Dr. Bryan Wolynski, Chief Technology Officer at Lighthouse Guild, accepts the Shalam Award from Denise Gibson, Cofounder and Chair, Ice Mobility and CTA Foundation Board Member, and Steve Ewell, Executive Director at CTA Foundation
(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — Lighthouse Guild, a trailblazer in supporting people who are blind or visually impaired, is honored to be the recipient of the prestigious John and Jane Shalam Award. The Shalam Award, named in tribute to John and Jane Shalam for their significant contributions to the consumer technology industry, CTA, and the CTA Foundation, was presented during The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation’s Pitch Competition at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This esteemed recognition finds its roots in John Shalam’s role as the Founding Chair, where he collaborated with CTA and the initial Board of Trustees to establish the CTA Foundation, set its mission, and build it to address social isolation challenges.
Thanks to the collective efforts inspired by John and Jane Shalam, the CTA Foundation has provided over $6.8 million in support to non-profit organizations across the United States, utilizing technology to enhance the quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities.
The Shalam Award stands as a testament to Lighthouse Guild’s unwavering commitment to its mission: “To provide exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals.” For over a century, Lighthouse Guild has been a pioneer in offering healthcare, rehabilitation, and comprehensive support services, to help people who are blind or visually impaired live the lives they aspire to.
Renowned for honoring organizations for innovation, impact, and raising awareness about social isolation, the Shalam Award finds a natural synergy with Lighthouse Guild’s exceptional work. The organization’s recognition echoes its pioneering initiatives in research and technology training tailored specifically for people who are visually impaired.
Social isolation poses a significant challenge for the visually impaired community, affecting a substantial portion of this population. Individuals with visual impairments grapple with the effects of social isolation, hindering their access to crucial public health information, essential social services, and digital healthcare resources such as telehealth and apps designed to manage chronic conditions.
As Lighthouse Guild continues to lead research and innovation, the organization remains dedicated to ensuring that individuals with visual impairments can maximize their potential and better navigate their worlds. The formal presentation of the John and Jane Shalam Award at CES 2024 spotlighted Lighthouse Guild’s pivotal role in addressing social isolation and helping to foster independence among the visually impaired community.
For more information about Lighthouse Guild and their mission, visit: here