FAQ
Did
You Know…
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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.
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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
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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.
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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:
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Computers: how to use accessible software,
Email, Word, Excel and Internet Explorer.
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Music: how to compose, arrange and produce
music using state-of-the-art technology.
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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.
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Personal Management: how to groom, cook,
sew, read books, and write checks and letters.
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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.”
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