Forada Lions help purchase device for local blind student

• Forada Lions

Lily Hjelle is pictured with Forada Lions Club members Bob Steidl, Travis Lay and Tom Urman.

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The Forada Lions recently donated funds for the purchase of a “Trekker Breeze,” which is used as a tool for individuals who are blind or visually challenged.

Lily Hjelle, 10, who has been blind since birth, was the recipient of the funds to purchase the special piece of equipment. She is the daughter of Kala and Ryan Hjelle and is a 4th grader at Voyager Elementary School in Alexandria.

The Trekker Breeze is a mobile geo-positional satellite hand-held device that speaks information obtained from prepared and installed maps. It is able to give cardinal directions and distances to intersections with names of streets. It is also able to be taught new routes and can reverse these routes. The Trekker can be taught to recognize important landmarks for a specific area and individual.

Practice and training is needed and the Lions will provide this through orientation and mobility lessons, along with continuing to include the use of the white cane. Some individuals may choose to pursue the use of a dog guide.

For years, the Lions have had a mission of assisting individuals who have a visual challenge through support of leader dogs as well as many other related projects.

Tags: trekker breeze, life, forada, lions