From Client to Leader: Anne Ogden’s Journey of Adaptation, Technology, and Joy in the Kitchen

Raised on farmland in Pahokee, Florida, Anne grew up surrounded by horses, gardens, and a close-knit family deeply rooted in agriculture. Diagnosed at age seven with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that causes progressive vision loss, Anne learned early on that her world would look different. At the time, she didn’t know her vision wasn’t typical—she simply thought everyone saw the way she did.

As schoolyard games became more difficult, Anne gravitated toward the kitchen, where she found confidence, connection, and joy. Cooking alongside her grandmother, baking blueberry muffins, and delivering them to her many cousins helped shape a lifelong love for food. The kitchen became a place where she could succeed on her own terms.

Later, as her vision continued to decline, Anne faced another major turning point. She eventually became print-disabled and had to leave her job as a bookkeeper. While that loss could have closed doors, it instead redirected her path.

Today, Anne is a Technology Training Specialist at the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee, where she helps others who are blind or visually impaired learn how to use assistive technology to live more independently. Her work reflects her own lived experience—adapting tools, processes, and environments to meet changing needs.

Anne’s TODAY.com feature highlights how she continues to cook confidently using touch, smell, sound, and smart technology. From talking kitchen scales and voice-controlled ovens to Meta Glasses that help identify spices and ingredients, Anne shows how adaptive tools can make everyday activities accessible and enjoyable. Her guide dog, Angelo, helps her navigate daily life, guiding her safely through stores and public spaces.

In 2024, Anne also appeared in Cooking Without Looking, a video podcast that features blind and visually impaired cooks sharing their favorite recipes. She prepared a sheet-pan lemon garlic chicken, a method she loves for its simplicity and ease.

At the heart of her story is a clear message: adaptation is not extraordinary—it’s human.

“As I’ve lost more vision, I’ve had to adapt to every change,” Anne shared in the interview. “I want people to understand that I’m just like you.”

Reflecting on how the TODAY.com interview came about, Anne shared how meaningful the experience was for her:

“I am so incredibly honored to share that I was recently interviewed by Today.com for their food section! This wonderful opportunity actually blossomed from my previous interview with Eating Well magazine… It was a special moment for me to reflect on my path—from starting out as a client at the Lighthouse to now leading their Assistive Technology Training.”

She also spoke about the joy of discussing her guide dogs, her love of adaptive cooking, and the encouragement she received to share her journey more publicly.

Anne’s story is not just about cooking—it’s about confidence, resilience, and the power of access. From client to staff member, from learner to leader, she represents what’s possible when people are given the tools and support they need.

At the Lighthouse, stories like Anne’s inspire everything we do. We’re proud to see her work—and her passion—recognized on a national stage.