Chicago Lighthouse President and CEO Dr. Janet Szlyk Honored by the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois has honored Chicago Lighthouse President and CEO Dr. Janet P. Szlyk with its prestigious Eileen O’Brien Memorial Award, which recognizes professional dedication and service helping people who are blind.

Dr. Szlyk is only the fourth person to receive this award since it was created in 1993. In presenting the award, Patti Chang, Treasurer for the NFBI, praised Dr. Szlyk for her commitment to developing job opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired through our call centers and Employment Services Program.

“Dr. Szlyk genuinely believes in the capacity of people who are blind and works to foster independence for people with all types of disabilities,” Ms. Chang said during the virtual presentation ceremony.

The Chicago Lighthouse has partnered with the NFBI on several initiatives, including hosting the NFBI’s free Chicago Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) Academy, which helps students who are blind or visually impaired learn Braille.

Honors such as receiving the Eileen O’Brien Memorial Award are a pleasant reminder of how The Chicago Lighthouse improves the lives of people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled, and Veterans, not only in Chicago but everywhere.

Click on the video above to see highlights from the award ceremony and learn more about Dr. Szlyk’s incredible work on behalf of the blind community.