Deanna sitting in chair and smiling with Mambo sitting next to her on the floor

January 17, 2023

Meet Deanna Lewis, a Bindery Associate at Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired. Deanna started her career as the organization’s front desk receptionist in 2013. Currently, she is responsible for assembling books for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), where she ensures that pages are in numerical order and there aren’t any duplicates. Prior to joining our team, Deanna worked as a licensed massage therapist at local salons and chiropractor offices. She takes pride in her work and finds it very satisfying.

“I like the satisfaction of knowing that I put together books that people with blindness or low vision can enjoy,” Deanna said.

Deanna was born legally blind, and her vision has gradually decreased over time. She underwent several surgeries for glaucoma and received corneal transplants to preserve vision in her left eye. To travel safely in her daily life, Deanna receives support from her loyal guide dog, Mambo. She prefers using a guide dog instead of a white cane because she can travel to places quicker and move more freely. You can read more about Mambo’s journey as a guide dog by clicking here.

A leader in advocating for individuals with blindness or low vision, Deanna served as the vice president and secretary for the National Federation of the Blind’s local chapter. She also served as the president of the Ohio Association of Guide Dog Users and secretary for Guide Dogs for the Blind’s Alumni Board. When Deanna isn’t volunteering for those organizations, you can find her encouraging people with blindness or low vision to have confidence and a positive attitude when taking on new challenges.

“I think it’s important to have confidence and believe that you are capable of doing more than you might think you can do,” Deanna said.

In her spare time, Deanna enjoys reading, baking, watching movies, listening to music, traveling, volunteering, bowling, going to the zoo and pet-sitting. She taught herself how to make quilts by hand and she enjoys giving them to friends and family. When you talk with Deanna, you discover her passion for animals. In fact, she has an array of pets around her home including three cats, four rats, her retired guide dog Pascal and, of course, Mambo.

“I work with a lot of great people at Clovernook Center and I enjoy the friendly atmosphere,” Deanna said. From everyone at Clovernook Center – We’re happy to have you here too, Deanna!

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