Transportation is one of the challenges that our clients face every day. Fox4 published a story/article about what our clients shared at the Board of Collier County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Patricia Headly, who lost her vision two and a half years ago, relies on CATConnect, the county’s door-to-door bus service for…
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Liz Freeman Naples Daily News The holiday spirit of giving came early for Lighthouse of Collier which serves the visually impaired. Longtime board member Sue Bookbinder donated $1 million to the nonprofit organization in memory of her late husband, Art Bookbinder. He was one of the founders of Lighthouse of Collier in 2009. It is…
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Making a Difference article published in Florida Weekly (Naples edition) on 10/20/22.
WGCU (PBS and NPR for southwest Florida) Navigating the Pandemic with Vision Loss – July 8, 2020
Check out the story featuring Lighthouse of Collier by WGCU, the local NPR station. It focuses on what it is like for people who are vision-impaired to navigate a pandemic where touch is being limited. We are in the news! Visit WGCU to read and listen to the story.
Naples News Celebration of Philanthropy – Lighthouse of Collier received the Harvey Kapnick Award – December 8, 2019
Naples Florida Weekly Photos from the Celebration of Philanthropy – Lighthouse of Collier received the Harvey Kapnick award for service excellence – November 21, 2019
Naples Florida Weekly Making a Difference – October 17, 2019
Naples News Lighthouse of Collier to be honored at Celebration of Philanthropy – October 2, 2019
A client who participated in our Independent Living Skills Program has no light perception. He was initially unable to independently operate his microwave, dishwasher, and stove because the smooth touchpad controls lacked tactile reference points. Routine household tasks became frustrating and often required assistance from others, reducing his independence within his own home. While receiving instruction at Lighthouse of Collier, he learned to use appliances that had been adapted with tactile “bump dot” markers, allowing him to locate and operate controls independently. Through individualized instruction and repeated hands-on practice, he became familiar with the placement of the tactile markers and developed the confidence to identify and use each appliance safely and efficiently. After demonstrating success with these adaptations, a Lighthouse instructor completed a home visit and instructed the client on how to apply tactile markers to his microwave, dishwasher, and stove using the same techniques taught in class. The home visit ensured that the adaptations were customized to his personal appliances and daily routines while reinforcing the skills he had learned during instruction at Lighthouse of Collier.
The client is now able to operate each appliance independently, restoring his ability to prepare meals and manage household tasks safely without assistance. He is also able to cut vegetables and fruits safely on his own after participating in the Safe Cooking Program. By combining adaptive technology with practical instruction, our client is now able to complete essential kitchen tasks with greater confidence, improved safety, and increased independence in his everyday life.
