IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2011
Contact: Dominic Calabrese
312/997-3662
dominic.calabrese@chicagolighthouse.org
Chicago Lighthouse’s Low Vision Products Road Shows Help Customers with Visual Impairments

CHICAGO – An elderly woman is able to find a CCTV that can help her continue to read the daily newspapers.  A man is able to purchase a new state-of-the-art talking watch for his 85 year old father whose eyesight is fading fast.  A mom finds a white cane for her 16 year old son who is totally blind.

These are just some of the people who have been helped at the free Low Vision Products Road Shows, conducted by The Chicago Lighthouse, that have been held throughout the northern suburbs in recent months.

Hosted by members of the Lighthouse’s adaptive technology staff, the road shows also feature daylight lamps, large button phones, portable reading devices, accessible software, kitchen and many other items for everyday use.

The products are housed at the Lighthouse’s new Tools for Living Store located in its headquarters building at 1850 W. Roosevelt Road in Chicago.  Opened in April, 2010, the store is especially designed to meet the needs of consumers who are blind or visually impaired.  It is believed to be among the first of its kind in the nation.

“While we hope everyone can visit our main store, we realize that many individuals in the northern suburbs who are visually impaired would find it more convenient if we brought our products closer to them, so we do so,” noted Tom Perski, senior vice president of rehabilitation services at the Lighthouse.

Perski adds that everyone is invited to come to the road shows as staff members demonstrate and explain items that can help with school, work and daily life.

In addition, products are available for purchase online.  To view them, visit www.chicagolighthouse.org, and click shop online.  Larger items and technology will be delivered to the customer’s home by a Lighthouse representative with training and installation provided free of charge.

For further information on the Low Vision Products Shows, call 1-800-919-3375 or e-mail Tom.Perski@chicagolighthouse.org

The Chicago Lighthouse, whose credo is “Because there is still hope,” was founded in 1906, and is one of the nation’s most comprehensive social service agencies.  Housed under its roof are the oldest and most prominent vision care and rehabilitation program in the U.S.; a nationally acclaimed school for children with multi-disabilities; a world class employment services program; one of the few remaining clock manufacturing facilities in America; a VA program serving veterans in all 50 states; and a radio station.