Worthy Convos: Rod Nelson of Lighthouse for the Blind

Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth has empowered visually impaired children, youth, and adults in our community since the end of the Great Depression. Through quality programming and a multitude of resources, Lighthouse continues its 87-year mission to empower individuals to live a life of independence. Today, Lighthouse serves over 1,500 individuals and staff members, one of which is Rod Nelson, the new face of sales and business development for the organization, who’s proud to live in a community that helps its neighbors.

What’s your top goal in this first year?

To create and develop an awareness campaign of our mission, services, and capabilities. I want to focus on the products that we currently produce, as opposed to focusing on developing new products.

What does it mean to be a ‘socially entrepreneurial nonprofit’? 

I would say that although you may be a non-profit, there is still a responsibility to give back and be a thought leader and partner in the community. It’s imperative to be seen as a go-to for those in need. Making a positive impact on those we serve as well as the community around us.

How can someone better educate themselves on visual impairment? 

I would say it begins in the mind. First, imagine yourself as being visually impaired. Then, choose to seek out ways to understand the way of life of visually impaired people. When I began, we had training on understanding how the blind live and adapt. We were even taught certain words and phrases to not use when interacting with blind or visually impaired person. It gave me a much better perspective.

Tell us about the three programs of Lighthouse. 

Orientation and Mobility – training in the skills necessary to travel safely and independently using a mobility white cane, guide dog, and/or other navigation aids. This training includes instructions which will enable our clients to know where they are, learn where they wish to go, and plan on how to get there safely and independently. During the training, clients will undergo instruction in the following areas:

• Orientation & mobility assessments and training
• Public transportation training
• Navigation aids

Independent Living Training – teaching our clients the essentials to remain self-sufficient in their homes. This training helps clients regain confidence with everyday activities and teaches them skills that allow them to remain independent. Training may include:

• Beginners Braille classes
• Cooking without looking
• Home and personal organization
• Leisure and recreation activities
• Communication skills

Assistive Technology – helping people who are blind or visually impaired do things they may have thought they couldn’t do before. The Lighthouse provides assessment and training on these devices. Our Assistive Technology Specialist works with clients to determine what Assistive Technology is right for them. This includes keyboard navigation, basic computer knowledge, video magnifiers, basic skill with everyday software (word processing, email, internet, etc.) and more. Our program also includes:

Closed Circuit Television Loaner Program – numerous CCTVs are in circulation within the community for individuals who could not otherwise afford this device. CCTVs magnify text images, which allows the individual to read print.

• Keyboarding classes
• Smart phone training and tablet training
• Apps and other various technology instruction
• Individualized technology consultations and training

rthy Convos

What do you love about Fort Worth?

Easy. The people and the culture. One of the reasons I accepted this role was due to how willing the people of Fort Worth are to help others. For a city of almost 900,000 people, it feels like a small town, and I love that.

Although she prefers burnt orange to purple, Hannah Bush is happy to call Fort Worth her new home. She began freelance writing a few years ago to break up the monotony of her 9 to 5, and to prove to her parents that she’s making good use of her journalism degree. When she’s not hanging out with her cat, Hannah can likely be found on a patio with her husband, talking about her cat.