Due to car accident at a young age, Karl has limited mobility and a seizure disorder. As he aged, it increasingly became difficult for him to participate in activities that were important to him, spending time with his family.
Local artist increasingly frustrated and slowed down by their progressive vision loss sought help from the Lighthouse and is now painting again with increased safety and independence in their home.
Amanda Paszak woke up completely blind in December 2020 after years of Progressive Uveitis. For nearly two years, she was overwhelmed by fear and depression. In 2022, advocating for her daughter sparked change - Amanda wanted to be a role model again. She began Adjustment to Blindness training at the Lighthouse in April 2023, learning braille, white cane travel, and technology skills. Just one year later, Amanda became an Administrative Assistant at the Lighthouse.
A thoughtful and articulate young adult, Rowan spent a year training with the Lighthouse to learn to live and work more independently.
A talented artist, having recently moved in to assisted living receives help from the Lighthouse, learning how to continue to do the things that they enjoy, socialize and read their mail.
Kevin is a young adult with some health challenges and low vision. These challenges make it difficult for him to leave home, yet he has needed to attend court hearings regarding his son, and he often has medical appointments. The Lighthouse's services have equipped him with the capabilities to be more independent, connect with friends and family, prepare for job interviews and stay organized.
Mason is a young adult with a visual impairment, has participated in several Lighthouse programs and is currently succeeding at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD).
Michael is an 18-year old heading to college to major in music. His goal – teaching music and becoming a choir director. Michael is blind, able to see only a little light and contrast.
Garry lives alone in a rural area. He has mobility limitations, vision loss, and a chronic medical condition that requires close monitoring. He contacted the Lighthouse because he was having increased difficulty with transfers, meal preparation, keeping a calendar of his appointments, and managing his blood sugars.
Dr. Basak
Dr. Basak, a retired UMD chemistry professor and former President of the International Society for Mathematical Chemistry, was struggling to read, use his computer, or shop independently due to diabetic retinopathy. Lighthouse professionals taught him to use assistive technology including the Seeing AI app, built-in accessibility features, and translation tools for multiple languages.
Dorothy demonstrating how she uses her iPad.
Dorothy is a 104-year-old woman living alone in northern Minnesota. A relatively simple technology intervention – a Jumbo iPad -- has made a huge difference in her daily safety, connectedness, and quality of life.
Photo shows Seth (on far right) in Braille class using a Perkins Brailler, an older technology for producing Braille. A Mantis Q40 Refreshable Braille device is next to him.
Seth was a teenager who loved to write – often filling notebooks with stories and ideas. He dreamed of becoming an author, but his dream was derailed in December of 2023, when Seth received a diagnosis of legal blindness.
Woman standing by tree with a wheelchair and shower chair
Linda was able to rehabilitate safely at home after surgery, rather than in medical center, due to Lighthouse Tech for Healthy Aging services.
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Man in kitchen with Alexa device on counter
Ken’s story shows how comprehensive, high tech solutions and training can enhance safety, vital living and aging in place – even in situations that seem very difficult.
I am not a native to gymnasiums. Gyms give me flashbacks of Junior High; sitting on benches, feeling left out and disinterested. In general, I have not in all my years, appreciated physical sports. However, when you give birth to a son who runs fast and plays hard, you resign yourself to at least making a sporty effort.
Krista had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was five years old, but managed her condition without any complications for most of her life. Before her vision loss, she had worked in a variety of office positions and enjoyed reading, biking, rollerblading, camping, beading, and sketching.
Marcus is outgoing and bright, but his life can be challenging. He uses a power wheelchair, and he is unable to see things clearly unless they are relatively close to the eyes. He enjoyed using his computer, but relied on someone else to do certain steps. It was important to Marcus and his employability that he learn to use adaptive technology so he could use the computer independently, without assistance.
In 2018 Seija reported that she had given up and was sad because life was so hard due to her significant vision loss from macular degeneration. An immigrant from Finland, Seija lives with her husband on Minnesota’s Iron Range.
Despite significant vision loss due to macular degeneration, and the loss of her husband 6 years ago, Joyce is living a full and independent life in her own home. How is she doing this? In 2017, Joyce’s daughter heard about the Lighthouse through a medical professional. She encouraged her mom to seek services, and soon, Lynne, a Lighthouse occupational therapist, visited Joyce’s home. And over several sessions, Lynne taught Joyce how to keep doing the things she loves, despite her low vision.
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