Lions DENN (Digital Equity Navigation Network)
The Lions DENN is the city’s first Assistive Technology Center of Excellence for individuals with vision loss.
The Lions DENN is a unique training center focusing on improving digital equity for those with vision loss and who otherwise have difficulty with access to technology.
Lions DENN (Digital Equity Navigation Network)
The Lions DENN is the city’s first Assistive Technology Center of Excellence for individuals with vision loss.
The Lions DENN is a unique training center focusing on improving digital equity for those with vision loss and who otherwise have difficulty with access to technology.
Meet the Team: Laurie Ledwell, Assistive Technology Specialist
Lions Services is proud to introduce Laurie Ledwell as our full-time Assistive Technology Specialist in the Lions DENN! Laurie’s journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, purpose, and the transformative power of technology.
Laurie graduated from UNC Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She began losing her sight due to glaucoma before entering college and experienced the challenges of navigating higher education as a visually impaired student during a time when assistive technology was limited or nonexistent. “It was an uphill battle,” she recalls, “going from having sight to losing it and attending college.”
In 1996–1997, Laurie completed a computer training program at Lions Services that opened the door to her first job in customer service at Alamo Car Rental, where she used ZoomText software to perform her work. Over the years, she continued building her tech skills, including learning to use an iPhone an experience that greatly improved her independence in daily life.
Laurie joined the Lions Services team in 2008, working in production and later as Canteen Manager. During this time, she began helping her coworkers who are blind or have low vision learn to use their phones and other devices. “Helping my coworkers learn how to use their cell phones gave me a passion to want to teach Assistive Technology,” Laurie says.
In May 2025, Laurie was promoted to her current full-time role Assistive Technology Specialist. She is currently enrolled in the Assistive Technology Instructor Training Courses through World Services for the Blind, with plans to pursue her CATIS certification (Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with Visual Impairments).
“I lived in an era without Assistive Technology, and now with it we can live more independent lives,” Laurie shares. “I can now use my smart phone and computer to do things independently and not have to depend on friends and family someone for assistance.”
Laurie brings not only technical knowledge but also lived experience, empathy, and a deep commitment to empowering others through technology. We are thrilled to have her leading the way in the Lions DENN!
Meet Erin, Lions Services’ FIRST Assistive Technology Specialist in the Lions DENN!
Erin was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma at just three months old and lost her sight before her second birthday. Erin received her Master’s degree in Rehab Counseling from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2012, she has served as a Certified Rehabilitation Vocational Counselor in Washington State and Texas working with clients with different disabilities including people who are blind and visually impaired. She also worked with Vocational Rehabilitation in North Carolina working with clients with different types of brain injuries.
In 2024, Erin joined Lions Services in production as a Machine Operator while facing an unexpected challenge: a personal battle with meningioma, a tumor that forms from the meninges, a membranous layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Erin’s condition pressed on the frontal lobes of the brain. Despite this, she demonstrated incredible resilience and determination, continuing her recovery while making a profound impact on our mission. Now, Erin has been promoted to our FIRST Assistive Technology Specialist!
“Through personal experience, I recognize the value in the use of Assistive Technology for people who are blind and visually impaired. It can open up so many doors for our community, creating independence and empowering us!”
Outside of work, Erin enjoys reading, listening to music, singing (she studied classical music), and playing the flute.
What we can do
- Employees will benefit from a comprehensive technology assessment including getting connected to broadband if needed, training in digital literacy skills and assistive technology, and access to hardware/software for continued learning, independent living and economic mobility. The model will use assistive technology subject matter experts, Lion’s Services employees through the Technology Ambassador Program, and community partnerships. The Center for Digital Equity, a local initiative focused on “Making Mecklenburg County the most digitally equitable community in America” will be a partner in this venture as well as E2D.
By 2025, the Lions DENN will serve the broader community offering one-on-one trainings for community members, education for community partners, special projects, and extended services for corporate and government partners.
Stay tuned to this page for updates!
For additional information, please contact: Dana Draa, Director of Outreach and Blind Services
Email: danad@lionsservices.org
If you would like to support the Lions DENN through a donation, please click the link below.
What we can do
- Employees will benefit from a comprehensive technology assessment including getting connected to broadband if needed, training in digital literacy skills and assistive technology, and access to hardware/software for continued learning, independent living and economic mobility. The model will use assistive technology subject matter experts, Lion’s Services employees through the Technology Ambassador Program, and community partnerships. The Center for Digital Equity, a local initiative focused on “Making Mecklenburg County the most digitally equitable community in America” will be a partner in this venture as well as E2D.
By 2025, the Lions DENN will serve the broader community offering one-on-one trainings for community members, education for community partners, special projects, and extended services for corporate and government partners.
Stay tuned to this page for updates!
For additional information, please contact: Dana Draa, Director of Outreach and Blind Services
Email: danad@lionsservices.org
If you would like to support the Lions DENN through a donation, please click the link below.
