Man, who went blind in Berlin, aids individuals in gaining autonomy in Florida
After serving as a Venezuelan diplomat, Jose Lopez Masso found himself in a new role as a blind man navigating life in Fort Lauderdale, USA. His journey began when he lost his sight due to 17 unsuccessful cornea transplant surgeries.
In the face of adversity, Lopez Masso turned to the Lighthouse of Broward, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting blind and visually impaired individuals. Initially, he was skeptical about their rehabilitation programs, but he soon found that they provided him with invaluable skills and resources.
The Lighthouse of Broward taught Lopez Masso how to use text-to-speech aids with a computer and an app on his phone to describe his surroundings. He also learned safety tips for navigating around the house, such as using long oven mitts and only using the first two burners on a stove.
In 2008, Lopez Masso was offered a consulting gig at the Lighthouse of Broward, teaching blind people how to use computers. His impressive work led to a full-time position, and he has been with the organisation ever since, rising to the position of vice president of Public Affairs and Government Relations.
Lopez Masso's impact at the Lighthouse of Broward has been significant. Under his leadership, the budget has quadrupled, and the endowment has grown from $4.1 million to $18 million. He oversees a grant writer, a marketing consultant, and visual communications at the organisation.
Lopez Masso's story is one of resilience and transformation. He went from being a Venezuelan diplomat stationed in Germany to a blind man adapting to life in a new country. Despite his challenges, he has continued to surprise others with his capabilities, such as opening car doors, going on cruises, scuba diving, and attending country concerts.
In 2001, Lopez Masso was paired with a guide dog named Louis, who has been by his side ever since. He was also laid off from his diplomatic position while on medical leave and has since worked at the Lighthouse of Broward, fundraising and teaching others who went blind later in life.
Lopez Masso's journey is an inspiration to many, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome significant challenges and make a positive impact on the lives of others. He continues to be a beacon of hope and resilience for those facing visual impairments, proving that with determination and the right resources, anything is possible.
- Lopez Masso, in his pursuit of self-development, discovered a new passion for technology and its role in health-and-wellness, particularly for the blind and visually impaired.
- Additionally, his experience has expanded beyond just personal growth; Lopez Masso now oversees various roles, including grant writers and visual communication professionals, in his career development at the Lighthouse of Broward.
- Furthermore, Lopez Masso's journey has underscored the importance of education and self-development, as he has adapted to his new life using his knowledge as a former diplomat to advocate for mental health, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition for visually impaired individuals.
- Lastly, Lopez Masso's influence extends beyond fostering his own personal growth; through his work in science and education, he is paving the way for a healthier, more inclusive society for others facing similar challenges.
