As the only agency in Broward County providing comprehensive rehabilitation, counseling and educational services to blind and visually impaired children and adults, the Lighthouse of Broward serves more than 500 individuals each year.
“We strive every day to teach skills to blind and visually impaired individuals so they can lead independent lives,” said Dr. Elly du Pré, executive director of the Lighthouse of Broward. “Our mission is to enhance the independence, productivity and quality of life of people who are blind or visually impaired.”
Light box helps to stimulate vision in a two year-old child.
Broward County has one of the highest incidences of visual impairment in the nation. More than 50,000 severely visually impaired people live in the community.
From babies to seniors, the Lighthouse offers a full range of programs to assist this important and growing population.
Childrens services include an early intervention program for babies and toddlers and a summer camp for school age children. An after school program is being planned. Special events, including an annual Easter Egg hunt featuring beeping eggs, are offered to visually impaired children throughout the county.
Bright Beginnings, the program for children birth through 5 years old, helps families with specific play activities that help their child develop his or her potential and build skills that lead to success in school. Parents and family members are empowered when they learn how to turn everyday routines into educational experiences and help their children understand the world we live in.
The Beacons of Light program offers a summer camp for youth, ages 6 to 14 years old. Families of all income levels can participate because fees are based on a sliding scale. Children in the Beacons of Light program are inspired to achieve and believe in themselves through activities that build self-esteem. They also enjoy such physical activities as swimming, yoga, gymnastics, skating and bowling. Support groups and counseling also are available to children and their parents.
Ten year-old child practices his Braille skills.
Teens, from age 14 to 22, now receive training and socialization programs year-round, with intensive post-high school planning in the summers. Participants learn about their career goals, expectations and services for disabled students at colleges, resume writing and interviewing skills. Safe travel skills, proper dress, and basic self-care skills including cooking and financial management plus adapted computer skills are learned.
Adults at any age can turn to the Lighthouse for support and training for building independence. Orientation and mobility classes teach the visually impaired safe travel skills at home, on the job and in the community. Daily living activities, such as cooking, managing finances and organizing, also are taught at the Lighthouse. Computer education and counseling and support groups are available as well. Lighthouse on the Move is an outreach program that provides rehabilitation training throughout the county at senior centers and in the homes of frail or older visually impaired people. Graduates of the Lighthouse programs can remain connected through educational and social activities held throughout the year.
The Low Vision Clinic, operated in collaboration with Nova Southeastern Universitys Department of Optometry, provides on-site services to clients as well as the general public.
Formed in 1973 by a local group of blind persons, volunteers and professionals, the Lighthouse of Broward is a 501 (c ) 3 non-profit, full-service educational and rehabilitation agency and is accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving Blind and Visually Handicapped people (NAC). Lighthouse is a United Way agency and member of the Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind.
In order to be able to offer free and low cost services to the visually impaired, more than $650,000 must be raised each year through grants and individual and corporate donations to support programs.
