Press Releases

 Events by Year: 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2008 2007

2020

February 24, 2020 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE AND BACOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE PRESENT “LIVING WITH LOW VISION” SEMINAR
Presented by Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI) and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, this seminar is being presented free of charge to counsel local residents and the families of those who have experienced significant loss of vision.

February 20, 2020 - LEGISLATURE’S BUDGET CUT THREATENS TO DENY EYE CARE TO THOUSANDS OF INDIGENT FLORIDA SCHOOL CHILDREN
Thousands of indigent Florida school children will lose the opportunity for free eye care, unless the Legislature restores a $250,000 budget cut that threatens the outreach of the Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program.

2019

December 04, 2019 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND RECEIVES FLORIDA BLUE FOUNDATION GRANT TO PROVIDE EYE CARE SERVICES FOR SENIORS
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired announced it is the recipient of the Florida Blue Foundation’s 2019 Innovation in Health Care System grant. The four-year, $400,000 grant, which commences in January, will provide low vision programs to seniors (55+) in vulnerable, low-income neighborhoods in Miami.

November 22, 2019 - BEAUTY FOR THE BLIND
Imagine being blind, and styling your own hair, doing your own makeup or choosing a coordinated clothing outfit. A team of international beauty experts will join forces to teach “Beauty for the Blind,” a presentation for participants in Miami Lighthouse for the Blind’s Senior Group and Health Activities (SGA) programs.

OCTOBER 29, 2019 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE HOSTS ORCAM TECHNOLOGY DEMO DAY
The Miami Lighthouse, the first organization to test OrCam technology for the visually disabled while it was in prototype, will host a technology demonstration day for their clientele with a ceremony awarding a new OrCam MyEye device to one of its community members on Tuesday, October 29th at Miami Lighthouse.

OCTOBER 25, 2019 - MIA LAUNCHES AIRA SERVICE FOR THE VISION IMPAIRED
In recognition of Blindness Awareness Month, representatives from Miami International Airport (MIA), Aira, and the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will host a press conference to announce MIA’s addition to the Aira Airport Network - a free mobile service that allows blind or low-vision travelers to receive up-to-the-minute flight information, navigate security, use self-service kiosks, find restaurants and services, identify baggage, and more.

OCTOBER 24, 2019 - BLIND PARALYMPIC SKIING MEDALIST DANELLE UMSTEAD HEADLINES MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE’S SEE THE LIGHT LUNCHEON ON OCTOBER 24
American Alpine skier and Paralympian Danelle Umstead, who is blind, will give the keynote presentation at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind’s 2019 See the Light Luncheon.

OCTOBER 15, 2019 - MIAMI MAYOR JOINS WHITE CANE DAY MARCH ON OCTOBER 15 RECOGNIZING THE RIGHTS OF THE BLIND
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez will serve as grand marshal of the 2019 White Cane Day Procession. He will be joined by hundreds of local dignitaries and residents, as they walk through the streets of Little Havana to express their appreciation for the role of the blind and visually impaired in American society.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE BEGINS MENTORING PROGRAM TO SUPPORT VISUALLY IMPAIRED JOB SEEKERS
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has launched a new program that pairs visually impaired adults seeking employment with visually impaired mentors who can help guide them toward job placement.

September 3, 2019 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE RATED AMONG TOP 1% OF U.S. CHARITIES BY NATIONAL EVALUATOR CHARITY NAVIGATOR
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has received its 12 consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, a distinction achieved by only 1% of the 9,000 charities analyzed by the nation's premier independent nonprofit evaluator. Miami Lighthouse is the only not-for-profit organization in Miami to attain this highly coveted status.

AUGUST 27, 2019 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE AND MIAMI MARLINS PROVIDING FREE VISION CARE TO STUDENTS AT KENSINGTON PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is teaming up with the Florida Marlins Foundation to provide free vision examinations to financially disadvantaged students at Kensington Park Elementary School on Tuesday, August 27, beginning at 9 a.m. Kensington Park Elementary School is located at 711 Northwest 30th Avenue. Media is invited to attend.

AUGUST 19, 2019 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE ADDS KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED TO ITS LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING CENTER FOR CHILDREN™
The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired early childhood education program will open its doors this school year, beginning August 19, with a new curriculum and classroom for kindergarten children with vision impairments. The Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™, which currently holds Florida’s first-of-its-kind, fully inclusive pre-kindergarten for visually impaired students and their sighted peers, will house the kindergarten expansion.

July 18, 2019 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE CAMPERS TO EXPERIENCE TOUCH TOUR AND GAME AT MARLINS PARK ON THURSDAY
Blind and visually-impaired participants of the Miami Lighthouse STAR Summer Program for children will enjoy a day at the ballpark, courtesy of the Miami Marlins. Their visit will include a baseball equipment demonstration with a Marlins player in the dugout, a batting practice experience with Marlins players as they prepare for the game, and a visit to the Marlins radio booth.

July 3, 2019 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE HOSTS A CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE, PRESENTED BY POLLO TROPICAL™
Hundreds of blind and visually impaired children and adults will enjoy fantastic fun, food and entertainment, as Miami Lighthouse for the Blind presents "A Celebration of Independence," presented by Pollo Tropical™.

June 26, 2019 - THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ADA COMPLIANCE METER REPORT
Given that the upcoming Democratic presidential debate is being held in Miami, FL, the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired enthusiastically visited each candidate's website to find out more about them. Not one website - Democrat or Republican - was fully accessible for a blind or visually impaired person to navigate.

We challenge all candidates to ensure that their websites are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It's not only fair, it's inherently American, and the campaigns should remember that inclusiveness is not just a good thing - it's the right thing.

June 25, 2019 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND STUDENTS TO ENJOY SPECIAL SENSORY EXPERIENCE DURING HANDS-ON FLORIDA PANTHERS HOCKEY CLINIC ON TUESDAY, JUNE 25
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Transition program for teenage students will have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on hockey clinic thanks to the Florida Panthers Foundation. The teenagers will play hockey in the bowl of the BB&T Center. Prior to the clinic, they will also participate in a touch tour and career development panel.

June 18, 2019 - VISUALLY IMPAIRED TEENS TO SHARE SENSORY EXPERIENCE AT FORT LAUDERDALE ANTIQUE CAR MUSEUM
Twenty five blind and visually impaired teenagers from Miami Lighthouse for the Blind will visit the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum to share a sensory experience at the largest collection of vintage Packard cars and historical memorabilia from 1900 on. In addition to a vast number of beautifully restored vehicles, the teens will encounter an array of hood ornaments, old gas station signs, carburetors, gear shifts and other classic auto mementoes.

Jun 5, 2019 - GRADS' DADS TO CELEBRATE FATHER'S DAY WITH A CLOSE SHAVE AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE PRE-K GRADUATION
MIAMI - The proud pre-kindergarten graduates of the Miami Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™ will share the spotlight with their Dads at a special Father's Day celebration, featuring a luxurious facial grooming experience presented by The Art of Shaving, on Thursday morning, June 6. The graduation event will begin at 10 a.m. at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 601 Southwest 8th Avenue in the Lighthouse Learning Center.

May 15, 2019 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE SPONSORS CELEBRATION OF SIGHT AND SOUNDS AT MUSIC UNDER THE STARS
MIAMI - Join hundreds of civic and political leaders, philanthropists and local residents at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind Music Under the Stars celebration on Wednesday, May 15, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the Miami Lighthouse Mary and Sash A. Spencer Campus, 601 Southwest 8th Avenue.

February 20, 2019 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED TO DEBUT FOUR-STORY STREET ART INSPIRED MURAL NEAR HISTORIC LITTLE HAVANA OVERLOOKING CALLE OCHO
Miami Lighthouse community rallying behind the arts to raise awareness and create more opportunities for those impacted by blindness and visual impairments.

January 25, 2019 - SIMPLY HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION'S SUPPORT CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND TEENAGE STUDENTS TO JOIN NATIONAL FITNESS CHALLENGE AND LIVE ACTIVELY
Grant enables Miami Lighthouse for the Blind to become one of only 17 organizations nationwide to participate in National Fitness Challenge for teenagers with visual disabilities.

January 18, 2019 - LOCAL TWIN ARTISTS BRING STREET ART TO LITTLE HAVANA WITH FOUR-STORY MURAL ON LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING CENTER
Miami Lighthouse invited local twin artists George and William Hustus to leave their distinctive imprint on the building. The brothers are painting a mural designed to depict the overall theme of Miami Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™ "It's Possible to See without Sight™".

2018

December 17, 2018 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE TO DEDICATE CHARLES J. and OLGA NIELSON FAMILY PLAYGROUND
Elected officials, civic leaders and philanthropists will gather at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired for its Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™ Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Naming Tribute to the Charles J. and Olga Nielson Family Playground.

November 16, 2018 - EYE CARE SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME CHILDREN IN BROWARD AND MIAMI-DADE ASSURED BY GENEROUS GIFT FROM FLORIDA PANTHERS FOUNDATION
With a pledge to provide financially disadvantaged school children who fail their vision screenings access to dilated eye exams and glasses when prescribed, the Florida Panthers Foundation has donated $25,000 to the Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program, a subsidiary of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

October 5, 2018 - HUNDREDS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL WHITE CANE DAY AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
Hundreds of blind and visually impaired South Florida residents will celebrate National White Cane Day with a march and celebration at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind.

August 3, 2018 - EXPERTS TO EXPLORE LEGAL AND BUSINESS IMPLICATIONS OF WEBSITE ACCESSIBIITY ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8
A panel of legal and technical experts will examine the controversial issue of website accessibility to persons with disabilities during a seminar to be held on Wednesday, August 8, beginning at 8 a.m. at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 601 Southwest 8th Avenue.

July 30, 2018 - VISUALLY IMPAIRED TEENS FROM DADE AND BROWARD TO SHARE SENSORY EXPERIENCE AT FORT LAUDERDALE ANTIQUE CAR MUSEUM
Forty blind and visually impaired teenagers from Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Lighthouse of Broward will visit the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum to share a sensory experience at the largest collection of vintage Packard cars and historical memorabilia from 1900 on.

July 25, 2018 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE TRANSITION SUMMER PROGRAM STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE ANIMAL ENCOUNTER AT MIAMI SEAQUARIUM
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Transition summer program students, ages 14 to 18, will spend the day and will experience a private interaction with dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and birds through the Miami Seaquarium's touch tour.

July 25, 2018 - MIAMI BEACH EXTENDS VISION FOR EQUAL ACCESS HEALTH SERVICES FOR YOUTH
Children currently enrolled in Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Summer Camp will soon not only have access to sports, structured playtime and other wellness activities, but to free vision exams.

June 22, 2018 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND STUDENTS TO ENJOY SPECIAL SENSORY EXPERIENCE DURING HANDS-ON TOUCH TOUR OF MARLINS PARK ON THURSDAY, JUNE 28
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Transition program for teenage students will have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on touch tour of Marlins Park, which is located just blocks from the Miami Lighthouse facility. After the tour, the participants will be able to experience the sounds and smells of a baseball game at the ballpark as the Miami Marlins take on the Arizona Diamondbacks.

June 7, 2018 - GRADS' DADS TO CELEBRATE FATHER'S DAY WITH A CLOSE SHAVE AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE PRE-K GRADUATION
The proud pre-kindergarten graduates of the Miami Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™ will share the spotlight with their Dads at a special Father's Day celebration, featuring a luxurious facial grooming experience presented by The Art of Shaving, on Thursday morning, June 7. The graduation event will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 601 Southwest 8th Avenue in the Lighthouse Learning Center located on the 4th Floor.

June 6, 2018 - MIAMI SEAQUARIUM OPENS NEW 'MAIN STREET' ENTRANCE WITH AN OFFICIAL RIBBON-CUTTING EVENT ON JUNE 6
Miami Seaquarium official ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the highly anticipated transformation of their new front entrance. The major renovation features touch pools, an expanded retail shop and a new flamingo exhibit located at the "Main Street" section of the park. Miami Lighthouse for the Blind seniors will be welcomed for a hands-on experience at the touch pools followed by a VIP tour at 10:20 a.m., which media is welcome to attend.

May 16, 2018 - MUSIC UNDER THE STARS FEATURES ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC SILENT MOVIES SCREENED WITH LIVE MUSIC PERFORMED BY MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND AWARD-WINNING MUSICIANS
A talented orchestra of blind and visually impaired musicians will debut a vibrant new musical score to The Great Train Robbery, the iconic silent movie, as the highlight of Music Under the Stars, a fundraiser sponsored by Miami Lighthouse for the Blind on Wednesday, May 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This annual event will be held at the Miami Lighthouse campus located at 601 Southwest 8th Avenue in Miami.

February 9, 2018 - Breakthrough Wearable OrCam MyEye 2.0 Artificial Vision Device Empowers People Who are Blind and Partially Sighted to Achieve Increased Independence
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will debut OrCam MyEye 2.0, the world's most advanced wearable artificial vision device for people who are blind, partially sighted and have reading difficulties.

February 1, 2018 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE RATED AMONG TOP 1% OF U.S. CHARITIES BY NATIONAL EVALUATOR CHARITY NAVIGATOR
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has received its tenth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, a distinction achieved by only 1% of all charities in the United States, and is the only not-for-profit organization in Miami-Dade County to attain this highly coveted status.

2017

December 8, 2017 - MIAMI'S FIRST ART MURAL FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND DEBUTS IN WYNWOOD
Unseen: Interpretations with the Visually Impaired - an innovative invisible mural aimed to make Miami Art Week more inclusive of the blind community - debuted today in Wynwood at 2600 North Miami Ave.

November 10, 2017 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND TEENAGERS TO TAKE HANDS-ON TOUR OF MCDONALDS
Despite being blind or visually impaired, Miami Lighthouse's Pre-Employment Transition Services Program teens, ages 14-22, will enjoy the rare opportunity to have a "hands on, back of the house" tour of a McDonald's restaurant kitchen.

October 9, 2017 - BLIND SURVIVOR OF WORLD TRADE CENTER ATTACK TO ADDRESS MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE LUNCHEON ON OCTOBER 12
Popular author and inspirational speaker Michael Hingson will be the keynote speaker at the 2017 See the Light Luncheon, presented by Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, on Thursday, October 12, beginning at 11:30 a.m., at the Riviera Country Club, 1355 Blue Road, Coral Gables, Florida.

August 16, 2017 - GRAND OPENING OF MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE CHILDREN'S CENTER TO SHOWCASE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will give an audience of civic leaders and community philanthropists a glimpse into the future during the grand opening ceremony for its new Miami Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™ and dedication of the Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Campus of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

July 24, 2017 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND INVITES PUBLIC TO 2017 SUMMER MUSIC SHOWCASE
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is proud to announce its 2017 Summer Music Showcase performed by students in their Summer Music Camp Program. Throughout the summer, Miami Lighthouse's student musicians have been working with Miami Lighthouse instructors to learn skills that are used every day by professionals in the music industry. These skills include arranging, performing, producing, and writing original music.

July 12, 2017 - THE ART OF SHAVING TO TEACH BLIND TEENAGERS 'ART OF SHAVING' AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE
Being a teenager can be a difficult and trying experience, but being a teenager with a visual impairment presents a whole other set of challenges. That is why on Wednesday, July 12th The Art of Shaving will visit Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired for an educational "Art of Shaving" session for blind teenage boys in Miami Lighthouse's Pre-Employment Transition Services Program.

July 6, 2017 - MLB AND THE MIAMI MARLINS TO DEDICATE NEWLY-PURCHASED, ALL-STAR BRANDED MOBILE EYE UNIT FOR MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND
Major League Baseball and the Miami Marlins will continue unveiling 2017 All-Star Legacy projects with the dedication of newly-purchased, All-Star branded Mobile Eye Unit for Miami Lighthouse for the Blind. The new unit will allow the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired to expand their important services of free eye examinations and glasses for eligible school children.

June 30, 2017 - HEROBOYS TO REINFORCE POSITIVE VALUES AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND
Are you a parent that struggles to find toys with meaning and value for your children? It seems almost all toy related content is part of today's major media PG-13 properties targeted to broad audiences for movies, video games, and comic books.

June 1, 2017 - THE ART OF SHAVING TO HOLD PRE-FATHERS DAY EVENT AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE
The Art of Shaving will visit the Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™ for a pre-father's day shaving event which will take place during the graduation day celebrations of the new Pre-Kindergarten's first class.

May 12, 2017 - MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL AND MIAMI MARLINS TO DONATE $5 MILLION TO GREATER MIAMI AND BEYOND THROUGH THE 2017 ALL-STAR LEGACY INITIATIVE
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind's subsidiary, the Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program, has been chosen as an All-Star Game Legacy Project of Major League Baseball.

January 26, 2017 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND WILL CELEBRATE 85 YEARS OF SERVICE AT DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 28
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will celebrate 85 years of service for visually impaired individuals at Miami Lighthouse's 85th Diamond Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, January 28, beginning at 7 p.m., at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.

January 4, 2017 - FIU MEN'S BASKETBALL TO HOST CHILDREN FROM MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND
The FIU men's basketball team will host 20 children, ages 5-12, from Miami Lighthouse for the Blind's STAR Program at their basketball practice on Thursday, Jan. 5 beginning at 11 a.m.

January 1, 2017 - LOUIS NOSTRO, ESQ. NAMED CHAIRMAN OF THE MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT ANNUAL MEETING
Louis Nostro, Esq. was installed as Chairman of the Miami Lighthouse Board of Directors at its annual meeting at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind. Mr. Nostro has served two terms on the Miami Lighthouse Board of Directors and has previously provided pro bono legal counsel.

2016

October 12, 2016 - CELEBRATE NATIONAL "WHITE CANE DAY" WITH UBER AND MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND
This year Uber and Miami Lighthouse will launch a partnership aimed at expanding mobility options for blind and visually impaired riders and will also help raise awareness of the White Cane Laws by reinforcing best practices to South Florida driver-partners.

October 11, 2016 - CELEBRATE NATIONAL "WHITE CANE DAY" WITH FLORIDA BLUE AND MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND
Join elected officials and community leaders as Miami Lighthouse for the Blind celebrates 85 years of service to the blind and visually impaired community on National White Cane Day in Miami on Friday, October 14th. Starting at 8:30 a.m. an estimated 200 people of all ages, escorted by City of Miami Police and Fire Departments, will walk from Miami Lighthouse, at 601 S.W. 8th Ave., down 8th Street and back, where the celebration will continue with food and music featuring Miami Lighthouse Music Program musicians, featured speakers and special presentations.

August 16, 2016 - MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT HOSTS "BE ELECTION READY" EVENT AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND
With voting season around the corner, the Miami-Dade County Elections Department will hold a "Be Election Ready" event on Tuesday, August 16th at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in an exciting "Be Election Ready" event including hands on demonstration of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) touchscreen voting machine with audio ballot.

August 3, 2016 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED BREAKING GROUND FOR NEW LEARNING CENTER FOR CHILDREN
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind will break ground on a new addition to its growing campus -- the 72,000-square-foot Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™ -- during a ceremony to be held on Wednesday, August 3 at 10:30 A.M.

July 12, 2016 - MIAMI-DADE FIRE RESCUE INVITES MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE SUMMER PROGRAM STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE SPECIAL FIRE SAFETY DEMONSTRATION
On Tuesday, July 12th Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired summer program students, ages 14 to 22, will have the opportunity to take part in an exciting fire safety demonstration at Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's training facility in Doral. Miami Lighthouse summer camp students will experience fire extinguisher training, kitchen safety, a truck demonstration, and an anti-venom presentation.

June 21, 2016 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE TRANSITION STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE HANDS-ON TOUCH TOUR OF MARLINS PARK ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Transition program students will have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on touch tour of Marlins Park, which is located just blocks from the Miami Lighthouse facility. After the tour, the participants will be able to experience the sounds and smells of the ballpark as the Marlins take on the Nationals. Miami Lighthouse's Transition Program is a year-round program that provides individuals ages 14-22 the opportunity to develop skills to enter the work force or post secondary education. Students learn important life skills like home and personal management, assistive technology, job readiness, orientation and mobility, social skills and community integration.

May 25, 2016 - CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $2,000 GRANT TO MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR ITS SENIOR GROUP ACTIVITIES PROGRAM
The Coral Gables Community Foundation celebrated its 2016 Scholarship and Community Grant Recipients at the home of Ajit and Maria Alicia Asrani. The Foundation awarded nearly $100,000 in college scholarships to deserving students and grants to 15 non-profit organizations with an impact to Coral Gables. Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired was awarded a $2,000 grant to benefit Coral Gables residents in our Senior Group Activities Program.

May 6, 2016 - CHARLES "MR. CASUAL" DECHANT SAXOPHONIST OF HALL & OATES HEADLINES MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE's "MUSIC UNDER THE STARS" BENEFITING THE HEIKEN Children™S VISION PROGRAM
Wednesday evening, May 4th, from 6:30 to 9:30pm, promises to be a night to remember filled with fine wine, great cuisine and special musical performances, benefiting a most important cause: free eye care to underserved schoolchildren. Taking place at the historic Koubek Center guests will enjoy the music of the award-winning group Hall & Oates saxophonist Charles "Mr. Casual" DeChant along with the talented Miami Lighthouse musicians, including Natalia Sulca, Miami Lighthouse music program alumna and Berklee College of Music graduate.

April 14, 2016 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE WINS SILVER MEDAL AT MIAMI TODAY's AWARDS CEREMONY
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired received the Silver Medal Award from Miami Today at its Annual Gold Medal Awards Ceremony. The Awards Ceremony is a community endeavor of Miami Today honoring three outstanding individuals and four organizations selected as best in their fields. The winners were chosen by eight community leaders voting as judges so that Miami Today may honor those that truly deserve recognition.

March 11, 2016 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE CELEBRATES 85TH ANNIVERSARY WITH LAUNCH OF LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING CENTER FOR Children™
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired previewed its 85th Diamond Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday evening, March 8th, with a special thank you to the family foundations, charitable trusts and major donors who have made it possible to reach $10 million in capital funding for the launch of the non-profit organization's innovative Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™.

February 24, 2016 - ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER INVITES MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND FOR SPECIAL HANDS-ON SENSORY EXPERIENCE OF THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is coming to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind will have the opportunity to take part in an exciting hands-on tour and audio description of the beloved story.

2015

December 14, 2015 - FLORIDA BLUE FOUNDATION SELECTS MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND TO BRING LOW VISION SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED SENIORS AFFECTED BY AGE-RELATED EYE DISEASE
Florida Blue Foundation has announced that Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MLB) has been awarded a three-year grant for the purpose of implementing the project "Bringing Low Vision Assessments to Underserved Populations and Training Professionals to Work with Seniors Affected by Age-Related Eye Disease."

November 12, 2015 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE LAUNCHES 85TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind marked the start of its 85th year serving the blind and visually impaired at the 10th Annual See the Light Luncheon with CEO Jacko announcing that the Braman Family Foundation has pledged $1 million toward Miami Lighthouse's new Center of Excellence for Visually Impaired Children.

November 1, 2015 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE AMONG TOP 2% OF NONPROFITS IN THE NATION
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has is in the top two percent of U.S. charities, receiving its eighth consecutive 4-star rating, the highest rating possible, from Charity Navigator in recognition of its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances.

July 24, 2015 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE MUSIC STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE HANDS-ON TOUR OF MARLINS PARK ON THURSDAY, JULY 30
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired music program students will have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on tour of Marlins Park, which is located just blocks from the Miami Lighthouse facility. After the tour, the participants will be able to experience the sounds and smells of the ballpark as the Marlins take on the Nationals.

July 21, 2015 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE RECEIVES $50,000 FOR THE HEIKEN Children™S VISION PROGRAM FROM THE DR. JOHN T. MACDONALD FOUNDATION
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has received a grant award of $50,000 from the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation to support its Heiken Children™s Vision Program, a mobile eye care program that ensures underprivileged children in Miami-Dade do not go without necessary eye care.

June 23, 2015 - AT&T GRANT HELPS MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND YOUTH PREPARE FOR EMPLOYEMENT AFTER HIGHSCHOOL
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has received a grant from AT&T that will enable youth who are blind or visually impaired to engage in activities related to broadcast journalism leading to further education or employment after high school and preparation for successful transition to post-secondary pursuits.

May 30, 2015 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE IN COLLABORATION WITH WALGREENS PROUDLY PRESENT "HAPPY AND HEALTHY LIVING"
On Saturday, May 30th from 9:00am-3:00pm Miami Lighthouse and Walgreens, with support from The Miami Foundation's GLBT Community Projects Fund, invite the entire community to attend "Happy and Healthy Living" a free fun filled LGBT Fair celebrating diversity. This event invites the community to get vision screenings and low vision evaluations, HIV/STD testing, private pharmacy consultations, legal Q&A and information from community health and social service organizations.

May 6, 2015 - SUPERINTENDENT ALBERTO CARVALHO JOINS MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND AT "MUSIC UNDER THE STARS: BON APPETIT MIAMI" BENEFITING HEIKEN Children™S VISION PROGRAM
This Wednesday evening, May 6th, from 6:30 to 9:30pm, promises to be a night to remember at Miami Lighthouse filled with fine wine, great cuisine and special musical performances, and benefiting a most important cause: free eye care to underserved schoolchildren.

April 17, 2015 - PUBLIX CHOOSES MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR DAY OF SERVICE
Publix Super Markets associates are celebrating the company's 85th anniversary this year by giving back to the community. The day will consist of beautifying the Miami Lighthouse facility, as well as, serving lunch to blind and visually impaired clients. 

March 12, 2015 - EIGHTH ANNUAL MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE DOG WALK TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR SERVICE ANIMALS
Strut your stuff on Sunday, March 15th from 9:00 a.m. to noon with or without your dog at Miami Lighthouse's eighth annual Walk, Waggle and Stroll Dog Walk at the Shops at Midtown Miami (3401 N. Miami Avenue). This fun-filled event with music, contests, prizes and breakfast provided by Fresh Market, Starbucks and Miami Global Columbian Lions Club is dedicated to raising awareness for dog guides. 

March 3, 2015 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE AMONG TOP 2% OF NONPROFITS IN THE NATION
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has entered the top two percent of U.S. charities, receiving its seventh consecutive 4-star rating, the highest rating possible, from Charity Navigator in recognition of its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. 

February 20, 2015 - COMCAST BRINGS VOICE GUIDED TELEVISION TO MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE
Comcast today announced it is partnering with organizations dedicated to serving people with visual disabilities, including Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, to bring the company's new voice guidance technology to more people. The "talking guide" is a feature on the X1 platform that reads aloud selections like program titles, network names and time slots as well as DVR and On Demand settings, giving users the freedom to independently explore and navigate thousands of shows and movies. 

January 17, 2015 - JUNGLE ISLAND INVITES MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND FOR SPECIAL HANDS-ON SENSORY EXPERIENCE
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind Better Chance Music Production Program™ teenagers, ages 14-22, will have the opportunity to take part in an exciting hands-on tour of Jungle Island that will bring the blind and visually impaired teens close to some of the world's most rare and fascinating animals. With the help of expert tour guides, the Touch Tour Safari will include interactions with everything from Australian red kangaroos to black-and-white ruffed lemurs from Madagascar, Aldabra giant tortoises from the Seychelles Islands, capuchin monkeys from South America and parrots from around the world. 

January 15, 2015 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE TEENS INVITE CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP FOR DAY OF SERVICE ON MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
How do nonprofits celebrate the Martin Luther King Holiday? When 80 students attending the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, they do it with 60 peers from the Chapman Partnership, and this year these school-age children will together celebrate with free eye exams, a clothing drive, arts and crafts, and music provided by Miami Lighthouse Better Chance Music Production Program™ student musicians. 

January 9, 2015 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED ACCREDITED BY THE NATIONAL ACCREDITATION COUNCIL
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is pleased to announce that is has been accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services. Accreditation is a significant milestone in Miami Lighthouse's ongoing process of seeking to employ best practices and deliver services that focus on positive outcomes for consumers of blind and low vision services. 

January 9, 2015 - NATIONAL ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR BLIND AND LOW VISION SERVICES SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING HELD AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE
Miami Lighthouse was honored to host the semi-annual meeting of the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC) on January 9 and 10, 2015. The NAC Board of Directors is composed of heads of vision rehabilitation agencies, academics, and representatives of consumer agencies from throughout the United States and Canada. 

2014

November 14, 2014 - CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $5,000 GRANT TO MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR ITS BETTER CHANCE MUSIC PROGRAM
The Coral Gables Community Foundation has awarded Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired a $5,000 grant to benefit our Better Chance Music Program which enables blind and visually impaired musicians to learn music production and the business of music along with their sighted peers. 

November 7, 2014 - MARLINS PARTNER WITH MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE TO PROVIDE VISION SCREENINGS AND GLASSES TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
The Miami Marlins will join professional staff members of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired to provide free vision screenings to approximately 950 students at Booker T. Washington High School on Wednesday, November 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Any student whose screening exhibits vision problems will receive a comprehensive eye examination in one of Miami Lighthouse's Heiken Children™s Vision Program mobile optometric units at the school site. Free prescription glasses will be provided when required. 

October 13, 2014 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND CELEBRATES "WHITE CANE DAY"
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will celebrate National White Cane Day in Miami on Wednesday, October 15th. Starting at 8:30 a.m., an estimated 200 people of all ages escorted by City of Miami Police and Fire Departments will walk together from Miami Lighthouse, at 601 S.W. 8th Ave., down 8th Street and back, where the celebration will continue with food and music featuring Miami Lighthouse Better Chance Music Production Program musicians, featured speakers and special presentations. 

October 2, 2014 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND TO DEDICATE SASH A. SPENCER EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired will host the official dedication of the Sash A. Spencer Educational Empowerment Center on Tuesday, October 7th, at 6:00 p.m. Barry E. Johnson, President & CEO of Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, will emcee the ceremonies at 601 SW 8th Avenue, as Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and other dignitaries cut the ribbon that marks the arrival of the new learning center for blind and visually impaired teenagers and adults. 

July 29, 2014 - MIAMI MARLINS FOUNDATION INVITES MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE ADULTS TO EXPERIENCE SPECIAL ON FIELD TOUCH TOUR
On Wednesday, July 30th Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired senior group health and activities program participants will have the opportunity to take part in an exciting hands-on tour of Marlins Ballpark and learn about the traditions of America's national pastime. 

July 21, 2014 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE RECEIVES $50,000 FOR THE HEIKEN Children™S VISION PROGRAM FROM THE DR. JOHN T. MACDONALD FOUNDATION
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has received a grant award of $50,000 from the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation to support its Heiken Children™s Vision Program, a mobile eye care program that ensures underprivileged children in Miami-Dade do not go without necessary eye care. 

July 7, 2014 - MARLINS HOST SECOND MARLINS AYUDAN BEEP BALL CLASSIC AT MARLINS PARK ON TUESDAY, JULY 8
Media is invited to attend the Second Annual Marlins Ayudan Beep Ball Classic held at Marlins Park on Tuesday, July 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a 2014 Marlins Foundation Charity Partner, will join the Marlins organization for the event as 35 Miami Lighthouse blind and visually impaired teenage summer camp students and 35 Marlins interns, volunteering through Marlins Ayudan, will team up and compete in Beep Baseball. 

June 3, 2014 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE RECEIVES $3,000 GRANT FROM THE DOLLAR GENERAL LITERACY FOUNDATION
Miami Lighthouse has received a $3,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support summer literacy which will help blind and visually impaired children ages 5 to 13 improve their Braille reading and writing and computer literacy using a variety of technologies, aids and appliances. 

April 17, 2014 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE TRANSITION TEENS TO PARTICIPATE IN UNITED STATES ASSOCIATION OF BLIND ATHLETES NATIONAL FITNESS CHALLENGE
Thirty teens and young adults from the Miami Lighthouse Transition Program will be participating in the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) and the WellPoint Foundation's National Fitness Challenge. 

March 12, 2014 - ROMERO BRITTO TO BE HONORED AT SEVENTH ANNUAL MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE DOG WALK TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR SERVICE ANIMALS
Join Romero Britto as you strut your stuff on Sunday, March 16th from 9:00 a.m. to noon with or without your dog at Miami Lighthouse's seventh annual Walk, Waggle and Stroll Dog Walk at the Shops at Midtown Miami (3401 N. Miami Avenue). This fun-filled event with music, contests, prizes and breakfast provided by McDonald's is dedicated to raising awareness for dog guides. 

March 10, 2014 - CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS EIGHT AMAZING WOMEN LEADERS AT THE 2014 AXA ADVISORS BUSINESSWOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce honored excellence in business by celebrating eight outstanding women at the 2014 AXA Advisors Businesswomen of the Year Awards on Friday, March 7th. This signature awards program of the Chamber recognizes women who achieve success in their business or profession, as well as a commitment to serve as role models for other women. 

January 14, 2014 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE BETTER CHANCE MUSIC PRODUCTION PROGRAM™ TO PERFORM FOR CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP ON MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
When 80 students attending the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind celebrate the Martin Luther King holiday, they do it with 30 peers from the Chapman Partnership. Again, this year these school-age children will together celebrate with music provided by the Better Chance Music Production Program™ student musicians performing Michael Jackson's legacy song "Thriller" and much more. 

2013

October 14, 2013 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND CELEBRATES NATIONAL WHITE CANE DAY
You may be aware of the national White Cane Day observance. Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will celebrate White Cane Day in Miami on Tuesday, October 15th. 

October 1, 2013 - FIRST OF ITS KIND BILINGUAL AUDIO BOOK PRODUCED BY MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE IS A FINALIST FOR A LATIN GRAMMY® AWARD
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind's Better Chance Music Production Program™ has been nominated as a finalist for the Best Latin Children™s Album at this year's Latin Grammys. 

July 16, 2013 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND AND OHL ARELLANO CONSTRUCTION HOLD GROUNDBREAKING
You've read the headlines Miami Lighthouse expands its facility! What you haven't read is that OHL Arellano Construction is providing pro bono general contracting services so that blind teenagers can transition successfully from high school to higher education or mainstream employment.

February 27, 2013 - WIN A MEET AND GREET EXPERIENCE WITH CESAR MILLAN "THE DOG WHISPERER" AT THE 6TH ANNUAL MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE DOG WALK
Strut your stuff on Sunday, March 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Miami Lighthouse's sixth annual Walk, Waggle and Stroll Dog Walk, an exciting event that is dedicated to raising awareness for guide dogs and service dogs of all kinds at the Shops at Midtown Miami (3401 N. Miami Avenue).

February 2013 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED BETTER CHANCE MUSIC PRODUCTION PROGRAM™ RECEIVES MOCKINGBIRD FOUNDATION GRANT
The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Better Chance Music Production Program™ has been awarded a grant by The Mockingbird Foundation, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization founded by Phish fans, supporting music education for children.

2012

November 15, 2012 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND CELEBRATES THE COMPLETION OF ITS SPENCER EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER CHALLENGE
Hosted by Bessemer Trust, Shutts and Bowen LLP and Commissioner Sally Heyman, more than 200 South Florida community leaders attended the See the Light Luncheon at La Gorce Country Club on November 15th.

October 5, 2012 - MIAMI-DADE COUNTY MAYOR CARLOS A. GIMENEZ TO BE GRAND MARSHAL AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND WHITE CANE DAY
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will celebrate White Cane Day in Miami on Monday, Oct. 15, 2012. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., an estimated 200 people of all ages led by Grand Marshal Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez will walk from Miami Lighthouse.

September 14, 2012 - BEAUTY FOR THE BLIND
Imagine being blind and styling your own hair, putting on lipstick or even painting your own nails. On Monday, October 1st three local businesses, Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge, Blo Blow Dry Bar Midtown and Robbie Lip Gloss, will join forces at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired to showcase techniques in cosmetology for the blind at a first of its kind event entitled "Beauty for the Blind."

August 30, 2012 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE STUDENT EXCELS DURING MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM
Over the summer, Melanie, an eight-year-old Miami Lighthouse STAR Program student, won the drawing for the grand prize, a Miami Seaquarium dolphin encounter, in the Miami-Dade Public Library System Summer Reading Program.

May 9, 2012 - 6 MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE STUDENTS EXCEL IN MUSIC, BRAILLE COMPETITIONS
Four Miami Lighthouse Better Chance Music Production Program™ students recently participated in local competitions.

April 20, 2012 - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF FREE EYE CARE TO 65,000 UNDERSERVED CHILDREN
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program, which over the years has provided 65,000 children from low-income families with eye examinations and prescription glasses when needed.

March 9, 2012 - 5TH ANNUAL MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE DOG WALK TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR SERVICE ANIMALS
Strut your stuff on Sunday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Shops at Midtown Miami (3401 N. Miami Avenue). Participate in Miami Lighthouse's fifth annual Walk, Waggle and Stroll Dog Walk, an exciting event that is dedicated to raising awareness for guide dogs and service dogs of all kinds.

2011

November 11, 2011 - FELICIANO CANTARÁ EN EL BILTMORE A BENEFICIO DE LOS CIEGOS DE MIAMI
A sus 66 años y una larga lista de premios, incluso ocho Grammy, el cantante puertorriqueño José Feliciano deberá recordar entrañablemente esta semana, en la que fue distinguido el miércoles por la Academia Latina de la Grabación y mañana lo será por la Miami Lighthouse for the Blind.

October 27, 2011 - SIGHT-IMPAIRED KIDS MAKE PIZZAS AND DESSERT ON COOKING SHOW
Critters and beasts usually get the spotlight at ZooMiami. But on a recent Thursday, four visually impaired kids stole the show.

October 24, 2011 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND & JOSE FELICIANO TO HONOR DONORS AT RUBY JUBILEE DINNER CONCERT
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind will celebrate its 80th anniversary on November 12 with a sold-out Ruby Jubilee dinner concert featuring the Miami Lighthouse musicians performing side-by-side with eight-time Grammy winner José Feliciano, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy days before coming to Miami for this concert.

October 7, 2011 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE WINS SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH CARE - COMMUNITY OUTREACH AWARD
Miami Lighthouse, Florida's oldest and largest agency serving the blind and visually impaired, received the South Florida Business Journal 2011 Excellence in Health Care Award in the Community Outreach category at yesterday's awards luncheon in Fort Lauderdale.

July 26, 2011 - 2 STUDENTS SHINE IN BRAILLE LITERACY WITH HELP FROM MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Marino Flores, 11, a sixth-grader at W.R. Thomas Middle School in Miami-Dade County, Fla., scored the highest level for reading on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test thanks to the skills he learned in Braille.

June 22, 2011 - FLORIDA HEIKEN Children™S PROGRAM, LLC A DIVISION OF MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED AWARDED NATIONAL GRANT FOR 2011 HEALTHY EYES HEALTHY PEOPLE
The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc. has announced that The American Optometric Association (AOA) and Optometry Cares "The AOA Foundation have awarded a grant through their 2011 Healthy Eyes Healthy People" (HEHP) Community Grant Program.

June 22, 2011 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE MIAMI FOUNDATION
The Florida Heiken Children™s Vision Program, LLC, a division of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has received a grant from The Miami Foundation that will enable approximately 200 uninsured, financially disadvantaged children in Miami-Dade County to receive free comprehensive eye examinations and eyeglasses.

May 10, 2011 - LET'S GIVE THE BLIND BETTER ACCESS TO ONLINE LEARNING
It is ironic that in an age when technology could erase so many barriers for blind students, colleges and universities are not paying enough attention to accessibility in their online services.

April 13, 2011 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND ANNOUNCES ITS FOURTH ANNUAL EVENT TO BENEFIT THE HEIKEN Children™S VISION PROGRAM
Miami Lighthouse invites the community to attend the fourth annual "Music Under the Stars: Bon Appètit Miami" featuring delicious samplings from Miami area restaurants, Wednesday, April 27 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at our facility located at 601 SW 8th Avenue.

February 16, 2011 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE TO PARTICIPATE IN UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI PHILADTHROPY EVENT
The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind has been selected to partake in PhilADthropy, a 25-hour marathon event hosted annually by the University of Miami Advertising Program. During the event, student volunteers provide free advertising and creative services to South Florida non-profit organizations.

February 9, 2011 - MIAMI DOLPHINS FOUNDATION VOLUNTEERS AT 4TH ANNUAL MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE DOG WALK
Members of the Miami Dolphins Special Teams organization will join walkers and their dogs, including guide dogs, other service animals and regular pet companions, on a walk to pledge support for the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Sunday, March 6th.

January 27, 2011 - MICHAEL A. SILVA, ESQ. NAMED CHAIRMAN OF THE MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT ANNUAL MEETING
Michael A. Silva, Esq. was installed as Chairman of the Miami Lighthouse Board of Directors at its annual meeting January 26th at the Kelley Roy Gallery.

January 17, 2011 - FLORIDA HEIKEN CHILDREN'S VISION PROGRAM WILL SERVE SCHOOLCHILDREN THROUGHOUT FLORIDA
The Miami Lighthouse Heiken Children's Vision Program in the three years since the merger that created it has brought free eye care to more than 6,000 underprivileged schoolchildren in Miami-Dade County in 2010.

2010

December 28, 2010 - ORANGE BOWL COMMITTEE INVITES MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE STUDENT TO PERFORM PRE-GAME SONG AT THE 2011 DISCOVER ORANGE BOWL.
The Orange Bowl Committee has invited Natalia Sulca, 18, to kickoff the pre-game festivities at the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl. Natalia will sing "God Bless the USA" a song written by country musician Lee Greenwood.

November 8, 2010 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE CEO VIRGINIA A. JACKO AND CO-AUTHOR DOUG EADIE TO SPEAK AT MIAMI BOOK FAIR INTERNATIONAL NOV. 21.
Virginia A. Jacko, President and CEO of Miami Lighthouse and author of The Blind Visionary, an inspiring account of her journey as a blind executive in a sighted world, will speak at Miami Book Fair International Saturday, Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. in Building 3, Room 3315 at the Miami-Dade Wolfson Campus.

November 4, 2010 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE RECEIVES CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2010 NON-PROFIT DIAMOND AWARD.
Miami Lighthouse was honored to be named the recipient of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 2010 Non-Profit Business Diamond Award on November 4th.

November 3, 2010 - EIGHT-TIME GRAMMY WINNER JOSÉ FELICIANO TO RECEIVE RECOGNITION AWARD FROM MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE
World-renowned guitarist and composer José Feliciano will receive the Miami Lighthouse Recognition Award Thursday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m. during a dinner at Northern Trust Bank.

October 20, 2010 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE PROVIDES SIGHTED GUIDE TRAINING FOR RESTAURANTS PARTICIPATING IN LIGHT's OUT MIAMI BEACH.
Imagine dining in the dark, being guided to your table and having someone tell you what is on your plate. This is what participants will experience at Lights Out Miami Beach on Wednesday, October 20, 2010.

October 15, 2010 - SOUTH FLORIDA RESIDENTS GATHERED AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE TO CELEBRATE THE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED WHITE CANE DAY.
Friday, Oct. 15th was White Cane Day in Miami and across the nation. The blind and visually impaired community of Miami-Dade County assembled at Miami Lighthouse to commemorate this historic day celebrating the independence of the blind and visually impaired community.

September 2010 - MAINSTREAM EMPLOYMENT IN MUSIC PRODUCTION FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE VISUALLY IMPAIRED: DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL TRAINING PROGRAM.
Article about Miami Lighthouse music production program published in the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness.

August 2010 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE TO EXPAND MUSIC INCLUSION PROGRAM WITH JOHN S. AND JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION GRANT.
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will expand its nationally recognized Music Inclusion Program for young adults to include both sighted and blind talented adults, with a $125,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

May 19, 2010 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE MUSIC MENTOR HENRY STONE FEATURED AT ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME.
Legendary music producer and former Miami Lighthouse client Henry Stone was featured at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Wednesday, May 19 at 7 p.m. in the Rock Hall's Foster Theater in Cleveland, Ohio.

April 2010 - NEI AWARD TO MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE HEIKEN CHILDREN'S VISION PROGRAM.
The Miami Lighthouse Heiken Children™s Vision Program received one of the select national 2020 Healthy Vision Community Awards from the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institute of Health.

February 1, 2010 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE ANNUAL MEETING HELD AT KEY BISCAYNE RESIDENCE OF BOARD CHAIRMAN-ELECT MICHAEL SILVA, ESQ.
The Board of Directors of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc. held its annual meeting at the Key Biscayne residence of Michael Silva, Esq., on January 27th.

2009

November 30, 2009 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE TO EXPAND MUSIC INCLUSION PROGRAM WITH JOHN S. AND JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION GRANT
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will expand its nationally recognized Music Inclusion Program for young adults to include both sighted and blind talented adults, with a $125,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

September 22, 2009 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE BOARD DIRECTOR BRUCE WINICK APPOINTED AS DIRECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF LAW THERAPEUTIC JURISPRUDENCE CENTER.
Bruce Winick, Esq. has been appointed the Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein Distinguished Professor of Law at his law school, the University of Miami. He also has been named as Director of the law school's new Therapeutic Jurisprudence Center, a branch of legal and interdisciplinary scholarship that Mr. Winick pioneered.

May 29, 2009 - COMMUNITY LEADER DONNA R. BLAUSTEIN, ESQ. NAMED THE MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE 2009 "WOMAN OF VISION"
Community leader Donna R. Blaustein, Esq. has been named Miami Lighthouse for the Blind's Woman of Vision for 2009, in honor of her years of dedication and support of Miami Lighthouse.

April 23th, 2009 - "MUSIC UNDER THE STARS: A TASTE OF BRICKELL" MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND ANNOUNCES ITS SECOND ANNUAL EVENT TO BENEFIT THE HEIKEN Children™S VISION PROGRAM
Community members are invited to attend the second annual "Music Under the Stars: A Taste of Brickell" on Wednesday, April 29th from 7-10 p.m. at the Miami Lighthouse, 601 SW 8th Avenue. The event will benefit the Miami Lighthouse Heiken Children™s Vision Program which provides free comprehensive eye examinations and glasses, if needed, to low-income Miami-Dade County public school students who fail state-mandated school vision screenings.

February 4, 2009 - FILM NIGHT PRESENTED BY FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY's WOMEN's STUDIES CENTER ON FEBRUARY 18, 2009, 7 P.M., AT THE WOMEN's PARK
The Free Event is in Honor of Virginia Jacko, the 2009 In The Company Of Women Award Winner in Health and Human Services.

January 12, 2009 - OWEN S. FREED, ESQ. ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Owen S. Freed, senior counsel at Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson P.A. in Miami, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc.

January 7, 2009 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE MUSICIANS TO PERFORM AT COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS
Teen musicians, participants in the Miami Lighthouse music program, will perform live at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 19, Martin Luther King Day, at Community Partnership for Homeless.

2008

December 5, 2008 - MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE CEO VIRGINIA A. JACKO RECEIVES CONCERN AWARD FROM HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Virginia A. Jacko, President and CEO of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, received the 2008 Concern Award from Health Foundation of South Florida at their annual luncheon at the Hyatt Grand Regency in downtown Miami.

November 24, 2008: MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND KICKS OFF TOUR OF NASA SPONSORED EXHIBIT "WALK ON THE SUN"
The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind will be the first stop in Miami on the NASA sponsored tour "Walk on the Sun" a new, interactive musical exhibit that stimulate the senses.

November 12, 2008: PHILANTHROPIST GIVES $1 MILLION CHALLENGE IN MEMORY OF SASH A. SPENCER AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE LUNCHEON
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired accepted the first $250,000 installment of the "One Million Dollar Challenge in Memory of Sash A. Spencer", an incentive matching gift from philanthropist Mary M. Spencer at the elegant 4th Annual 'share the Vision' fundraising luncheon November 12 at La Gorce Country Club.

October 10, 2008: MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FEATURES VISUALLY IMPAIRED SKI RACER AT WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY FESTIVITIES
Danelle D'Aquanni Umstead, a visually impaired female athlete currently training to compete as an alpine ski racer in the 2010 Paralympics, will deliver the keynote address at the White Cane Safety Day celebration at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Wed. October 15.

August 2008: 6TH ANNUAL WOMEN's POWER CAUCUS AWARD RECIPIENT: VIRGINIA JACKO.
Virginia Jacko went from being one of the IN FOCUS Magazine WOMEN OF DISTINCTION to becoming one of the WOMEN OF THE YEAR. Virginia Jacko was selected as the 2008 Quiet Storm Achiever Award recipient in the category of Not-For-Profit at the 2008 Women's Power Caucus on Saturday, August 9th.

July 29, 2008: BLIND TEENAGERS GET IN THE WATER WITH DOLPHINS AT MIAMI SEAQUARIUM
More than 28 teenagers, ages 14 to 18, from Miami Lighthouse for the Blind summer camp will have the opportunity to partake in the Dolphin Encounter of a lifetime on August 7th at 11 a.m. at Miami Seaquarium.

July 2008: MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE RECEIVES 2008 HEALTHY VISION AWARD FROM THE NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE.
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is one of fifty institutions in the U.S. to receive the 2008 Healthy Vision Community Award from the National Eye Institute (NEI) .

July 2008: BEAR HUGS FOUNDATION GRANT SUPPORTS STAR PROGRAM.
Miami Lighthouse has been awarded a grant from the Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation through their literacy grant program. The grant will enhance the 2008 Miami Lighthouse Summer Training and Recreation (STAR) Program, enabling the purchase of art supplies and musical instruments for use by legally blind children between ages 5 and 13.

June 21, 2008:  LEGENDARY PRODUCER HENRY STONE HONORED WITH INAUGURAL MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE "MAN OF VISION" AWARD
Legendary music producer Henry Stone has been named the first Miami Lighthouse "Man of Vision," in recognition of his generous support of Miami Lighthouse's Music Program.

June 13, 2008: JEAN ELLEN DUPONT SHEHAN HONORED WITH MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE "WOMAN OF VISION" AWARD; GLORIA MARTIN COMPLETES $1.1 MILLION GIFT
Philanthropist Jean Ellen duPont Shehan has been named the Miami Lighthouse Woman of Vision for 2008, in recognition of her generous support of Miami Lighthouse. The award will be presented at a luncheon at Miami Lighthouse June 24.

June 9, 2008: BLIND USABA ATHLETES MENTOR TEENS AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE
Power lifters from the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) will have lunch at Miami Lighthouse on July 2 and spend time with students enrolled in the Transition Program, which is aimed at kids ages 14-20 preparing for post-secondary schooling or vocational training.

June 6, 2008: DELOITTE VOLUNTEERS HELP LOCAL NONPROFITS IN MIAMI ON NINTH ANNUAL IMPACT DAY
More than 150 Deloitte volunteers are heading out into the Miami community to make a difference, kicking-off the organization's ninth annual IMPACT Day, a one-day celebration of its year-round commitment to workplace volunteerism.

May 19, 2008: MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE SPONSORS USABA ATHLETES COMPETING IN BENCHPRESS AND POWERLIFTING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will sponsor Team USA in the upcoming 2008 International Blind Sports Association's (IBSA) Benchpress and Powerlifting World Championships, to be held in Miami July 2-5 at the Hyatt Hotel Grand Ballroom.

April 23, 2008: MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE HOSTS "MUSIC UNDER THE STARS: A TASTE OF BRICKELL" TO BENEFIT HEIKEN Children™S VISION PROGRAM
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired hosted a fundraiser Wed., April 30, to benefit its Heiken Children™s Vision Program, a new mobile outreach program that provides free eye care services to schoolchildren in need.

April 8, 2008: MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE CEO VIRGINIA A. JACKO RECEIVES AXA ADVISORS 2008 BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Virginia A. Jacko, President and CEO of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, has received the AXA Advisors 2008 Business Woman of the Year Award in the Public Service/Non-Profit Award category.

March 27, 2008: MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND DOG-A-THON RAISES AWARENESS OF SERVICE DOGS
Walkers and their dogs, including guide dogs, other service animals and regular pet companions, walked to support Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

March 3, 2008: MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE AWARDED 2008 HEALTHY VISION COMMUNITY AWARD BY NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is one of fifty institutions in the U.S. to receive the 2008 Healthy Vision Community Award from the National Eye Institute (NEI). The award recognizes the achievements of Miami Lighthouse in the field of providing essential vision care to school-age children.

March 2008: MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE AWARDED FOUR NEW GRANTS
Four important new grants awarded recently to Miami Lighthouse will significantly advance our mission of providing the best in vision rehabilitation and eye health services.

2007

December 10, 2007: MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE KIDS SING ABOUT "A BETTER CHANCE"
New CD Available Now By Calling 305-856-9100
This summer blind and visually impaired high school students enrolled in the music program at Miami Lighthouse, along with sighted kids participating through the ACT (All Children Together) program of The Children™s Trust, produced a new CD titled "A Better Chance". This CD is the third by Miami Lighthouse musicians and the first produced completely at the Lighthouse's new state-of-the-art Henry & Inez Stone Music & Sound Studio.

October 25, 2007: PHILANTHROPIST GLORIA MARTIN HONORED AT INAUGURAL MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN OF VISION LUNCHEON
Philanthropist Gloria Martin received the first Miami Lighthouse Woman of Vision award at the inaugural Miami Lighthouse Women of Vision luncheon, in recognition of her incentive matching gift of more than $1.1 million to Miami Lighthouse in 2006.

October 18, 2007: WHITE CANE DAY CELEBRATION AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE INCLUDES DISCUSSION OF LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR THE BLIND
Eric Bridges of the American Council of the Blind spoke to a large audience at Miami Lighthouse with information regarding accessible currency.

October 4, 2007: STATE REPRESENTATIVE LUIS GARCIA LEADS
WHITE CANE WALK OCT. 15 FROM MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE
Thanks to newly-installed auditory pedestrian signals at Eight Avenue and Seventh Street, blind and visually impaired clients of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired can walk to Walgreens, a block away from the Lighthouse on the corner of Eighth Street. The auditory signals were a joint project between state and county highway authorities.

August 2, 2007: AGUSTIN ARELLANO SR. RECEIVES COMMENDATION FROM COMMISSIONER JOE SANCHEZ FOR PRO BONO WORK FOR MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND
City of Miami District 3 Commissioner Joe Sanchez presented Agustin Arellano, Sr., with a commendation from the City of Miami Tuesday in recognition of his pro bono general contracting services by Agustin Arellano Construction Co. for the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

July 13, 2007: MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE CEO VIRGINIA A. JACKO IS SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Miami Lighthouse CEO Virginia Jacko received the Business Woman of the Year award in the Non-Profit Leader Category from the South Florida Business Journal at the publication's sixth annual Business Woman of the Year Awards.

June 29, 2007: MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE ACQUIRES HEIKEN Children™S VISION PROGRAM
In a move heralded as a new way of doing business in the not-for-profit community, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has acquired the Heiken Children™s Vision Program.