Our Mission and Vision

Through education, training, research and vision enhancement, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides hope, confidence, and independence to people of all ages.

Our vision is a more inclusive society in which the blind and visually impaired can thrive, starting in the classroom right up to the workforce and the computer screen. Miami Lighthouse is helping to build this by removing barriers in:

Education: Blind preschoolers play and learn together alongside their sighted peers at our Miami Lighthouse Academy LLC. More than 120 students have graduated since opening in 2016. Our inclusive model is backed by research and results in social and emotional learning growth.
Workforce: Each year, we help over 20 adults connect with the career of their dreams, by training and placing them in integrated, competitive mainstream employment. We also link up teens with local mentors and site visits to learn about different careers.
Care: Our fleet of mobile units ensure that Title I students in Florida have access to critical vision screenings and eye healthcare. We receive over 26,000 referrals each year.
Information: We have counseled more than 200 businesses and corporations, from airlines to universities and law firms across the nation, on inclusive website design and accessibility. We have even worked with presidential campaigns and government officials to ensure no one is shut out from vital voter information.

Our goal over the next decade is to double our impact and reach.

If you are a corporation or business, contact us to learn more about how we can help ensure your website and your workforce is truly inclusive for all. Listen to our President and CEO Virginia Jacko, discuss our innovative, inclusive programming below on the Project Inclusion podcast.

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Miami Lighthouse is honored by the following

AER accredited

Miami Lighthouse is AER accredited distinguishing that an agency or school operates at the highest level of quality and is positioned to generate the outcomes needed by the clients.

Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Miami Lighthouse received the coveted Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce 2023 Nonprofit Business Innovative Excellence NOVO Award with an organizational budget of $2 million and above.

Miami Lighthouse ranks among the elite 1% of U.S. nonprofits having earned 13 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, the nation's premier independent nonprofit evaluator. Receiving such a distinction reflects our sound fiscal management, responsible use of donor dollars, and financial strength.

The Children's Trust

Early Intervention Blind Babies Program Named the Children's Trust 2016 Program of the Year. This most prestigious award recognizes this Early Intervention Program, in particular, for including parents as teachers.

Apple

Miami Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™ is a Florida gold seal and nationally Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment (APPLE)

Florida Blue Foundation

Miami Lighthouse was recognized at the 2015 Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Awards luncheon as an organization that has demonstrated excellence and innovation in community health.

The Beacon Council

Miami Lighthouse received the prestigious 2015 Beacon Award in Education at the 13th Annual Beacon Council Awards.

Marlins Charity Partner

Miami Lighthouse is a two-time Charity Partner (2013 and 2014) of the Marlins Foundation and a 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game Legacy Partner. Our Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program has received over $300,000 in charitable donations through these partnerships.

Health Foundation of South Florida

Miami Lighthouse received the prestigious 2008 Concern Award from Health Foundation of South Florida.

Miami Today

Miami Lighthouse received a Silver medal at the 2016 Miami Today Gold Medal Awards Ceremony.

Miami New Times - Best of Miami 2017

Miami Lighthouse named "Best of Miami" Charity 2017 by the New Times.

United Homecare

Miami Lighthouse received United Homecare's 2012 Thelma Gibson Community Service Award at the 18th Annual Claude Pepper Memorial Awards Ceremony.

South Florida Business Journal

Miami Lighthouse received the prestigious South Florida Business Journal 2011 Excellence in Health Care Award in the Community Outreach category.

Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce

Miami Lighthouse honored by being named the recipient of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 2010 Non-Profit Business Diamond Award.

PR Week

Miami Lighthouse received the prestigious 2020 award for "Best in Nonprofit" campaign by PRWeek referred to as the "Oscars of the PR industry".

ABLE United

Miami Lighthouse is proud to be a strategic partner with ABLE United, Florida's disability savings program, to learn more visit www.ableunited.com