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Lighthouse Awarded Impact Grant for Remote Learning

Remote learning on computer, pad, phone and laptop

Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center Awarded Community Impact Grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County

SARASOTA, Fla. – Oct. 2, 2020 – After the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center sought a seamless transition from one-to-one personal instruction to remote learning for individuals with vision loss. Laptops, currently used by instructors, were not conducive to the world of video conferencing and remote learning and were in need of an upgrade. Funding in the amount of $9,839 was provided by the Harold E. and Ruth M. Niles Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for technology improvements.

Lighthouse serves visually impaired clients, from young children to the elderly, who desperately rely on essential services in order to stay independent; reducing isolation and depression, especially during this uncertain time. Lighthouse instructors teach approximately 20 virtual classes each week with up to 100 clients. These classes include Adjustment to Vision Loss, Fundamentals in Assistive Technology, Vocational Career Training and more.

“We are extremely grateful to the Harold E. and Ruth M. Niles Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which provided this Community Impact Grant to the Lighthouse to upgrade our technology for remote learning,” said Lisa J. Howard, CEO. “This funding allows the Lighthouse to continue its vital services to those who need us most, especially while we navigate through this unprecedented time. For some of our clients, this was their first time going online.”

To learn more about programs and services for the visually impaired, please visit www.LighthouseEducationCenter.org.

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About the Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center: Our mission is to educate and empower those affected by vision loss so they may enjoy happy, healthy and independent lives. Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center is the only nationally accredited, private, non-profit agency providing rehabilitation training to blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages (children through seniors) in five Florida counties including Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Highlands and DeSoto.

About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County: The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of over $417 million in more than 1,500 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling more than $274 million over our 40-year history in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and the environment. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org or call (941) 955-3000.