Naples Florida Weekly
Loading...

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Lighthouse of Collier a shining light for the blind and visually impaired



Diane Zautis, a participant in the Lighthouse of Collier independent living skills senior workshop program, is learning how to use special needles for knitting. COURTESY LIGHTHOUSE OF COLLIER INC.

Diane Zautis, a participant in the Lighthouse of Collier independent living skills senior workshop program, is learning how to use special needles for knitting. COURTESY LIGHTHOUSE OF COLLIER INC.

When I first moved to Naples some 30 years ago, I was surprised to learn that in spite of the fact this is a coastal community, we don’t have a lighthouse. But now I know we actually do, it’s just not one made of bricks and mortar or iron like the Sanibel Island Lighthouse.

There’s a beacon of hope shining on the horizon for those who are blind or otherwise visually impaired. Lighthouse of Collier Inc. exists to help them find their way and to help guide them as they navigate along life’s path.

The mission of this nonprofit organization, which has been making a difference in our community for 10 years now, is to offer programs and services that foster independence and enhance the quality of life for those who are blind or visually impaired. Lighthouse of Collier has served more than 1,800 residents since 2009, and it is standing by today to aid anyone who is blind or dealing vision loss, helping them to communicate, socialize and feel safe in a sighted world.

— Joe Landon is a communications consultant who retired as executive director of communications for Collier County Public Schools in 2014. Contact him at joelandon@outlook.com.

— Joe Landon is a communications consultant who retired as executive director of communications for Collier County Public Schools in 2014. Contact him at joelandon@outlook.com.

“We provide training and rehabilitation services for babies, children, adults and senior citizens who are blind or visually impaired,” said Lighthouse of Collier’s CEO, Scott Flagel.

And, there’s no charge.

Several years ago, while with the school district, I became aware of the Lighthouse programs that provide infants, young children and caregivers with the skills needed to prepare for school while maximizing mental, physical and social development. The organization’s summer camps for kids of all ages are amazing.

On the other end of the spectrum, I recently discovered its 10-week group program for visually impaired or blind seniors.

“These seniors are taught skills which help them live independently and safely at home, like the basics of orientation and mobility, so that they may lead more productive lives,” said program director Wendy Olson. “They learn about techniques for labeling and identifying medications, cooking tools and techniques, methods for accessing bills, mail and paperwork, grooming tips and using what are known as check and signature guides. And there are lessons on using talking books and watches and smart phones.”

According to Mr. Flagel, senior clients who are able to do more themselves generally develop increased self-esteem, thus enabling them to better adjust to their vision loss and to ultimately accept its limitations.

For Frank Mazza, 82, the iPhone class he attended in the senior program has changed his life. The training taught him, among other things, how to download books, which is important for him, as he’s an avid reader.

Marilyn Day, who has macular degeneration, credits the senior program with helping her discover resources she needed to help her with everyday living.

“I’m so grateful there’s a place for people like me to get the assistance we need to get our lives back again,” she said. “I want to reach out to let others know about Lighthouse of Collier since they’re my beacon in the night.”

“The seniors who come into our program seem to make immediate friends with everyone, and they keep coming back with smiles and laughter, happily greeting their ‘new’ old friends,” said Lighthouse of Collier Chairman of the Board Art Bookbinder. “Many tell me their time spent here is by far the happiest time of their week.”

Mr. Bookbinder acknowledges that he loves his role with Lighthouse of Collier, and he’s been involved since the organization was founded.

“Having lived in complete darkness for the last 30 years, I can now proudly say that we are shining a light for the 6,000 legally blind residents of Collier County. We are waiting for them to visit us to see how — with the assistance of our professionals — they can turn that light on for themselves. We have a common purpose and passion, and it works,” he emphasized.

Mr. Flagel loves what he does, as well.

“It brings me great joy to know that our clients have access to all of the things that others, who are not visually impaired, have access to despite their disability. Being in direct contact with people who are visually impaired and blind allows me to appreciate just how much I have to be grateful for in my life,” he said.

Lighthouse of Collier is accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services. It will receive a special program excellence award from the Community Foundation of Collier County at the Celebration of Philanthropy on Nov. 1 in Naples.

To learn more about Lighthouse of Collier’s programs or to donate, visit www.lighthouseofcollier.org or call 239- 430-3934. ¦

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *