Matt LaFratta shines his determined light on UB

Each day, UB rising senior Matthew LaFratta dedicates an hour to lifting spirits online. Living with the eye disorder cone-rod dystrophy, he spends this time reading social media posts on Instagram, leaving encouraging comments to spark joy in someone’s day.

It's a simple activity, but for LaFratta, it holds a lot of meaning.

“You never know how much something small is going to make someone's day,” says LaFratta, a health and human services major.

Diagnosed at the age of 3 with cone-rod dystrophy, a rare, inherited eye disorder that diminishes sight over time, LaFratta navigates a world predominantly designed for those with normal vision. His story offers a window into how students with impaired sight manage life at UB.

“I was a blind kid in a world full of people with vision,” he says.

He also inspires others. He is an activist in UB’s LGBTQ+ community, along with being a self-declared advocate for visually impaired students, sharing his story and working to ensure their voices and needs are heard. About 50 visually impaired students utilize services from Accessibility Resources each semester. 

LaFratta has prevailed — and at times excelled — in his academics. He is highly skilled at Braille. He is an aspiring author who keeps an extensive blog about what we can learn from his story. His strongest message: The greatest gift you can give someone is to believe in them and encourage them to follow their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Even without perfect vision, he embodies resilience and positivity, a message not lost on his professors.

“I saw firsthand how quickly and adeptly Mattie rose to meet new challenges,” says Donald Cross, visiting assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Literature, who taught LaFratta in a seminar that helps students transition to the demands of university life.

“Not only did he submit every assignment on time, Mattie submitted a series of assignments nearly a month early to focus more fully on his final papers and exams.

“While most students are rather shy during class discussions, Mattie never hesitated, creating an inviting and inclusive space for the class at large, which prompted other students to speak up in turn,” says Cross.

“Mattie’s work ethic, positivity and general enthusiasm make it easy to forget the obstacles and provide a model for other students — and faculty — to follow.”

LaFratta found guidance under Cross, who inspired him to seize new experiences.

“He inspired me to keep going and try new things around campus, allowing me to be more comfortable,” LaFratta says.

Graduating from Depew High School with honors, LaFratta was accepted into every university he applied to, ultimately choosing UB, at least partially because it was close to home.

By the time LaFratta entered UB, his world was a blend of shadows and light, but his spirit remained undeterred. 

“People will judge you,” says LaFratta. “It’s up to you to make that decision for yourself, to step forward and say, ‘OK, I’m not gonna let something hold me back.’”

Defining LaFratta among UB undergraduates are his ever-present sunglasses — a necessity rain or shine. He carries himself with quiet confidence. His warm, friendly smile is as recognizable as his sunglasses. LaFratta’s work with the LGBTQ+ community — coordinating meetings, designing flyers and organizing events —
helps foster a more inclusive and welcoming campus community.

“Despite being visually impaired, I can say physical limitations are not barriers to making contributions to the community,” he says.

He steps up when LGBTQ+ students need help with organizational matters or event promotions. His efforts underscore the club’s belief that every contribution counts.

LaFratta is candid about his life at UB. Navigating the campus can be difficult. Course materials can be harder to access. And some faculty have been skeptical of his ability to keep up, much less excel. Despite these obstacles, LaFratta has consistently risen to the occasion.

“I ended up being one of the top students in those classes,” he says quietly. “Just because I can’t see doesn’t mean I can’t excel.”

Maneuvering the campus proved a different ballgame. Although he appreciates UB’s indoor pathways, especially during bad weather, he raises concerns about campus vehicular traffic. 

"Crossing roads can be challenging and dangerous,” he says.

He needs help when crossing streets. Yet LaFratta insists being visually impaired at UB is more than struggles. He leverages technology to his advantage. He orders food using a food-ordering app provided by UB.

“It's these day-to-day realities that can be the most challenging for visually impaired students,” LaFratta says. “The food-ordering app has definitely been a lifesaver, simplifying what could otherwise be a complex task.”

Socially, LaFratta appreciates UB’s diverse community.

“Making friends was challenging due to existing friend groups and difficulty in identifying other new students,” he says. “Yet, I carved out a small group of close friends.”

LaFratta’s personal life also took a heart-warming turn. He reconnected with an old elementary school friend while at UB, a bond that blossomed into a loving relationship. He enthusiastically talks about a young woman, his “fiancee,” who LaFratta only identifies as Sage.

“I found someone who’s going to love me for me, and not for what I have or what I can give,” he says.

Despite his challenges, LaFratta remains positive. As his vision fades, his resolve to show other visually impaired students that they, too, can thrive increases.

“I have to be grateful for what I do have until it’s gone,” LaFratta says with a touch more emotion than his usual calm delivery. “If I keep looking at ‘Oh, it might be gone soon,’ then I’m not going to have enjoyed the time I had it.”