Living the Lions Clubs’ charge

First Aid for the Blind offers life-changing skills

Kurt Deichmann, a member of the Westfield Lions Club, walks the talk of Lions Clubs International’s charge to be “Knights of the Blind.”

Not only does Deichmann regularly serve alongside his fellow Lions, but he does so while being 100 percent blind and running his own business. He started First Aid for the Blind (FAFTB) in 2023 to help those on a journey of vision loss to learn valuable individual living skills.

On March 6, Deichmann was the speaker at the Westfield Lions’ monthly “Program Night” to introduce his FAFTB efforts. FAFTB provides training and tools to help blind and visually impaired people learn to live life to the fullest. The training includes 25 lessons taught over Zoom by blind trainers who bring unparalleled compassion and knowledge to each session. The program also allows for a “training buddy,” usually a family member or friend, who can attend the lessons with the client to offer moral support and get a first-hand look at the new skills and adaptations that are possible for blind folks. The ultimate goal of FAFTB is to replace fear of the unknown with feelings of hope and confidence.

FAFTB-approved devices include an $800 iPhone with unique software, an Amazon Echo device, and a digital recorder. The devices FAFTB provides, along with the training fees, run $3,500. So far, the majority of his clients have been able to obtain grants for the training from the State of Indiana’s Vocational Rehabilitation department, meaning they have received FAFTB assistance without needing to front the cost.

Deichmann’s original goal when he started FAFTB was to help 10 clients during his first year. He ended up completing training for 50 clients located across Indiana. He is now looking to expand his service and impact further by developing a 501(c)(3) organization that will raise funds to provide scholarships that can help cover the costs of the training and the equipment.

Photo provided by Westfield Lions Club

Deichmann, who suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, has embraced the challenges of his blindness and found ways to utilize technology to significantly improve his quality of life. One of his favorite devices is the high-tech Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, which have built-in cameras and speakers and connect to the internet. The glasses can tell him what he is looking at and take pictures of the scene in front of him, while also telling him the weather forecast, the score of the Cubs game, and more.

In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions Clubs International to become “Knights of the Blind” – to assist those with vision-related issues and to help fund ways to eliminate the causes of blindness. Kurt Deichmann has risen to the challenge.

Deichmann is available to speak at events and programs to spread the word on FAFTB’s life-changing service. If your club or organization is interested in having him speak at one of your meetings, please contact him at admin@faftb.com or visit FAFTB’s website at faftb.com.