Chicago Lighthouse and Hadley Launch Video Initiative to Support Older Adults with Vision Loss

The Chicago Lighthouse and Hadley have joined forces on a 3-year project designed to provide both practical and emotional support to older adults experiencing vision loss.

Funded through a gift from the Forsythe Family Foundation, the collaboration will produce two complementary video series:

• Adjusting and Coping Together – focusing on resilience, emotional well-being, and fostering social connections

• Adjusting to Vision Loss: Assistive Technology – highlighting cutting-edge tools and strategies to help individuals maintain independence in daily life

The series will be free and accessible worldwide, offering resources to millions adapting to vision loss. A preview of Adjusting and Coping Together, featuring a moving personal story of one woman’s journey with vision loss, is now available here.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 7 million Americans live with blindness or uncorrectable vision loss, and one in 10 adults is at high risk due to conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Vision loss often leads to anxiety, depression, and social isolation—a recent CDC study found that one in four adults with vision loss reported anxiety or depression.

“This partnership allows us to combine The Chicago Lighthouse’s clinical knowledge and technology resources with Hadley’s national reach and engaging content,” said Johnjoe Farragher, Hadley President and CEO. “Together, we can empower older adults everywhere to adapt and thrive as they navigate vision loss.”

“Assistive technology can be life-changing, but only if people know it exists and understand how to use it,” added Janet P. Szlyk, PhD, President and CEO of The Chicago Lighthouse. “Through this collaboration, we’re ensuring that individuals can discover solutions that make everyday tasks not only possible, but empowering.”