Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering the Visually Impaired in Miami, FL
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind has been a leader in vision rehabilitation services since 1930, providing education, training, and community support for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Our programs, accredited by the National Accreditation Council (NAC) and the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind (AER), reflect decades of expertise in addressing the unique needs of our clients. We specialize in low vision services, pre-employment transition programs, and innovative initiatives like the CVI Collaborative Center for children with cortical vision impairment. Our team of certified professionals, including assistive technology specialists and occupational therapists, delivers personalized care rooted in evidence-based practices such as the HighScope Curriculum and Conscious Discipline.Recognized with 14 consecutive 4-star Charity Navigator ratings and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce NOVO Award, we combine financial responsibility with groundbreaking solutions. Our commitment to accessibility extends to website compliance audits, ensuring digital equity for all users. By fostering independence through education and technology, we empower over 90,000 individuals annually, from infants to seniors, while maintaining transparent operations and community-driven outcomes.
Services
Website Accessibility Audits
Low Vision Services
Pre-Employment Transition Programs
Florida Heiken Vision Program
Music Education
Senior Group Activities
Adult Rehabilitation
CVI Collaborative Center
Distance Learning Curriculum
Blind Babies Program
Details
- Year established: 1930
Highlights and features
- We offer 95 years of experience in vision rehabilitation services.
- Our programs are accredited by NAC and AER for quality assurance.
- We received 14 consecutive 4-star Charity Navigator ratings.
- We pioneered the first CVI Collaborative Center in Florida.
- Our team includes certified assistive technology specialists and therapists.
Associations and certifications
- National Accreditation Council (NAC)
- Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind (AER)
What people say
Life-changing programs
Expert staff
Innovative solutions
Community-focused
Accredited excellence
Services
Website Accessibility Audits
Our IT specialists, many of whom are blind, conduct comprehensive audits to ensure websites meet WCAG standards. We provide quarterly reviews and a proprietary scorecard to maintain ongoing compliance. This service helps organizations avoid lawsuits while promoting digital equity for visually impaired users.
Low Vision Services
We teach adaptive techniques to maximize remaining vision through specialized tools and training. Services include home management instruction and assistive technology guidance. Our goal is to help clients maintain independence in daily activities despite visual impairments.
Pre-Employment Transition Services
This program prepares youth aged 14-22 for workforce entry through technology training, mobility instruction, and social skills development. We focus on building confidence and practical abilities needed for employment or higher education opportunities.
CVI Collaborative Center
Florida's first center dedicated to cortical vision impairment combines medical, educational, and therapeutic resources. We provide specialized assessments and interventions for children with brain-based visual impairments through a multidisciplinary approach involving educators and healthcare professionals.
Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program
This initiative provides free comprehensive eye exams and prescription glasses to underserved children. Partnering with schools and community organizations, we've delivered over 300,000 services through collaborations with the Marlins Foundation and Major League Baseball.
People
Virginia A. Jacko
President & Chief Executive Officer
Virginia leads Miami Lighthouse with over 30 years of nonprofit management experience. She has expanded accessibility initiatives and secured major grants while serving on national advisory boards for vision impairment programs.
Richard Fernandez
Chief Financial Officer
Richard oversees financial operations with expertise in nonprofit fiscal management. He ensures responsible stewardship of resources across all programs while maintaining compliance with funding requirements.
Carol Brady-Simmons
Chief Program Officer
Carol directs service delivery with a focus on innovation in vision rehabilitation. She has expanded educational offerings and community outreach programs to better serve diverse client needs.
Cameron Sisser
Senior Vice President for External Relations
Cameron manages partnerships and fundraising initiatives. He has secured millions in grants and corporate support while increasing public awareness of vision impairment issues.
Mara Gonzalez
Miami Lighthouse Academy Director
Mara leads early childhood education programs with a focus on inclusive learning. She implements evidence-based curricula for visually impaired students while maintaining national accreditation standards.
Questions
What services does Miami Lighthouse offer for visually impaired individuals?
We provide low vision rehabilitation, job training, music education, and accessibility audits. Our programs serve all ages from infants to seniors.
How can I get involved with Miami Lighthouse?
Volunteer opportunities include mentoring, event support, and professional partnerships. We also welcome donations and corporate sponsorships.
Is Miami Lighthouse accredited?
Yes, we hold accreditations from NAC since 1978 and AER since 2017, with 14 consecutive Charity Navigator 4-star ratings.
What is the Florida Heiken Program?
This initiative provides free eye exams and glasses to underserved children, having served over 300,000 kids since 1992.
Does Miami Lighthouse offer website accessibility services?
Yes, our IT specialists conduct ADA compliance audits and quarterly reviews using WCAG standards for digital equity.
What makes Miami Lighthouse unique?
We combine 95 years of experience with innovative programs like the CVI Collaborative Center and HighScope Curriculum for visually impaired learners.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Guadalupe Orellana
Oct 31, 2021
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My experience at the Miami Lighthouse has been the best! First I would like to thank Corrina for making me feel so welcomed and at home. Then I would like to thank the best instructor at the lighthouse who is Jin Choi because of his professionalism and dedication to clients. He has by far made this the best experience I have had at the light house. I would also like to thank Karima, Reinaldo, and Fionna for always being there to guide me and help me everything when I was in need. Thank all of you guys so much for everything you have done for me (:
-Guadalupe Orellana
-Guadalupe Orellana
Jennifer Guerra
Oct 30, 2021
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This is the absolute worst place I have ever been to. I took my baby 6 months ago. They showed me the place. Everyone seemed nice at the time. Took them months to come evaluate him. Its been a month he was to begin therapy at home. The very first time the therapist called out then after that she never called again or ever came again after saying she would come Thursdays at 9am. Now they leave me a voicemail saying come for a fun class at the center. The nerve!!!!
Nihusa Dias
Sep 09, 2019
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Miami Lighthouse is an amazing place with exceptional staff. Both of my children attend the inclusive Learning Center Program and I could not be more grateful. The staff is caring and my children have learned so much!
Lou H.
Jul 18, 2019
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Miami Lighthouse for the Blind has amazing opportunities for volunteers to give back. They are able to assist in all areas from assisting the clients to helping staff with clerical duties.
