Miami Lighthouse for the Blind


	Upcoming Events
	Comedy Night in the Garden – February 1, 2011 McCrea Volunteer Luncheon – February 14, 2011 Walk, Waggle and Stroll – March 6, 2011 Music Under the Stars: Bon Appetit Miami – April 27, 2011 YPOL Legislative Luncheon – June 27, 2011 White Cane Day – October 14, 2011 80th Anniversary Ruby Jubilee – November 12, 2011

FAQ

Did You Know…

48% of premature babies born between 20-24 weeks have a severe disability of which blindness and deafness are the most common. The Blind Babies Program teaches parents how to work with a blind infant/toddler in their own environment giving them an opportunity to discover the world as sighted children do. There are approximately 100 blind babies/families perennially in this program.
There are about 300 blind or severely visually impaired school-age children in Miami-Dade public schools. In the United States, only 10% of blind children are Braille literate. All of these children have the opportunity to learn and improve their functional skills and have fun at Miami Lighthouse Summer Camps
There are more than 67,000 blind and severely visually impaired adults in Miami-Dade County. Founded in 1931, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is the only area agency that provides total vision rehabilitation services to clients of all ages.
14% of seniors between the ages of 70 and 74 have severe vision loss resulting in partial or total blindness, and by the year 2020 this number is expected to almost double. Many of these seniors come to our facility to learn how to make the most of their remaining useful vision, to attend social group activities, and to learn how to function independently despite vision loss.

A blind person can do anything a sighted person does — they simply need to learn a different approach. For example, at the Lighthouse, a client can learn:

Computers: how to use accessible software, Email, Word, Excel and Internet Explorer.
Music: how to compose, arrange and produce music using state-of-the-art technology.
Mobility: how to travel independently using a white cane or service dog, use public transportation, maneuver in the home, on the streets and in public places.
Personal Management: how to groom, cook, sew, read books, and write checks and letters.
Fitness: how to maintain balance and good posture, exercise and build strength.

With a $5,300,000 annual budget, Miami Lighthouse serves nearly 1,500 blind and visually impaired client participants per month, and provides all services free of charge. While the Florida Division of Blind Services underwrites 20% of these expenses, the remaining 80% comes through contributions from individuals, corporations, and community and family foundations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although Blindness is a way of life for some, it remains a mystery to others. The best way gain insight is by asking questions.

When was Miami Lighthouse established?
Does Miami Lighthouse have more than one location?
Can people who are blind see?
What does it cost to receive services?
Is transportation provided?
Who qualifies for services?
Is Miami Lighthouse part of a national organization?
What is macular degeneration?
What is a cataract?
What is glaucoma?
What is diabetic retinopathy?

When was Miami Lighthouse established?

Miami Lighthouse was established in 1931 by Dolly Gamble, through the encouragement of blindness icon, Helen Keller.

Does Miami Lighthouse have more than one location?

No, our main facility is located at 601 SW 8th Avenue in Miami, Florida. There are other Lighthouse facilities nationwide, however unaffiliated with Miami Lighthouse.

Is Miami Lighthouse part of a national organization?

No, Miami Lighthouse is independent of other blindness organizations, although we do share information and network with other agencies. All the funds we receive are used exclusively for our organization.

What does it cost to receive services?

There is no charge to clients to receive services. There is a large selection of practical items that can assist with daily activities in our store, Solutions, which is open to clients and the general public. Prices vary depending on the product.

Is transportation provided?

Miami Lighthouse provides round-trip transportation from clients’ homes on 12-passenger vans with no charge to the clients. Trips vary depending on how many clients are on each van.

For satellite clients who are unable to arrange their own transportation, we will arrange round-trips through local, licensed school van services.

Most clients find that the most comfortable trip is achieved when they arrange their own transportation.

Who qualifies for services?

People who are blind or visually impaired and are legal residents of Miami-Dade or Monroe County, Florida qualify for free services. Services are also available to non-residents for a fee. Scholarships are sometimes available for those who cannot afford the services. Sometimes, it is difficult to determine the visual acuity of a child, so admission for children is determined case-by-case. Adults who are visually impaired are generally accepted if they have a visual impairment that results in a substantial impediment to his or her abilities to function independently or to become employed.

Can people who are blind see?

Yes. A very small percentage of people who are considered legally blind have no sight. Each individual is different based on his or her eye condition. Some individuals may see light, shadows or certain shapes. Others may have perfect central vision and no peripheral (side) vision or the reverse. Some individuals may see well indoors, but in extreme light or darkness, they have difficulty seeing.

What is macular degeneration?

*This is an eye disease that results in the loss of central vision due to damage to the macula. There are two forms of macular degeneration, wet and dry. Dry macular degeneration includes a gradual and spotty loss of detail in vision. Wet macular degeneration includes a sudden and severe loss of central vision. Macular degeneration is more prevalent generally among older Americans.

What is a cataract?

*A cataract is a clouding of the lens, which causes an individual to see through a haze. There is a loss of contrast and increased sensitivity to glare. The lens may be replaced by a plastic one through surgery.

What is glaucoma?

*Glaucoma is an eye disease related to high pressure inside the eye, which leads to damage of the optic nerve. This damage affects peripheral (side) vision. There is also a loss of contrast and an individual with glaucoma may have difficulty seeing in dark situations.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

*Diabetic retinopathy is caused by leaking blood vessels that damage the retina, which may lead to blurred vision and near vision distortion. This eye disease is one of the complications of advanced or long-term diabetes.

* This information is from Lighthouse International’s booklet, “Vision Loss is Not a Normal Part of Aging.”