What's New Archive
December is Vision Technology Month!
Every day, individuals with visual impairments are using various forms of technology to live safer, healthier, and more productive lives. Whether it be a digital magnifier, a visually accessible cell phone, or a CCTV, these products can become essential parts of people's lives. And advances in technology aren't only helping the visually impaired; it is also assisting those who serve the visually impaired community. As a part of Vision Technology Month, Lighthouse International invites you to explore the following pages and articles:
The Difference Between Assistive and Accessible Technology
Lighthouse International Brings State-Of-The-Art Technology To Canada
Nemo Pocket Sized Digital Magnifier
November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 20 million Americans are currently living with diabetes. The disease, which can lead to a number of other health concerns including Diabetes-Related Eye Disease is the leading cause of new cases of legal blindness among adults 20-74 years of age in the industrialized world.
In response to this growing epidemic, Lighthouse International is launching two new initiatives; The Diabetes Center and The Geriatric Center of Excellence.
To learn more about eye diseases connected to diabetes, check out the following resources:
Lighthouse Rings in World Sight Day at the New York Stock Exchange
Dr. Tara Cortes, President and CEO of Lighthouse International, joined Lighthouse staff and board members to ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on October, 31st. The event, which was held in recognition of World Sight Day which was marked earlier this month, also highlighted the Lighthouse's observance of Diabetic Eye Disease Month, which begins on November 1st. To read more Click Here.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
In 1945 Congress enacted Public Law 176, which stipulated that the first week of October was to be "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1988, the name was changed to National Disability Awareness Month, a name and message that lasts on today.
In celebration of this important theme, Lighthouse International invites you to explore our Career Services , which provides individuals who are visually impaired everything from job training and placement assistance to GED preparation and more.
Redesign of the $5 Bill Includes Both Security and Visual Accessibility Features
In the first ever unveiling of a new currency redesign done completely online, the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing recently released the details of the new $5 bill, which should be in circulation by early 2008. The new design, similar to the overhaul of the $50, $20, and $10 bills, incorporates numerous security features intended to make the passing of counterfeit bills exponentially harder.
But along with the security features that include new watermarks, ink bleeds, and design details, the bill also includes a feature meant to make the bill more distinguishable to individuals with visual impairments. From the Bureau's September 20 press release:
"The large easy-to-read number "5" in the lower right corner on the back of the bill, which helps those with visual impairments to distinguish the denomination, has been enlarged in the new $5 bill design, and is printed in high-contrast purple ink."
In terms of visual accessibility, however, the feature may not be as effective as it could be.
"The United States currency presents a major problem for those who are blind or partially sighted. Many people fold bills differently or put them in separate places to distinguish the different denominations. While we applaud the government's efforts to rectify the situation, much more still needs to be done in terms of visual accessibility," states Lighthouse International President and CEO Dr. Tara A. Cortes. "Individuals with severely impaired vision will still not be able to accurately identify these new bills. This is a step in the right direction, but there is still much more that could be done. Variations in texture, size, and shape would all greatly improve the ease with which the millions of people living with a visual impairment in the United States could complete their financial transactions."
To find out more about the features of the new $5 bill, go to www.moneyfactory.gov
September is AMD Month
In collaboration with AMD Alliance International, Lighthouse International recognizes the week of September 23, 2007 as AMD Week, a week in which organizations around the world work to raise awareness of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. To learn more about AMD, click here.
September is Children's Eye Health Month
According to the World Health Organization, every minute a child somewhere in the world goes blind. September ushers in the fall and the inevitable back-to-school season, so what better time to focus on the wellbeing of children's eyesight. In honor of Children's Eye Health Month, be sure to check out the following:
- Pediatric Eye Disorders
- Children's Vision: Prevention
- Children's Vision: Education
- The Child Development Center
August is Cataract Awareness Month
According to Prevent Blindness America (1998-2000), cataracts are a leading cause of blindness among adults in the U.S., accounting for 1 out of 7 cases of blindness in people age 45 and older. In honor of Cataract Awareness Month, be sure to educate yourself about this prevalent cause of vision problems. Visit our cataract section to view a vision simulation and get the most up-to-date information on what a cataract is, how it's treated, and answers to the most common questions regarding cataract surgery.
July is Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Awareness Month!
As the summer heats up and we all begin spending more and more time outdoors, protecting your eyes from sun damage is more important than ever. July is Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Awareness Month, and to check out the latest tips on how to protect yourself, take a look at our Summer Eye Safety Tips. And don't forget to visit our store for the latest in protective eye wear.
June is Vision Research Month!
Every day, all over the country, thousands of scientists, doctors, and organizations conduct extensive research on a variety of subjects. This month, Lighthouse International would like to highlight the individuals and advancements in the vision research field by taking a look at recent advancements, current studies, and more. Our own Arlene Gordon Research Institute is not only currently conducting its own cutting edge research, but is also recruiting participants. To learn more, click here.