IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2011
Contact:
Dominic Calabrese
312/997-3662
dominic.calabrese@chicagolighthouse.org

Chicago Lighthouse Store Helps Northwest Suburban Resident Cope with Vision Loss

CHICAGO – When John M. Rotan, a resident of the northwest suburbs experiencing vision loss, came to The Chicago Lighthouse’s Tools for Living Store, he wasn’t prepared for the technological innovations designed to make life easier for him and others.

“It is absolutely amazing to see the wide assortment of products, including software and small print magnifiers, that are now available,” he smiles. 

A retired architect, Rotan, 73, had been first referred to the Lighthouse from his physician.  “He told me how well respected the agency was in terms of providing vision care and that it had recently opened a comprehensive store,” Rotan recalled.  “So I wanted to give it a try.”

Opened in April, 2010, the store is widely acclaimed as the only one of its kind in the nation that tends to the special needs of shoppers who are blind or visually impaired.

Products showcase state of the art technology and include CCTVs, talking clocks and watches, large button phones and cell phones, portable reading devices, accessible software, voice activated GPS and many more items.

Rotan was referred to Tom Perski, senior vice president of rehabilitation services who oversees the store and its adaptive technology program.  Perski has juvenile macular degeneration himself and is able to relate to his customers.

“One of the big pluses of our store is the individual attention we give each customer like Mr. Rotan,” Perski says, noting that either he or his staff will meet with every patron, offer product demonstrations, answer all their questions and make sure that he or she will leave completely satisfied with their purchase.

For Rotan, Perski recommended a Smaertview  360 video magnifier which would assist with reading everyday items.  The item was installed in Rotan’s home by Eric Cromey, a staff member of the adaptive technology program. 

“I am impressed by the amount of magnification that was available through this device and how it helped me,” he said.

Rotan said his experiences at the store gave him a new measure of self confidence and appreciation.

“I learned that vision loss doesn’t mean that you still can’t have a rewarding, productive life,” he observed.  “I would urge others in a similar situation to take advantage of what places like the Tools for Living Store can offer.

Products are also 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 Road Show in Schaumburg or future 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.