Disability has Met Its Match Thanks to the Naperville Noon Lions Club
More lives of people with disabilities will be changed thanks in part to a recent "donation challenge match" from the Naperville Noon Lions Club to Donka, Inc., a local non-profit that provides computer training and job readiness services to persons with physical, visual and limited learning disabilities. The Lions are helping kick off this holiday season by matching donations made to Donka now through December 1, which is #GivingTuesday.
Gifts to Donka help train people with physical, visual and low-incidence learning disabilities: people like James Grubbs. Six year ago, James, an avid motorcyclist, went to his eye doctor to be fitted for prescription goggles. While being examined, his doctor recommended Lasix surgery, which would eliminate his need for those goggles; and, so, James scheduled the procedure.
During the surgery, James' optic nerve was damaged, causing permanent blindness and taking away his livelihood as a trucker, as well as his joy of riding his motorcycle. But James has a survivor's spirit and has taken strides to reclaim his life.
After completing training at the Chicago Lighthouse to learning daily living skills, James' rehabilitation counselor recommended he enroll in Donka's assistive technology program to advance his computer skills. James plans to return to work in the vending industry and is currently learning how to use JAWS (a sophisticated screen-reader application) to learn Microsoft Office, with an emphasis on Excel - important for his new career in vending.
"My instructor, Ann (who has been blind since birth), has been great! I am typing more words per minute now and feeling more confident with Excel. And, I am finding myself reading more for enjoyment than I did before I became blind. I am glad I came to Donka!" - James Grubb will graduate from Donka in December, 2015.
For no or low cost, Donka students receive 50-100 hours of 1:1 or 2:1 assistive technology instruction using a customized curriculum. This service is unique to Donka and sets them apart from other assistive technology training programs.
Donka specializes in training adults and children with disabilities to use special adaptive equipment and software - known as assistive technology - to operate a computer independently. Through their unique training model, individuals gain skills for working, going to school and enriching their lives through social interaction. Donka is the only nonprofit organization in their service area - DuPage, Kane and southwestern Cook counties - offering custom training via a low student-to-teacher approach (1:1 or 2:1) for each individual.
• All donations made to Donka now through December 1st - either online or via a check - will be matched up to $5,000, thanks to the Naperville Noon Lions Club.
To make a gift on-line to Donka, please visit our website at www.DonkaInc.org/donate, or send your gift to Donka, Inc. 400 N County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187.
The Lions Clubs International holds a special connection to the blind and visually impaired. In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." From this time, Lions clubs have been actively involved in service to the blind and visually impaired.
In addition to sight programs, Lions Clubs International is committed to providing services for youth. Lions clubs also work to improve the environment, build homes for the disabled, support diabetes education, conduct hearing programs and, through their foundation, provide disaster relief around the world. Learn more about the Naperville Noon Lions Club by visiting their website at www.NapervilleNoonLions.org.
"Giving" can be more than a monetary donation. Donka is always looking for volunteers (no experience necessary). Another way to donate is with "social currency" by sharing our message with your friends. Visit our Facebook page to get started https://www.facebook.com/donkainc/.