Students from Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) elevated their most recent seasonal project to a whole new level, donating 143 pairs of eyeglasses to Caitlyn’s Vision, a nonprofit founded by Caitlyn Michiels. Her mission is to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and safety, as well as the critical need for children to have regular eye exams. This initiative highlights DDI’s consistent culture of giving and strong community support, which extends from its employees to the individuals it serves.
Caitlyn understands the challenges of vision impairment firsthand. At the age of eight, she was diagnosed with Bilateral Anterior Uveitis, a rare inflammatory condition affecting the front part of both eyes. It took multiple prescriptions and many months of doctor visits to find an effective treatment.
At only nine years old, Caitlyn asked her mother what happened to people with her disorder who lacked insurance for treatment. That pivotal moment marked the beginning of Caitlyn’s Vision. Her advocacy led to "Caitlyn's Law," which designates August as Children's Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month in Suffolk County and requires the Department of Health to distribute eye health information.
Recommended by one of DDI’s dedicated staff members, Caitlyn’s Vision was chosen as the recipient of the students’ community outreach project. The students immediately embraced the opportunity, eager to lend their support and learn how to maintain their own eye health.
“Students from DDI’s Children’s Residential Program (CRP) began their service project collecting gently used eyeglasses to give back to the community,” said Jackie Gorton, DDI’s Recreation Therapist. “As the students prepared the donation boxes, they practiced eye tests, chose their favorite eyeglass designs, and learned about our donation recipient, Caitlyn's Vision.”
A highlight for the students was meeting Caitlyn in person when she arrived to accept the donation. Their interaction reinforced the impact of their efforts and the value of community partnerships that DDI consistently nurtures.
“I am so grateful for this incredible donation. When I started Caitlyn’s Vision, I wanted to help children suffering from visual impairments, blindness, or chronic illnesses. I never expected that 143 pairs of glasses, donated by children living with their own challenges, would become such a powerful reminder of the strength and potential within every person,” said Caitlyn. “Their generosity and hard work prove that no matter how old you are, you can make a difference.”
Together with Caitlyn, DDI students are bringing hope and clarity to countless lives through the power of vision health, embodying DDI's core values of compassion and community support.