The Morse Lecture in Advocacy was established in 2022 to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, raised awareness of low vision, addressed barriers, and are working to make a world where no person is limited by their sensory capacity. The Lecture is named for Dr. Alan R. Morse, Lighthouse Guild’s President Emeritus, for his years of dedicated leadership, tireless advocacy, and efforts in research, including functional implications of vision loss, communication issues in health care delivery, patient perspectives and engagement in treatment, and behavioral determinants of adherence.
Hoby Wedler, PhD, is the recipient of the 2023 Dr. Alan R. Morse Lecture in Advocacy for People with Vision Impairment for his outstanding work enhancing employment and education opportunities for people with visual impairments and other disabilities. As a chemist, an entrepreneur, and a sensory expert, he has actively paved the way for others to join him in his quest to follow their passions regardless of the challenges that lie ahead. Dr. Wedler has been blind since birth. In 2011, he founded a non-profit organization to lead annual chemistry camps for blind and visually impaired students throughout North America. That same year, he opened Tasting in the Dark, a truly blindfolded wine experience, in collaboration with Francis Ford Coppola. Dr. Wedler is a passionate educator and advocate for inclusivity and business, inspiring a wide audience through lectures, workshops, and mentorship programs. A co-founder of four companies, Dr. Wedler views entrepreneurship as a means to address challenges, solve complex problems, and improve the world.
Past Pisart Award Recipients
2023
The Honorable, Carolyn B. Maloney
2022
Haben Girma, Human Rights Lawyer and Disability Justice Advocate
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Lighthouse Guild is dedicated to providing exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals.
