Independent Livelihood for the Visually Impaired

During days when people with full 20/20 vision are unable to perform their jobs and responsibilities perfectly, here are these people who lack vision but are able to live independently and that too by accomplishing tasks that the normal people do.  The Hatlen Center is one such organization for the Blind that works for teaching independence to the visually impaired and dependent people and help them get their own livelihood. 

Offering a sheltered life was very easy but making them independent and to win their own livelihood was a great challenge that Dr. Hatlen chose to take up and saw to it that in 1972, the first transition agency took birth which would give the visually impaired hands on experience so as to become independent in the fields they have chosen.  With a curriculum that would impart a gamut of “transition skills” the Hatlen Center went on to become the most sought after place for Education of Children and Youth with Visual Impairments.

With people hailing from all walks of life benefitting from the education that is imparted by the institute there are a number of subtends with unique perspectives leaving the Center with new hopes, ambitions and dreams.  Leesly Leon is one such student who can now not only cook for herself independently but also host a meal to her family and friends absolutely independently and safely too. “I enjoyed learning about public transportation and the latest advances in adaptive technology for the blind.  I am so grateful that I was allowed to be a part of this incredible program”, she says.

This is truly a matter that needs a standing ovation from all of us because what The Hatlen Center has taken up as a mission is praiseworthy and the people who are benefitting from it are also laudable for their steel like grit and perseverance and a strong desire to stand on their own feet financially.  Kudos to the organization and the students as well for the good work and hope it is a perennial service that will incessantly strive to light up the lives of the Blind.