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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Sam is a retired physician in his 70s. He was originally enrolled under the Division of Blind Services Older Blind program, and was encouraged to participate in various classes and events. After 9 months of inactivity, despite regular invitations, the Division of Blind Services advised his case be closed.
However, during the pandemic, Lighthouse case managers could recommend new clients for support under the legislative grant. Sam was proposed as a candidate, as he had requested technology training but was unwilling to make the physical trip to the office. The Lighthouse instructor contacted Sam and he was indeed interested. Sam’s vision had decreased and he struggled with accessing his iPad and iPhone. Sam was pleased to be able to receive services from his home.
First, the instructor reviewed Sam’s functional vision, current skill level, accessibility options, and training goals. The majority of Sam’s daily living activities and needs were being met, so his primary goals were to access his iPhone to read emails and texts, perform internet searches, read audio books, and tend to paperwork. Sam was leery of using voiceover as he knew there was a high learning curve, and also wanted to use his remaining vision. Simpler accessibility options, Speak Screen and Speak Selection, provided him with the tools he required. Additionally, Sam was provided with a list of Siri commands to easily input and read calendar appointments, read unread texts, and access additional functions on his phone.
Sam’s instructor helped him sign up with the Talking Book Library (TBL) program and the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) app administered through the National Library Service. An outspoken Republican, Sam was under the impression that the TBL only offered “liberal books.” He was assured that the program is apolitical and he would be able to find titles that suited his interest. After TBL approved his application, his instructor taught him how to use the player to set bookmarks, rewind or fast forward, use the sleep option, and search for book titles or authors. During a follow-up lesson, Sam reported that he was thrilled to be using the program and had found materials he enjoyed, to the extent that he was considering joining the monthly Library of Congress book club. Sam was encouraged to attend, as long as he could follow the rules (no politics or religion!).
