At Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, we believe that vision loss is not the end of a story, it’s simply a new chapter. This month, we sat down with David, a CLB consumer from Montgomery County, Maryland, to hear about his journey with low vision and how CLB’s programs have helped him reclaim his independence, build confidence, and open doors he never expected.
David’s story is a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when people have access to the right support, resources, and community.
How did you find CLB?
Like many people navigating vision loss for the first time, David wasn’t sure where to turn. After connecting with the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), his counselor Judy pointed him toward CLB along with other community resources. “She provided me CLB’s number, amongst other contacts, and from there I contacted CLB,” David recalls. That first phone call would prove to be a turning point.
How has CLB made a difference?
When asked how CLB has benefited him, David doesn’t hesitate: “Tremendously.”
Through CLB’s comprehensive services — including low vision support and independent living skills training — David has discovered that his vision condition doesn’t define what he can or cannot do. “I learned to do things on my own and learned that just being visually impaired does not stop me from anything,” he says.
Beyond the practical skills, CLB helped David find a broader sense of belonging. “CLB gave me a great deal of confidence and opened up different avenues for me with organizations and to be more social.” Connecting with organizations like the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has helped David build a support network of peers who understand his experience firsthand.
Learning Braille — a new way to see
One of the most meaningful parts of David’s journey right now is learning Braille. For David, it’s about more than reading. It’s about access, awareness, and empowerment.
“Right now, I am learning Braille, which is another way for me to see,” he explains. “I want to learn it as more education about the Braille system, the alphabet, so if I encounter a Braille letter, I will know the different sequences of the letters.”
That curiosity and drive to keep learning is something CLB sees in so many of the people we serve. Braille opens up a tactile connection to the written word — from labels on medications, elevator buttons, and menus to books and personal notes — and David is embracing it fully.
“CLB gave me a great deal of confidence and opened up different avenues for me.”
— David, CLB consumer, Montgomery County, MD
Would you recommend CLB?
David’s answer is immediate and warm: “Oh yes; I would sure.” It’s the kind of endorsement that speaks volumes — not just about the programs CLB offers, but about the relationships, the encouragement, and the belief in every person’s potential that is at the heart of everything we do.
David’s journey reflects the mission CLB has pursued for over a century: helping people who are blind or have low vision live full, independent, and connected lives. Whether through low vision rehabilitation, assistive technology training, Braille instruction, or independent living skills, CLB meets people where they are — and walks with them toward where they want to go.
Get Connected to CLB
If you or someone you know is navigating vision loss and looking for support, we encourage you to reach out. Like David, you may find that the next chapter is one full of possibility.
Learn more about CLB’s programs and services here or contact us to get started.