The iPhone is one of the first devices ever in wide-spread use by the general population to have major benefits for blind people.  Its use provides an opportunity for blind people to participate on an equal footing with sighted peers in multiple ways.

Recognizing this, the Victoria Imperial Lions established the project in 2012 and continue to support and coordinate it.  With the support of then ZC Georgia Medwedrich (now PDG) the project was adopted by Zone 19-I-2 and has been supported by other clubs on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.  By the October 6 2015 the project resulted in donations of 27 new iPhones and 1 laptop computer, sponsored by 16 Lion and Lioness clubs.

Don Jones, Lions iPhone Project, and Lin McPhee, President Esquimalt Lions present an iPhone to Ruth Gibbs of Victoria BC, October 6 2015

The project involves sponsorship by Lions Clubs of a new unlocked iPhone for a blind applicant in their area.  To do this the individual Lions or Lioness Club (or more than one club working together) donate the cost of a new unlocked iPhone to the Canadian Federation of the Blind designated for a blind applicant.  The CFB then orders the iPhone from Apple Canada and when it arrives delivers it to the blind person and provides some initial orientation on how to use the device with VoiceOver.  The CFB also provides ongoing support to help blind users make the most of the device.

Lions and Lioness clubs who would like more information about this project are invited to click here  to view the Information for Lions Clubs and FAQ.

For a list of Recipients and Sponsors, click here