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 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.
