Charlotte Richardson is especially grateful to Braille Institute for the help her husband, Ken, received when he developed macular degeneration and began losing his vision. Though faced with failing eye sight after retirement, Ken decided to write a book on the history of Hughes Aircraft Company, and at that time he turned to Braille for help.
Charlotte and Ken both worked at Hughes. Charlotte was an administrator in Executive Education Programs, and Ken was President and COO. They are now retired and enjoying their travels around the world.
After Ken’s diagnosis, Braille Institute Low Vision Rehabilitation Consultants helped him access the special adaptive computer equipment he needed to research and write his book about his experience at Hughes during aerospace’s golden era. In gratitude for this help, both the Richardsons became dedicated and generous donors. Recently, however, Charlotte made a special gift of her own. “Braille Institute has been such a help to Ken,” Charlotte said. “I can’t think of another organization I’d rather support.” That’s why, when it came time for her required minimum distribution from her IRA, she decided to make it a direct gift to Braille Institute. “It’s such a wonderful way to transfer funds because it encourages people to use their IRA distributions to help others,” she said.
Charlotte designated her gift to update and expand the technology program at Braille Institute. “I am excited about all the technological advances that are bringing help, hope, and some comfort to those who are visually impaired. To be able to strengthen Braille Institute’s technology education program is very satisfying to me.”
