maximum. For those…
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At Dining in the Dark on March 24, 2021, Joe Meade received the Art & Sue Bookbinder award. This award recognizes individuals or companies that go above and beyond in multiple ways to support our mission, our work and our clients. There is not a more committed person to helping others and giving back to…
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The 2021 Virtual Dining in the Dark event in support of Lighthouse of Collier was a tremendous success! You can view the program here if you missed it or just want to view it again. Dining in the Dark is a unique dining event meant to offer an immersive experience into a world of smell,…
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Ready to Lend a Helping Hand? We’re counting down the days to February 10 – 11 and Give Where You Live Collier. We need your help to make our campaign a success, and we’ve included a few easy ways that you can support us. SUPPORT A WORTHY CAUSE Tell your friends and family members about…
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Wanda is an 81-year-old client that 1st came to Lighthouse of Collier at the end of September, 2020. She has Age-Related Macular Degeneration as well an autoimmune disorder which affects her bones, muscles, skin, and joints severely limiting her physical mobility. She came to the Lighthouse primarily looking for help using her iPad. The iPad served as her primary piece of assistive technology as she had given up using her laptop computer. It was her communication lifeline to her family and friends who lived far away but she could no longer read the print on the screen.
After an assessment of Wanda’s needs, it was apparent to the instructor that keeping Wanda in communication with her family and friends was of the utmost importance. It was obvious that the iPad was not what Wanda needed. The instructor inspected Wanda’s laptop. The laptop was the answer. The instructor explained to Wanda that hooking up a large screen computer monitor and a large print keyboard to her existing laptop would increase her visual access to digital communication. Additionally, she would have full use of her computer again.
Wanda explained that her grandson would be visiting her. The instructor offered to work with the family to help guide them in purchasing the necessary equipment. Over the holidays, the family bought the equipment and had it sent to her. Her grandson set up the screen and gave her a mouse in the shape of pen that would allow her to have greater control over the cursor placement.
The instructor visited Wanda in early January and connected her large print keyboard. The instructor then went into the computer settings and found the visual accessibility settings. Working with Wanda, the instructor increased the overall size of the digital information, both pictures and font size. Additional adjustments were made to fine tune the font size and improve contrast. Wanda was then instructed on how to best utilize and navigate her computer. After instruction, Wanda demonstrated that she could again use her computer not only for correspondence, but also for using her Amazon Prime account. She could again pick out music, books, and videos.
The Lighthouse of Collier serves the whole person and works closely with family to ensure that independence is maintained. Wanda is so relieved and happy that she again has access to all the digital communication she thought she would never have again.
