LVIB IN TOUCH, Spring/Summer 2012 Edition

April 23, 2012 by Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind Leave a comment

Click here to download the print version.

Agency Update From The Executive Director

Lily holds a beeping egg at
our Annual Easter Egg Hunt
for babies & children
with vision impairments.

2012 has been a very exciting time so far at the Lighthouse—and much more is coming—including the Grand Opening of a new program and facility for the Lighthouse on April 27! I want to send out a special thanks to all who support the Lighthouse. As a not-for-profit organization, we rely on volunteers and donations to help us reach our mission. We are always looking for volunteers and appreciate donations. Please read on to learn ways you can help us help individuals with vision loss to achieve their maximum independence and potential.

On March 23, 2012, we held our 27th Annual Chasco Coronation Ball. We were so fortunate to have one of our wonderful families come and share their story of having a blind baby—and I think all present will agree that baby Lily was a little princess. We also crowned our new king and queen. Congratulations to the 2012 King Pithla Bob Memoli and Queen Chasco Cindy Ewald. The Coronation Ball is the kickoff event for the Chasco Fiesta in West Pasco. It recognizes the tremendous contributions of the nominees who give their time, talent and treasures to make Pasco a great place to live. In addition, the Coronation Ball is the major fundraiser for the Lighthouse, raising funds to support our Blind Babies Early Intervention Program. Early estimates indicate that $50,000 was raised. Thank you to our sponsors, nominees and all who attended. A very special thanks to the 2012 Ball Planning Committee chaired by Tina Shelton.

Did you know that persons who are blind experience an over 70% unemployment rate? The Lighthouse Board of Directors and staff have decided it is time to do something about it in our area. The Lighthouse Opportunity Center opens on April 27, 2012 to provide direct paid employment and job training to persons who are blind and visually impaired. You can be a part of this exciting vision—see inside for more information. I really hope you will join us on April 27 to celebrate our Grand Opening! You will learn how people who are blind can live and work in our sighted world. Come and share in our vision that is changing lives every day.

If you like our newsletter, please share it on Facebook. Thank you!

Inside this Edition

1. 27th Annual Chasco Ball

March 2012 Event Recap
Meet the Royals
2012 Chasco Ball Sponsors

2. Job Training & Employment

OPPORTUNITY Leads to Success
The Lighthouse Opportunity Center Grand Opening

3. Client Profiles

A Mother/Daughter Story
Beeping Eggs Equal Big Smiles for Lighthouse Kids

4. Ways You Can Help

5. About Us

The Lighthouse Legacy Society
Contact the Lighthouse
About LVIB IN TOUCH

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April Awareness Bulletin

April 18, 2012 by Patricia Porter Leave a comment

Women’s Eye Health & Sports Eye Safety Month

Submitted by Lighthouse Volunteer,
Caryl Melancon

April has been designated as the month to raise awareness of two important eye safety issues, Women’s Eye Health and Sports Eye Safety.

Did you know that women have a greater risk of vision problems than men? According to studies by Prevent Blindness America and the National Eye Institute, more women than men are diagnosed with eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy every year. Contributing factors are hormonal fluctuations which cause dry eye syndrome and the fact that women generally tend to live longer than men. Two thirds of the visually impaired and blind individuals in America are women.

What can women do to try and keep their eyes healthy? They can:

Get regular comprehensive eye exams.
Quit smoking–even second hand smoke can increase the risk of eye disease.
Wear UV eye protection when outdoors. UV rays are very dangerous to the eyes.
Eat healthy–carrots, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, spinach and omega-3 fatty acids all can help to maintain eye health.
Know your family history. Because genetics plays a key role in eye disease, let your eye professional know of any eye diseases that run in your family.

Another eye danger that affects women and men as well as children is sport injuries. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that more than 40,000 eye injuries are caused each year by sports and recreational activities. Sport injuries include blunt trauma, which is the most common, cuts to your eye, and radiation injuries from exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun.

Yet, according to prevent Blindness America, 90% of these sports related eye injuries can be prevented by wearing appropriate protective gear such as plastic sports eye guards, helmets, face masks and plastic glasses with UV protection. Today more professional athletes use eye guards. Two of the best known athletes who have worn eye protection are basketball players, Horace Grant, a champion player with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who won six NBA championships playing with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers.

While professional athletes and amateur athletes are at risk for eye injuries, one third of eye accidents each year happen to children ages 5 to 14 years. The most common are those involved with rough play, but toys can also hurt the eye. Of most concern are missile toys, toys with detachable parts or hard edges, slingshots, BB guns and fireworks.

It is vital that parents, teachers, school nurses and coaches know about the eye injury risks before permitting children to participate in sports. It is suggested that parents consult with an eye doctor for a protective eyewear recommendation before allowing a child to engage in sports activities. It also is important for children who play outdoors to wear UV protection.

Eyesight is a precious gift. Don’t put yourself or your loved ones at risk needlessly. Get regular dilated eye exams, wear eye protection when needed and make the health of your eyes a lifetime priority.

This message is brought to you by the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind.

The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind offers free adaptive training for persons who are blind and visually impaired of all ages, living in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties. Please spread the word about our programs, stay up-to-date with our newsletter, and also help us increase resources to meet the need for services. Please contact the Lighthouse for more information:

Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind
Pasco: 8610 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey, FL 34668, Phone: (727) 815-0303
Hernando: 6492 California St., Brooksville, FL 34604, Phone: (352) 754-1132
Citrus: Toll free: 1-866-962-5254

References:

Filed under Info about Blindness Tagged with blind, eye health, Eye Protection, eye safety, Health

You’re Invited! The Lighthouse Opportunity Center Grand Opening — April 27, 2012

April 5, 2012 by Patricia Porter Leave a comment

The Lighthouse Opportunity Center Grand Opening Event

5944 Pine Hill Road
Port Richey, FL 34668
Friday, April 27, 2012
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Persons living with vision impairment and blindness want to work and together, we can help give them the OPPORTUNITY!

Please join us at the Grand Opening to learn more.

RSVP by calling (727) 815-0303 or by emailing lighthouse@lvib.org.

You can also visit:

Lighthouse adds jobs for vision-impaired

Employment at the Lighthouse

Filed under Events Tagged with blind, Blindness, Blindness and Visual Impairment, Disability, Employment, Vision loss, Visual impairment

March Awareness: Save Your Sight

March 8, 2012 by Patricia Porter Leave a comment

The Precious Gift of Sight

Protective eyewear is important at any age.

Submitted by Lighthouse Volunteer, Caryl Melancon

The ability to see is a very precious gift. A gift, which unfortunately, we do not always appreciate until it has been lost. According to the American Foundation for the Blind, “every 7 minutes, someone in the United States becomes blind or visually impaired”. Although certain eye conditions linked to aging, genetics, and disease cannot be prevented, there are certain conditions that can be prevented or delayed. March is Save Your Vision Awareness Month to help create awareness of the do’s and don’ts of protecting your vision.

Do Have Regular Eye Exams

Everyone from children, to adults, to seniors should visit an eye care professional on a regular basis for a dilated eye exam. Many eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease do not have early symptoms or warning signs. By the time you are aware that something is wrong, it may be too late to save your vision. Regular eye exams are critical to detecting conditions which could lead to vision loss.

Lighthouse Helps the Visually Impaired

March 2, 2012 by Patricia Porter Leave a comment

By Dr. Rao Musunuru, Guest columnist

Posted with the permission of the Tampa Bay Times
This article was first published online on Saturday, January 28, 2012, and then appeared in print on Sunday, January 29, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2012 from:
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/essays/lighthouse-helps-the-visually-impaired/1212844#comments

* * * * *

Close your eyes for a few seconds and imagine what your life would be like if that darkness became permanent. Imagine a baby born without eyesight, perfectly normal otherwise, destined to live for many decades without ever seeing how anything looks.

This is a fact of life for many even though the great majority of us take our eyesight for granted. Without proper eyesight, people lose most of their functional capacity, especially mobility and independence. A National Eye Institute survey found Americans believed that, of all disabilities, loss of eyesight would have the greatest impact on their daily lives.

More than 9 million Americans have age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss for people over 60, which has no proven definitive treatment. Other common causes of blindness in adults are cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic neuropathy, which can be corrected or easily treated, as long as early diagnosis is made.

Eye injuries are a leading cause of blindness in children, most of them sports related and most of which can be prevented with proper protection. Avoiding damage from ultraviolet rays is also important.

Diabetic neuropathy affects the vision of more than half of the nearly 26 million adults diagnosed with diabetes. Ninety percent of all causes of blindness from diabetes can be prevented with timely treatment (laser therapy), adequate control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. As a bonus, the incidence of heart attacks and strokes also will decrease.

Assistance for the blind or visually impaired can range from simple measures, such as a white cane and a guide dog, to very sophisticated computer technology (enhanced imaging, braille, synthetic speech, optical character recognition, etc.). Many impaired can maintain their current employment or be trained for new work.

Unfortunately, many people lack the financial means or other resources to obtain training and rehabilitation, especially with babies and children.

Nearly 30 years ago, more than 150 people attended a town meeting at Pasco Hernando Community College, conducted by the Florida Division of Blind Services, which established the Suncoast Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Eventually, the name changed to the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, which has two permanent locations in Pasco and Hernando counties and provides services also in Citrus County.

It provides an early intervention program for babies, school-to-work transition for teenagers and an independent living program for adults. An employment and job placement program, a new project, is on the way.

The Lighthouse is fortunate to have a staff of dedicated and extremely efficient professionals with specialized training in visual disabilities. Some of them, including the executive director, are visually impaired and serve as real-life role models. In 2011, Lighthouse served more than 800 people from a 3-month-old to a client who was 105.

The agency is supported by the state of Florida’s Division of Blind Services, the United Way of Pasco and Hernando Counties and the Pasco County government, along with many wonderful volunteers and generous donors. All money is spent locally and the charity’s services are all provided free of charge to those who need help.

Its major fundraiser is the Coronation Ball, a kickoff event for the Chasco Fiesta, on March 23, 2012 where King Pithla and Queen Chasco are crowned each year, based on the individuals’ charitable services to the community. This is a call for all people with vision to help those that have little or no eyesight, with little or no financial means.

For information see www.lvib.org or Lighthouse@lvib.org or call 727-815-0303 or 352-754-1132.

Dr. Rao Musunuru, a cardiologist, is a director for the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind and the 2010 King Pithla.

Filed under Events, Lighthouse, Success Stories Tagged with blind, Blindness, Blindness and Visual Impairment, Independent Living, vision impairment

Why is February Low Vision Awareness Month?

February 6, 2012 by Patricia Porter Leave a comment

Submitted by Lighthouse Volunteer, Caryl Melancon

Middle aged couple walking together along the water.

Don't let low vision get in the way of your normal activities. Visit our website to learn about vision rehabilitation.

February has been designated as Low Vision Awareness Month in an effort to raise awareness about low vision. Only 16% of adults over the age of 18 have heard of low vision, therefore awareness campaigns are essential for people to learn about disease, prevention and services that can help.

Low vision is defined as vision that is 20/70 or worse that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses or by medical or surgical therapy. While low vision interferes with daily activities, it is not the same as being blind. People with low vision usually have some useful sight but few know about services that can help.

While low vision may occur at any age, the elderly are primarily affected. It is estimated by Lighthouse International that one in six Americans 45 or older have some form of vision impairment but for Americans age 75 or over that estimate rises to one in four. But, contrary to what many people think, low vision is not a natural part of aging. The normal changes in our eyes as we get older usually don’t lead to low vision. The common causes of low vision include macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetes. As with all eye impairments, early detection of the problem makes treatment more effective.

What are the signs of vision loss? Even with your glasses, do you have difficulty?

Recognizing your relatives and friends faces?
Reading, cooking sewing or doing household chores?
Matching the colors of your cloths?
Working at the office or at home because the lights seem dim?
Reading street signs or store names?
Performing household chores?

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Filed under Info about Blindness, Lighthouse Tagged with awareness, blind, Blindness and Visual Impairment, Independent Living, Low vision, Vision loss, visually impaired

Announcing the 27th Annual Chasco Coronation Ball 2012!!

January 18, 2012 by Patricia Porter Leave a comment

27^th Annual Chasco Coronation Ball 2012

Each year, the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind hosts the Annual Chasco Coronation Ball. The Ball is a black tie event, held to recognize local philanthropy, and to crown a King Pithla and Queen Chasco, 2 community leaders who give of their time and talents to the many non-profit organizations in our community. The ball also raises much needed funds and awareness for the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind. Proceeds from the event are used to provide vision rehabilitation services to persons who are visually impaired and blind.

This year’s ball is being held on Friday March 23, 2012.

Tickets for the Ball are now on sale!

Reservations for this event are currently being accepted; and tickets are $100.00 per person. To place your order, please contact Tina Shelton at tinashelton@tampabay.rr.com or (727) 439-0516.
Sponsorship and auction items are also needed. Please email events@lvib.org or contact us for details.
For a list of the 2012 ball supporters to date, please visit Our Supporters page.

To learn more about the Ball, read about last year’s Coronation ball in the 2011 spring edition of LVIB IN TOUCH or contact us directly. You can also view ball pictures on our Past Events page!

About the Lighthouse:

The mission of the Lighthouse is to provide persons who are visually impaired and blind with the skills needed to achieve their maximum independence. The Lighthouse is a nonprofit 501C(3), providing vision rehabilitation services in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties.

Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Inc.
8610 Galen Wilson Blvd.
Port Richey, FL 34668
Phone: (727) 815-0303
www.lvib.org
lighthouse@lvib.org

Filed under Events Tagged with Ball, black tie, blind, blind babies, blind children, Blindness and Visual Impairment, donations, fundraising, Visual impairment

January is Braille Literacy Month

January 9, 2012 by Patricia Porter 3 Comments

Submitted by Lighthouse Volunteer, Caryl Melancon

Young man sitting in front of a braille embosser.

Ninety percent (90%) of employed persons with vision impairments use braille to effectively read and write. Unfortunately, only 10% of children with vision impairments are currently learning braille.

There is a literacy crisis among the blind in America. Literacy is defined as the ability to read and write. For many persons with total or profound vision loss, the only way they can effectively read and write is by using Braille, a system of raised dots invented by a blind Louis Braille.

The Braille code was introduced in the United States in 1869, but was not adopted as a Standard English code until 1932. From that point into the early 1960’s, many blind children were taught to read and write using Braille. Unfortunately, from 1965 on, the Braille literacy rate declined. Today, according to the National Federation for the Blind (NFB), over 90% of the 1.3 million legally blind people in the United States do not read Braille, and it is being taught to only 10% of blind children.

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Filed under Info about Blindness, Lighthouse, Technology Tagged with Accessibility, blind, blind babies, blind children, Blindness, Blindness and Visual Impairment, braille, Braille literacy, Communication Disorders, donations, Employment, Lighthouse, Literacy, Low vision, Vision loss, Visual impairment

Children’s Christmas Party!

December 23, 2011 by Patricia Porter Leave a comment

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! For your viewing enjoyment, we just posted pictures from our 2011 Children’s Christmas Party. Please visit http://lvib.org/events/past-events to see our slideshow. And now Santa’s gotta go! Busy you know!

Filed under Events Tagged with blind, blind babies, blind children, Blindness and Visual Impairment, Braille literacy, donations, tax exemption, Vision loss, Visual impairment, volunteer

Make a donation to help Lily, and to help other people who are visually impaired

December 19, 2011 by Patricia Porter Leave a comment

Blindness and vision loss is for most a frightening thought, but the Lighthouse helps people face those fears and develop the confidence and skills needed to live independent and successful lives. Help us help make this happen by sharing in our mission to ensure individuals and families have the opportunity to participate in the Lighthouse training and services at no cost to them.

In our fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, the Lighthouse served over 800 persons living in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Of this number, 241 persons with vision impairments and blindness were provided with extensive vision rehabilitation programs and 46 family members and professionals were provided with services in support of persons with vision loss. As 2011 comes to an end, we would like to share one of our ‘little’ success stories with you.

Lily is a visually impaired child, born with a very rare combination of visual defects. During her first few months, her parents, Jennifer and Peter, brought Lily to numerous professionals. They were desperate to know if their baby could see. Jennifer and Peter also were in fear for Lily’s future—at that point they did not know about services specifically designed to support blind children in meeting their childhood milestones. Finally a pediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. Derek Hess, suggested that they bring Lily to the Lighthouse.