Lighthouse Guild Overview
Lighthouse Guild is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing exceptional services to individuals with vision loss through coordinated vision and health care, rehabilitation, education and training, and other support to inspire them to attain their goals. With LGI, people who are at risk for or affected by vision loss have the resources necessary to lead full, independent, and productive lives.
Each year thousands of people of all ages with vision loss (including those with multiple disabilities and/or chronic medical conditions) turn to Lighthouse Guild for help, hope, and resources. We provide services in-person in the five boroughs of NYC, as well as in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and the Albany area through our Adult Day Health Care (GuildCare) program which provides medical support and care for individuals with vision loss, chronic medical conditions, physical and cognitive limitations and behavioral health needs. Thousands more are reached through our community outreach programs, Tele-Support Network, website, vision loss education and training for healthcare professionals/paraprofessionals and a Research Institute designed to translate scientific and technological advances into useful solutions.
Through our Health Center, people who are visually impaired can access medical care, diabetes education and management, and low vision optometry specialists who diagnose eye conditions and provide low vision intervention. We also specialize in behavioral health with a team of clinical social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists who provide individual and group psychotherapy services for patients with anxiety, depression and other behavioral health needs often resulting from their vision impairment.
LGI uniquely combines this care with rehabilitation and other skill-building and educational programs to address challenges related to vision impairment and to improve our clients’ ability to achieve their goals. Rehabilitation support includes assistive technology and training; vocational rehabilitation and independent living skills training; and preparation for careers and college; and youth programs designed to empower young people who are visually impaired.
Unlocking Opportunity with Assistive Technology
For over 30 years Lighthouse Guild’s robust programs have helped to level the playing field for people with vision loss by training adults and children to utilize the latest assistive technology and maximize existing technologies. And through our Research Department and outreach (including a podcast), we are exploring developments in artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and programmed learning that are all primed to empower the visually impaired like never before.
Technology provides a plethora of resources for people who are blind or visually impaired 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. That’s where Lighthouse Guild, with your help, can have a transformative impact.
