(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — Lighthouse Guild, a leader in supporting people who are blind or visually impaired, has received a $25,000 grant from the CTA Foundation to expand its essential assistive technology training. The CTA Foundation, an affiliate of the c, is dedicated to linking seniors and people with disabilities with technology that can enhance their lives. Lighthouse Guild is one of 25 nonprofit organizations receiving funding from the Foundation in 2024.
The grant will deepen Lighthouse Guild’s capacity to provide assistive technology training to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, empowering them to attain personal and professional goals. The training, both in-person and virtual, will focus on smartphone accessibility features, assistive tech applications and devices, and more.
“Technology provides a plethora of resources for people who want to maintain independence, achieve their goals, and meaningfully connect with others, but it is only as effective as the training and support provided,” said Dr. Calvin W. Roberts, president and CEO of Lighthouse Guild. “We are grateful to the CTA Foundation for this grant which will leverage our experience and resources with assistive technology to provide essential skills and training through a variety of approaches.”
Lighthouse Guild’s programs help level the playing field for people with vision loss by training adults and children to utilize the latest assistive technology and maximize existing technologies. Through its Research Department and outreach, including its popular “On Tech and Vision” podcast, Lighthouse Guild is exploring developments in artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and programmed learning that are all primed to empower people who are visually impaired like never before. At the heart of this work is Lighthouse Guild’s state-of-the-art Technology Center.
“We are thrilled to support the Lighthouse Guild’s assistive technology training. Combining innovative technologies with the support and education will no doubt lead to incredible outcomes,” said Steve Ewell, executive director the CTA Foundation.
