Bay Area nonprofit helps people who are blind, raise guide dogs

John Helzer, who lost most of his vision to diabetic retinopathy in 2018, has transformed his life through community support and training. After a layoff during the COVID-19 pandemic, he reached out to the state Department of Rehabilitation for assistance, which led him to Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco in 2024. This organization has been aiding the visually impaired community for over 120 years, and Helzer credits it with teaching him how to succeed despite his disability. He now raises guide dogs, including a puppy named Saffron, which he cares for until it is ready for formal training. Helzer advocates for workplace accommodations, asserting that many adjustments are minor yet impactful.

His experience emphasizes the importance of community and belonging for those with vision loss. With a strong belief in the potential of individuals with disabilities, he encourages others to seek opportunities. Helzer's journey serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience and purpose in the face of adversity.