Lighthouse of SWFL Community Relations Amy Turner, left, and marketing representative Sandy Burke speak to SanCap Lions on the important work done at the organization.
Sight is undoubtedly one of the Lions Club defining causes. Lighthouse of Southwest Florida is one of the sight-based organizations supported by the Sanibel Captiva Lions Club, which hosted Sandy Burke and Amy Turner as guest speakers.
“Lighthouse enables people of all ages living with a visual impairment or blindness to remain independent, active and productive in our society,” said SanCap Lions President Bob Kern. “That is a noble mission.”
Burke, who lost her sight at the age of 29, emphasized the importance of the work at the Fort Myers-based Lighthouse. “We help people through very tough situations and provide them with tools and skills that changes their life,” she said. Services and classes include computer/assistive technology training, orientation and mobility, independent living skills, adjustment counseling and more.
Lighthouse clients learn to read with accessible technology, use magnifiers or other adaptive aids correctly, travel safely, surf the internet or read email, computer training, cook safely, operate a talking watch or alarm clock, identify money, clothing and food. “The goal is for them to live more independently,” said Amy Turner, Lighthouse community relations.
Additionally, the Lighthouse provides vocational rehabilitation-job development and placement program, as well as a blind babies and transition program that prepares small children, families and young adults for challenges ahead.
“The Lions Club makes many of the things we do possible and we are grateful for your support,” said Burke, who has been a Lion for 11 years.
To learn more about the services and programs offered by Lighthouse of SWFL, visit lighthouseswfl.org or call 239-997-7797.