Tara A. Cortes, Phd, Rn, President And Ceo Of Lighthouse International Appointed To Executive Board Of The New York State Commission For The Blind And Visually Impaired
New York, NY - Tara A. Cortes, PhD, RN, President and CEO of Lighthouse International has been appointed by Governor Elliot Spitzer to the Executive Board of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. The 3 year appointment ends July 18th, 2010.
"As a leader in New York State and nationally since our founding 102 years ago we serve people who are blind and visually impaired. I am honored that I have been chosen to represent Lighthouse International to serve the people of the state", says Dr. Cortes.
Vision impairment is especially important as the state and the country face a vision loss epidemic. There are an estimated 76,723 people in New York State 40 years and older who are legally blind, and some 1.14 million people 45 and older who report some form of vision impairments. Furthermore, there are millions more visually impaired nationwide.
Part of Governor Spitzer's office, the board's charge is to identify problems and deficiencies in services and programs to blind and visually impaired persons, to plan and make recommendations to the director of the commission for the remedy of such problems and deficiencies, and to make recommendations for the development of programs and services for the blind and visually impaired. In addition, the board will make recommendations to improve the coordination of program and fiscal resources of state and local, public and private not-for-profit services for people with low vision.
The New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) provides vocational rehabilitation and other direct services to blind and visually impaired New York State residents, including children, adults, and elderly persons. One of CBVH's primary objectives is to assist consumers in achieving economic self-sufficiency and full integration into society.
Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and to providing critically needed health care services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives. For more information about vision loss, its causes and what you can do about it, contact Lighthouse International at (800) 829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org
For Further Information:
Leslie Gottlieb (212) 821-9551
Sue Greco (908) 276-4344