A Fidelco Guide Dogs client since 2001 and now partnered with her fourth Fidelco guide dog, “Grayson,” Lynn was nearly 40 years old when she lost her vision. While busy raising her family and then helping to care for her grandchildren, Lynn temporarily put her goals of obtaining a college degree and returning to work on hold.
Listen to her story here:
About Lynn Merrill
A Fidelco Guide Dogs client since 2001 and now partnered with her fourth Fidelco guide dog, “Grayson,” Lynn was nearly 40 years old when she lost her vision. While busy raising her family and then helping to care for her grandchildren, Lynn temporarily put her goals of obtaining a college degree and returning to work on hold.
While continuing to help care for her grandchildren, Lynn enrolled at the University of Maine at Augusta in 2013. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Public Administration in 2018 and was selected as the student speaker for her commencement ceremony.
In 2014, Lynn was determined to accomplish another goal: climbing the arduous Mount Katahdin. Along with her Fidelco guide dog, “Libby,” her son, and Fidelco Guide Dogs trainer, Chris Eastwood, Lynn made the climb to Maine’s highest peak.
Lynn continues to dedicate much of her time to her “grandma duties” and as an advocate for people who are visually impaired. For many years, she was an officer for the national organization, Guide Dog Users, Inc., and is still active, serving on their Advocacy Committee. On the state level, she is Vice President of the American Council of the Blind of Maine and of the Pine Tree Guide Dog Users organization (a state affiliate of Guide Dog Users, Inc.). Lynn is currently participating in litigation enabling Maine residents who are visually impaired (and others with print challenges) to receive accessible absentee ballots so that they can vote privately and independently without needing the help of others.
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