Jude Johnson, Chairman of the Board of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., is pleased to welcome Matthew Janusauskas, American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)’s Chief Technology Officer, to the Board of Trustees.
“It is an honor to join The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Board of Trustees,” shares Matthew. “The organization’s commitment in making jobs accessible for employees who are blind and DeafBlind is very commendable, and I look forward to advancing and contributing to its work and advocacy in the areas of accessibility and inclusivity, alongside the other committed board members.”
More About Matthew Janusauskas
As the Chief Technology Officer for AFB, Matthew oversees the areas of information technology services, web and technical development. In addition, he also leads AFB Talent Lab, the organization’s new education experience that looks to close the accessibility skills gap, through hands-on accessibility and digital inclusion training, mentorship, and consulting services to computer science and design students, adults with disabilities, and corporate partners.
He also represents AFB in the Teach Access organization, leading a task force wherein various technology companies, higher education institutions, and disability advocacy organizations come together to drive the inclusion of accessibility in core computer science, design, human-centered interaction programs, and other key disciplines to close the accessibility and digital inclusion skills gap. He also serves as a member of the disability advisory board for the Verizon corporation.
Bringing Invaluable Experience
With over 20 years of experience working with mainstream and assistive technology, including leadership roles in accessibility and technical services, information technology, training, team management, and product and program management. His extensive technical background, strategic leadership, and communication abilities have allowed achievements such as integrating a number of international digital accessibility teams.
Matthew previously served as Product Portfolio Manager, working with multiple development and sales teams simultaneously to keep high-profile assistive technology products like the Victor Reader Stream, an accessible digital e-reader, in the market-leading position on a global level.
“Both as a leader in the blindness community, and an experienced national leader in digital inclusion and accessibility, Matthew is uniquely positioned to support our organizational goals, to create more high-quality accessible jobs for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities,” says George Abbott, President and CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
From the Board
“We are thrilled to welcome Matthew Janusauskas to our Board of Trustees. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc’s 10-year plan is to grow our lines of businesses, increase community awareness of what we do, position ourselves as the subject matter experts in blind accessible employment, expand our services to meet the ever-growing needs of the communities in which we serve, and most important to us, exponentially grow the job opportunities for people who are blind. We look forward to leveraging his expertise to realize our organizational goals,” states Jude Johnson, Lighthouse Board of Trustees Chair.
“I am incredibly excited to work with such a forward-thinking board, an outstanding Strategic Leadership Team, amazing Lighthouse employees locally and across the country, as well as with all of our partners and supporters,” says Matthew. “Together we will increase the number of diverse and meaningful employment opportunities, and empower individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives.”
More about the Board of Trustees
The Lighthouse Board of Trustees is well educated about the mission and activities of the Lighthouse. The Board has a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities. In addition, the Board also helps keep the organization strategically focused. Learn more about our board >>
We’re Leaders in Blind Employment – View Our Open Positions and Apply Today!
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. transforms the lives of people who are blind, Deafblind, and blind with other disabilities. We are leaders in blind employment. Through employment opportunities, we are a catalyst for empowerment. We foster self-confidence and instill a life changing affirmation that independence is possible. From our expertise in cutting-edge technology to our understanding of mobility, we help people who are blind, Deafblind, and blind with other disabilities live fulfilling lives.
