Description

This presentation focused on Hadley resources focused on helping people live independently and improving their daily living skills.  We discussed Hadley’s history, recent research and testing, and best education practices for the visually impaired.  There was a great demo of Hadley’s website, which focused on how to engage resources for your blind and low vision consumers who need help. 

Founded in 1920, Hadley’s mission is to create personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive – at home, at work, and in their communities. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Hadley relies on contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund programs that are free to their clients.

Video

Presenter

Kirby Lindgren is the Director of Professional Outreach at the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired.  In this position, he develops win-win partnerships with Physicians and Professional Organizations focused on helping the Blind and Visually Impaired.  Before joining Hadley, Kirby spent ten years working at another non-profit organization focused on training adoptive and foster parents online.  Previously, he worked for Hewlett-Packard as an IT Consultant and has held other leadership positions focused on operations, education, and training.  Kirby holds a degree in Business with a focus on Computer Science and Education.

Ed Haines has been with Hadley for over 15 years. He has worked in several positions and currently serves as the Chief Program Officer.  Ed has enjoyed a 25-year career in the field of vision rehabilitation, working for both state and private agencies as an administrator, Vocational  Rehabilitation Counselor and Vision Rehabilitation Therapist.  He is a graduate of Western Michigan’s Blindness and Low Vision Studies Program and is a CVRT.