A corporate member helps reach young people with vision impairments.

By Julie Saetre

In Florida, U.S., the Fort Myers Metro-McGregor Kiwanis Club has long supported Lighthouse of Southwest Florida, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people of all ages who live with visual impairments or blindness. In fact, Lighthouse is a corporate member of the club — which means that a representative of its choice attends club meetings, service projects and fundraisers. 

“We have been partners with Lighthouse for many years,” says Rachel Toomey, public relations chair for the Fort Myers Metro-McGregor club. “One of our club members, Kate Smiley, has been inspired through that work to also serve on the Lighthouse board of directors.” 

This year, Smiley led a club effort to provide Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which incorporate artificial-intelligence (AI) technology, to the young people whom Lighthouse serves. Initial users of these high-tech accessories were consumers who embraced the opportunity to take photos, record videos and stream music without a cell phone in hand. But it quickly became apparent that the glasses — equipped with a built-in camera and multi-microphone array — could be even more impactful for people with visual impairments or blindness. 

The AI component of the glasses can describe surroundings, read text, identify objects and more. As a result, the glasses can help a visually impaired or blind person read mail and email, menus, clothing labels, expiration dates and other components of daily life that others take for granted. The glasses also can identify objects, describe surroundings, help users navigate a room and more. 

Seeing possibilities
As the prices of Ray-Ban Meta glasses became more affordable — core entry-level versions now start around US$299 — Smiley saw possibilities for a collaboration. A $3,5000 grant from the Florida Kiwanis Foundation enabled the Fort Myers Metro-McGregor club to purchase 10 Ray-Ban Meta glasses. 

Teens at Lighthouse who use the glasses report that they have become more connected to family and friends — in part because the technology helps them take and post photos and videos for social media and communicate more easily through phone calls. 

“One teen previously could only read one side of a book because of her low vision,” explains Toomey. “But with the glasses, she can now read independently.” 

With a simple voice command, young people using the glasses also have the opportunity to connect with a live volunteer 24/7 through the Be My Eyes app. Calls through the app are unlimited, anonymous and available in over 150 countries, offering more personalization when AI isn’t sufficient. 

After Lighthouse distributed the glasses, an organization representative visited the Kiwanis club to share recipients’ reactions via a video and describe the immediate impact. Some club members were so inspired that they donated personal funds for the purchase of additional glasses. 

“This agency doesn’t just scratch the surface when it comes to helping those that are visually impaired and/or blind,” says Kim Berghs, secretary/treasurer of the Metro-McGregor club. “They’re always finding new and innovative ways to help this population. It’s been a wonderful partnership, and we love having the agency as a corporate member of our club.” 

About corporate membership
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