By BRIDGET COOK
THE theme for the cover of this year’s White and Yellow Pages was ’Inspiring Others to Achieve’ and that is exactly what Alan Lachman has been working towards for more than four years.
That is why the Pearcedale father has been chosen to grace the cover of the Cranbourne Pakenham book, which has started to be distributed across Casey.
The theme aimed to recognise the unsung heroes who selflessly help others achieve goals and are an inspiration to their local community.
Mr Lachman is helping blind and vision-impaired kids get the best start in life, with the establishment of the Insight Education Centre for the Blind and Vision Impaired in Berwick.
He moved to Melbourne from Italy in 2007, with his wife and three daughters, so his youngest daughter Francesca could attend the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB).
Just one year later, the school announced it was closing, leaving no specialised school for the blind and vision impaired in Victoria.
This led Mr Lachman to take matters into his own hands and opened the Insight Education Centre in 2012.
The following year, he opened a school and established a life education program for the vision impaired, offering a comprehensive curriculum in communication, independent living and social interaction.
A permanent Insight Education Centre opened at Monash University, Berwick, last month, while satellite and mobile classrooms will make the program accessible to people across Victoria.
Mr Lachman said it was great to help children get the best start in life.
“It’s great to see students getting involved and gaining the independence and skills they need to move into mainstream education,” he said.
White Pages product manager Sarah Simpson said this year’s White and Yellow Pages covers would celebrate humble community members who don’t always get the recognition they deserve.
“There are thousands of Australians going the extra mile to help other people succeed and never ask for thanks or recognition,” she said.
“We wanted to honour these local legends who sometimes hide in the shadows and elevate them to a place where everyone can celebrate them.
“This year we are thrilled to recognise Alan’s efforts inspiring his community.”
