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 for the
Blind & Visually Impaired, Inc. serves over 1,600 unduplicated clients
every year 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 the United States of America 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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Lighthouse for the Blind. All rights reserved. Terms
and conditions.
This web site was designed and developed by BizSolutions,
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