New York City Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum Visits the Lighthouse
On July 31st, New York City Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum visited the Lighthouse today to take a tour of the facilities and to view firsthand the exceptional services provided by our staff. The Public Advocate's Office is a link between the city government and the residents of New York City. Part of Public Advocate Gotbaum's job is to ensure that government services and programs are effectively reaching the constituents for whom they are intended.
In addition to the tour, Dr. Cortes, CEO and President of Lighthouse International, discussed the Medicare Low-Vision Rehabilitation Demonstration Project for New York seniors experiencing vision loss. Rehabilitation services are now covered for eligible seniors through Medicare; however, since public awareness of these covered services is extremely low, the participation rate in the program is far below the level to reach all New Yorker seniors experiencing vision loss.
Public Advocate Gotbaum has offered the support of her office to help increase the knowledge about the Medicare Low Vision Demonstration Project. The Lighthouse Advocacy department will work with the Public Advocate's Office to expand the reach of the services so that all eligible seniors can get the assistance they need to maintain their quality of life and to remain independent.
Caption: Dr. Cortes escorts Public Advocate Gotbaum on a tour of the facilities at Lighthouse International's headquarters in Manhattan.
Caption: Public Advocate Gotbaum looks on as Lighthouse Director of Computer Training Programs, Glenda Such, demonstrates some of the assistive technologies that allow someone with impaired vision to use a computer and access the internet.
Caption: Director of Low Vision Programs, Dr. Bruce Rosenthal performs part of a low-vision exam for Public Advocate Gotbaum. Lighthouse International has been at the forefront in developing innovative ways to test for low-vision, many of which have become standard for the industry.
Photography by Dorothea Lombardo