Special to the Herald
Lighthouse Central Florida team member Benjamin Bossley recently received an internationally recognized industry award that recognizes young professionals for their contribution to helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired develop the skills they need to travel safely and independently. Bossley was nominated for the Citation of Excellence for Direct Service award, which was presented by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) Orientation and Mobility, in recognition of exemplary contributions that included:
• Developing a new Orientation and Mobility curriculum for Lighthouse Central Florida.
• Advocating for improved infrastructure, specifically for the installation of truncated domes and Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) in Central Florida.
• Empowering Lighthouse clients by providing Orientation and Mobility training, fostering independence, and advocating for accessible environments that enhance their quality of life.
• Mentoring and educating a new generation of O&M specialists at Lighthouse .
“We are so proud of Benjamin and this incredible achievement,” said Cheryl Rayburn, Vice President of Program Services at Lighthouse Central Florida. “Our organization’s mission is not merely a statement – it's a commitment to creating a brighter, more inclusive future for individuals with vision loss, and Benjamin goes above and beyond to make that happen every day.”
Added Bossley “My work with the blind and visually impaired is more than just a career, it’s a personal journey rooted in my experiences growing up with a sibling with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), whose life was changed as the result of access to specialized services. That ignited a passion in me – and I wanted to do everything in my power to advocate for those navigating similar challenges.”
To learn more about the programs and services offered by Lighthouse Central Florida, including how to get involved, visit www.LighthouseCFL.org
