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July 17, 2026
Hurricane season is a reality for everyone living in Florida, but for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, preparing for severe weather often requires additional planning. Power outages, changing environments, transportation disruptions, and emergency alerts can all present unique challenges during a storm. The good news is that taking a few proactive steps before hurricane season begins can help you stay safe, maintain your independence, and reduce stress when a storm is approaching. Here are some important accessibility considerations to include in your hurricane preparedness plan. Build an Accessible Emergency Kit Every household should have an emergency supply kit, but it's important to organize yours in a way that is easy to access without relying on sight. Your kit should include: At least seven days of medications Bottled water (one gallon per person, per day) Nonperishable food Flashlights with extra batteries Portable phone chargers or power banks First aid supplies Personal hygiene items Cash in small bills Important phone numbers written in large print, braille, or stored digitally Store frequently used items in consistent locations and consider using tactile labels or braille labels to identify medications and supplies quickly. Keep Your Technology Charged Many individuals who are blind or visually impaired rely heavily on smartphones and assistive technology for communication, navigation, and accessing information. Before a storm: Fully charge all devices. Charge portable battery packs. Keep charging cables together in one location. Test backup batteries for braille displays or other assistive devices. Download maps and important documents for offline access. If you use electronic magnifiers, video magnifiers, or other powered equipment, consider how you'll access them if electricity is unavailable for several days. Stay Connected to Emergency Alerts Receiving timely weather updates is critical. Sign up for local emergency alerts through your county's emergency management office and make sure your phone is configured to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). Many smartphones also include built-in accessibility features that allow emergency notifications to be read aloud through VoiceOver (iPhone) or TalkBack (Android). A NOAA Weather Radio with voice alerts can provide additional information if internet or cellular service becomes unreliable. Plan Your Evacuation Route If evacuation becomes necessary, knowing your plan ahead of time can save valuable time. Ask yourself: Do I know my evacuation zone? How will I get there? Who can assist me if transportation is needed? Do I know the location of accessible shelters? If you use public transportation or paratransit services, learn how those services operate during hurricane evacuations and register in advance if required. Share your evacuation plan with family members, neighbors, or trusted friends so everyone understands where you'll be going. Prepare for Power Outages Power outages often last longer than the storm itself. Consider how you'll manage if electricity is unavailable for several days. Think about: Refrigerated medications Charging accessible devices Lighting inside your home Cooking meals safely Accessing emergency information Battery-operated lanterns often provide safer, longer-lasting light than candles. Voice-controlled smart speakers may also become unavailable during internet outages, so have backup communication methods ready. Protect Important Documents Store essential documents in waterproof containers or resealable plastic bags. Important items may include: Identification Insurance information Medical records Emergency contact lists Prescription information Social Security or disability documentation Digital copies stored securely in cloud storage can provide an additional backup if physical documents are damaged. Don't Forget Your Mobility Equipment If you use a white cane, guide dog, or other mobility aids, include them in your emergency planning. For white cane users: Carry an extra cane tip. Keep a backup cane if available. Inspect your cane before hurricane season begins. For guide dog handlers: Pack several days of food and water. Bring medications and veterinary records. Include waste bags and familiar comfort items. Ensure identification tags are current. Many emergency shelters welcome service animals, but bringing documentation can help make the process smoother. Register for Special Needs Assistance Many Florida counties offer Special Needs Registries for residents who may need assistance during emergencies. Depending on your circumstances, registration may help emergency officials identify transportation needs or provide additional support during evacuations. Contact your local emergency management agency before hurricane season begins to learn what services are available in your area. Stay Connected with Your Support Network Even if you live independently, it's important to have people who know your emergency plan. Choose at least two trusted contacts who can: Check in before and after storms Help with evacuation if necessary Provide updates if communication is limited Assist with supplies if needed Likewise, let them know how best to reach you if cell service becomes unreliable. Practice Your Plan Emergency preparedness works best when you've practiced it before you need it. Take time to: Locate emergency supplies. Review evacuation routes. Test accessible apps and emergency alerts. Confirm important phone numbers. Practice packing your emergency bag. The more familiar your plan becomes, the easier it will be to respond calmly during an actual emergency. Lighthouse Is Here to Help At the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee , we understand that emergency preparedness looks different for every individual. Through our Orientation & Mobility, Independent Living, and Assistive Technology programs , we help participants build practical skills that support confidence and independence year-round, including during hurricane season. If you or a loved one would like assistance learning accessible technology, developing independent living skills, or preparing for emergencies, we're here to help.  With thoughtful planning and the right resources, you can face hurricane season with greater confidence and peace of mind. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.
June 26, 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way people complete everyday tasks, communicate, and access information. For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, AI is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for building independence and confidence in daily life. From reading printed text aloud to identifying objects and describing surroundings , today's AI-powered technology is making activities that once required assistance more accessible than ever. While AI is not a replacement for orientation and mobility training, assistive technology instruction, or other rehabilitation services, it can be a powerful addition to the tools people already use. Here's a closer look at how AI is helping individuals with vision loss navigate the world. Reading Printed Text Instantly One of the most practical uses of AI is converting printed text into speech. Whether it's: Restaurant menus Mail Prescription labels School assignments Product packaging Receipts AI-powered apps can recognize text through a smartphone camera and read it aloud in seconds. Unlike older optical character recognition (OCR) technology, many AI systems can also understand formatting and context, making the reading experience smoother and easier to follow. This can make everyday tasks like sorting mail or reviewing important documents much more manageable. Understanding Your Surroundings Modern AI can do much more than simply identify text. Many apps now provide spoken descriptions of what's in front of the camera, including: People Furniture Buildings Vehicles Food Household objects Outdoor scenery For example, someone entering a hotel lobby can receive a description of where the reception desk is located, how many chairs are nearby, or whether there are stairs ahead. These descriptions provide valuable context that helps users better understand unfamiliar environments. Identifying Everyday Objects Finding the right can in the pantry or matching clothing used to require labels or assistance. Today, AI can recognize thousands of everyday items, including: Clothing colors and patterns Currency Household products Electronics Groceries Personal care items Some apps can even distinguish between similar products, helping users identify the correct medication bottle or pantry item. This makes daily routines faster and supports greater independence at home. Navigation and Wayfinding Getting from one place to another is becoming easier with AI-enhanced navigation. While GPS has been available for years, newer AI-powered navigation tools provide additional information such as: Nearby businesses Street crossings Building entrances Public transportation stops Indoor navigation in some locations Some applications combine GPS with computer vision, allowing a smartphone camera to recognize landmarks and provide more accurate guidance. These tools work especially well when combined with Orientation and Mobility (O&M) skills learned through professional training. Shopping with Greater Confidence Shopping independently is another area where AI is making a difference. AI-powered apps can help users: Read product labels Compare prices Identify food items Locate products in some stores Read expiration dates Scan barcodes Some retailers are also beginning to introduce AI-supported accessibility features that improve the shopping experience for customers with disabilities. Describing Photos and Images Social media has become far more accessible thanks to AI image descriptions. Many platforms now automatically generate descriptions of uploaded photos, allowing screen readers to explain what's in an image. Dedicated AI apps can also answer questions such as: "What color is this shirt?" "How many people are in this photo?" "Is this person smiling?" "What's happening in this picture?" These tools make sharing and enjoying photos much more accessible. AI-Powered Personal Assistants Virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, and ChatGPT are becoming increasingly useful for individuals with vision loss. They can assist with: Setting reminders Sending text messages Making phone calls Creating grocery lists Looking up information Answering questions Managing calendars Controlling smart home devices Because these assistants rely primarily on voice interaction, they offer a natural way to complete many daily tasks without needing to navigate a screen. Real-Time Assistance Some AI services combine artificial intelligence with human support. When AI isn't confident about what it's seeing, certain apps can connect users with trained volunteers or professional agents who provide live visual assistance through a smartphone camera. This combination of AI and human support can be especially helpful for: Reading handwritten notes Navigating unfamiliar spaces Completing forms Troubleshooting unexpected situations It gives users another option when technology alone isn't enough. AI Is Helpful, But It Isn't Perfect As impressive as AI has become, it still has limitations. AI may occasionally: Misidentify objects Misread text Struggle in poor lighting Become confused by cluttered environments Provide incomplete information For this reason, AI should be viewed as one tool among many rather than a complete replacement for established accessibility skills. Training, experience, and good judgment remain essential for safe travel and independent living. Why Training Still Matters Owning the latest technology is only part of the equation. Knowing how to use it effectively makes all the difference. Assistive technology specialists can help individuals learn: Which apps best fit their needs Screen reader techniques Smartphone accessibility settings AI features that improve daily living How to combine multiple accessibility tools efficiently Likewise, Orientation and Mobility instructors teach safe travel skills that remain important regardless of technological advances. When paired together, professional training and AI create a stronger foundation for independence. Looking Ahead Artificial intelligence continues to evolve rapidly, with new accessibility features being introduced every year. Future innovations may include: More accurate indoor navigation Smarter wearable devices Better real-time object recognition Enhanced transportation assistance More personalized AI assistants Improved workplace accessibility These developments have the potential to remove even more barriers and create new opportunities for education, employment, recreation, and community involvement. Lighthouse Can Help You Get Started At the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee , we believe technology should empower people, not intimidate them. Our Assistive Technology services help children, teens, adults, and seniors learn how to use accessible devices and applications that support greater independence in everyday life. Whether you're learning to use a screen reader, exploring AI-powered tools, or becoming more confident with your smartphone, our team is here to help. Technology is changing quickly, but with the right guidance and training, it can become a powerful partner in living independently. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about assistive technology services, c ontact the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee today . Together, we can help you build the skills and confidence to navigate the world with greater independence.
June 12, 2026
Summer in Florida brings longer days, outdoor activities, and opportunities to connect with family and friends. For individuals with vision impairments, however, the season can also present unique challenges. From navigating unfamiliar outdoor spaces to staying safe in extreme heat, a little preparation can help you enjoy summer with greater confidence and independence. Beat the Heat: Staying Safe in Florida's Summer Weather Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can affect anyone, but individuals with vision impairments may face additional challenges when navigating outdoor environments or identifying opportunities to cool down. Pay attention to warning signs such as: Excessive sweating, weakness, or dizziness Headache, nausea, or muscle cramps Skin that feels unusually hot and dry (which may signal heatstroke and requires immediate attention) Practical tips: Set reminders on your phone or smart device to drink water regularly, at least 8 ounces every 30–60 minutes in high heat. Carry a small personal fan or cooling towel in your bag. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening when temperatures are lower. Familiarize yourself with the cool spots in your neighborhood. Libraries, community centers and malls make great air-conditioned refuges. Sun Protection Without Sight: Sunscreen and UV Safety You don't need to see the sun to feel its effects. UV rays are just as damaging on cloudy days, and people who are blind or have low vision can experience painful sunburns simply by losing track of how long they've been outside. Tips for effective sun protection: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Choose a spray or stick formulation that's easier to apply evenly by touch. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective clothing as a reliable, "set it and forget it" layer of defense. Protect your eyes. Even with a vision impairment, UV exposure can worsen certain eye conditions. Wear sunglasses with UV400 protection or ask your eye care provider about the best options for your situation. Navigating Outdoors Safely Summertime means more activity in public spaces and more obstacles. Construction zones, outdoor furniture, pop-up vendors, and children playing can all create unexpected hazards. White cane users: Be aware that heat shimmer off pavement can interfere with visual contrast for individuals with low vision. Tap ahead more deliberately in unfamiliar outdoor settings where terrain may be uneven. Watch for garden hoses, lawn decorations, and sprinkler heads that may not have been there on your last visit. For guide dog users: Heat is especially dangerous for dogs. Pavement above 77°F can burn paw pads. If it's too hot for your bare hand, it's too hot for your dog's feet. Carry extra water for your guide dog and offer frequent water breaks, and avoid peak heat hours. Watch for signs of heat stress in your dog: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or reluctance to walk. General outdoor navigation: Share your planned route with a trusted contact before heading out alone. Use GPS navigation apps with audio guidance (like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or BlindSquare) to stay oriented. If attending outdoor events, call ahead to ask about accessible routes, drop-off areas, and any temporary layout changes. Water Safety Pools, lakes, and splash pads are wonderful summer destinations and with a few precautions, they can be enjoyed safely and confidently. Always orient yourself to the pool's layout before entering, including the location of steps, the deep end, and any slopes. Ask a lifeguard or companion to describe the area on arrival and identify any new obstacles. Use brightly colored or textured pool accessories that can be identified by touch. Never swim alone. Let a lifeguard know you have a vision impairment so they can keep an eye out and assist if needed. At natural bodies of water (lakes, rivers), currents and depth changes can't be anticipated the same way as in a pool. Exercise extra caution and always go with a trusted companion. Staying Hydrated and Eating Well Outdoor summer gatherings often mean buffet-style meals, picnics, or food served in unfamiliar settings. Here are some tips for navigating food safely: Use the "clock method" to orient your plate: ask someone to describe food positions using clock face references (e.g., "chicken at 3 o'clock, salad at 9 o'clock"). Keep food safety in mind. In summer heat, perishable items should not sit out for more than one hour in temperatures above 90°F (two hours below 90°F). Carry snacks you're familiar with to supplement meals when the layout of a spread is hard to navigate independently. Don't forget to carry a reusable water bottle and refill it often, especially during outdoor events and travel. Traveling This Summer? Whether you're taking a road trip, flying to visit family, or exploring a new city, plan ahead whenever possible. Contact hotels, attractions, and transportation providers in advance to ask about accessibility accommodations.Saving important addresses, reservations, and directions in an accessible app before you leave can help reduce stress and make travel more enjoyable. Emergency Preparedness Summer storms and power outages are more common in warmer months. Having a plan in place gives you confidence no matter what the season throws your way. Keep a "go bag" stocked with essentials: medications, a charged portable battery, tactile or audio-accessible emergency radio, important documents in braille or digital format, and extra cane tips. Know your local emergency alert system and make sure you receive alerts via audio or text rather than solely visual formats. Identify two trusted neighbors who know about your vision impairment and can check in during emergencies. Review Florida's accessible emergency services resources through your county's Emergency Management Agency. Resources from Your Lighthouse Summer activities often bring new environments and situations, making it a great time to strengthen skills and learn new strategies for independent living. At the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee, we're here to support you every season of the year. If you'd like help with any of the following, reach out to our team: Assistive technology training : including weather and GPS apps optimized for screen readers Orientation and mobility services : building confidence navigating new summer environments Guide dog program support and resources Independent living skills training : including home safety and food preparation Contact us: Visit LHPB.org or call our office to speak with a specialist.
May 27, 2026
What if your next lunch break came with a side of life-changing health advice? This summer, the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee is hosting a free, three-part Lunch & Learn Series dedicated to something most of us take for granted — our vision. Whether you're managing an existing eye condition, noticing changes in your eyesight, or simply want to be more proactive about your health, this series was made for you. And yes, lunch is included. What Is the Lunch & Learn Series? The Summer Lunch & Learn Series brings together community members, caregivers, and eye health advocates for three interactive sessions, each focused on a different aspect of vision wellness. Each event runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and is held at Mittleman Eye — giving you direct access to one of the region's premier eye care environments. Every session is designed to be approachable and practical. No medical jargon. No sales pitch. Just real information you can apply to your everyday life, delivered by experts who care about your sight as much as you do. The Sessions June 3 — Eat Your Way to Better Eye Health You've heard that carrots are good for your eyes — but how much do you really know about the connection between what you eat and how well you see? This first session dives into the foods, nutrients, and dietary habits that science has linked to better eye health. From leafy greens rich in lutein to omega-3 fatty acids that support the retina, you'll leave with a clear picture of what to put on your plate — and why it matters for your vision long-term. Great for: Anyone looking to take a proactive, nutrition-based approach to protecting their eyesight. July 1 — Lifestyle Habits That Protect Your Vision Your daily routines — sleep, screen time, sun exposure, exercise — all have a measurable impact on your eye health. But most people don't know where to start. This session explores the lifestyle factors that either safeguard or strain your vision over time. You'll walk away with practical, sustainable habits you can start building right away, whether you're 35 or 75. Great for: People who want to understand how their lifestyle choices affect their long-term vision health. August 5 — When Vision Changes: What Are Your Options? Noticing that your vision isn't what it used to be can feel frightening. But it doesn't have to. This final session takes an honest, compassionate look at what happens when vision changes — and what your options are. From early intervention strategies to the wide range of assistive tools and support services available, this session is about empowerment, not alarm. Great for: Adults experiencing vision changes, family members, and caregivers who want to understand what comes next. Where to Go All three sessions are held at Mittleman Eye , located in the Palm Beaches area. Sessions take place on the 5th floor — when you arrive, check in at the 1st floor reception before heading up. Staff will be there to welcome you. Who Should Attend? This series is open to everyone in the community. You don't need to be a current Lighthouse client or have a diagnosed vision condition to attend. These events are for: Adults who want to be proactive about their eye health Seniors experiencing age-related vision changes Caregivers supporting a loved one with low vision or vision loss Anyone curious about how lifestyle and nutrition affect long-term sight Why the Lighthouse? The Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee has been a trusted resource for people living with vision loss and visual impairment across South Florida for decades. Through education, advocacy, and direct services, the Lighthouse empowers individuals to live independently and fully — and that mission starts with community events exactly like this one. Reserve Your Spot Space at each session is limited, so we encourage you to sign up in advance. You can attend one session, two, or all three — each stands on its own. Register now and secure your seat for the session (or sessions) that speak to you most. Lunch is provided, and there's no cost to attend. We'll see you there. The Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee · Hosted at Mittleman Eye · 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
By Terri Shermett May 21, 2026
Last Thursday, May 21, marked the 15th annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day — a worldwide moment to get people talking, thinking, and learning about digital inclusion. At Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee, we marked the occasion with an executive strategic briefing: Where Access Changes. The conversation brought together leaders who don't just talk about accessibility — they build it, fight for it, and live it. The Panel Lisa Stella , our Executive Director, who has spent her career advancing independence for people who are blind or visually impaired Emi Hutton , Digital Accessibility Subject Matter Expert and a member of our Board of Directors Christopher Bylone , Belonging Practitioner and Founder of Innovation Unbiased Alex Oliveira , Founder and CEO of Prediq , who hosted the discussion Together, they tackled something uncomfortable but necessary: why, fifteen years into GAAD, the digital world still leaves so many people behind. Five Things That Stuck With Us 1. The scale of the problem is bigger than most leaders realize. 1 billion people worldwide live with a disability. That's roughly one in six of us. And according to the WebAIM Million Report, 98.1% of the world's top one million home pages have at least one accessibility failure — with an average of nearly 61 errors per page. This isn't a niche concern. It's a default condition of today's web. 2. The clock is ticking on compliance. The Department of Justice's Final Rule takes effect on April 26, 2027, requiring WCAG 2.1 AA compliance across digital properties. As the panel pointed out, reactive fixes cost roughly 10 times more than proactive design. Organizations waiting for the deadline are setting themselves up for both higher costs and higher legal exposure. 3. Accessibility is a market opportunity, not just a risk. People with disabilities control an estimated $1.9 trillion in annual disposable income globally (Return on Disability Group, 2025). When you design for accessibility, you're not just avoiding lawsuits — you're opening your product to a massive and historically underserved market. 4. The curb-cut effect is real. Curb cuts were built for wheelchair users. They ended up helping parents with strollers, travelers with rolling luggage, and delivery workers with carts. Digital accessibility works the same way. Captions help people in noisy environments. High-contrast design helps anyone reading on a phone in sunlight. Voice navigation helps hands-free mobile users. Designing for the margins improves the experience for everyone. 5. Lived experience belongs in the room. One of the panel's strongest themes: you cannot design accessible products without people with disabilities at the table — not as test subjects, but as colleagues, designers, and decision-makers. Authentic feedback from people who navigate digital barriers every day is the single best defense against both poor design and litigation. Why This Matters Here Since 1946, Lighthouse for the Blind has helped people who are blind or visually impaired reach their highest level of independence. For 80 years, that mission has evolved alongside the world it serves — from teaching daily living skills to advocating for the digital environments where so much of modern life now happens. Accessibility isn't a checkbox. It's a culture. And cultures don't change in a single day — not even on GAAD. Watch the Webinar
May 15, 2026
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM Noon | Free Virtual Webinar Presented by Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches Global Accessibility Awareness Day falls on May 21st this year, and we are kicking off the conversation a day early with a webinar built for leaders who are ready to stop checking boxes and start building strategy.  On May 20th at noon, join Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches for a free virtual Lunch and Learn: The Strategic Edge: Beyond Compliance . Presented in partnership with Innovation Unbiased, this session brings together thought leaders who are redefining what accessibility means for business, workforce, and community. What This Session Is About Most conversations about accessibility start with legal risk. This one starts with opportunity. The global disability market represents $13 trillion in spending power. ADA Title II and Title III updates are reshaping compliance expectations for private businesses, government agencies, and schools. And organizations that treat accessibility as a dynamic operational commitment rather than a one-time fix are pulling ahead in talent, reputation, and market reach. This webinar is designed to give C-Suite leaders, HR professionals, and community champions a practical blueprint for leading with inclusion. What You Will Walk Away With The session covers six executive pillars: The ADA Mandate Roadmap -- A practical breakdown of recent ADA updates and how to move your organization from "legal fear" to strategic readiness. The Talent Stack and Workforce Integration -- A look at how screen readers, AI-driven note-takers, and other professional tools enable high-performers with disabilities to exceed traditional productivity benchmarks. The "Curb-Cut" Market Multiplier -- How designing for disability creates better products for everyone, and how to capture both the disability market and the growing "Silver Economy." The Lifecycle of Progress -- Why accessibility requires ongoing operational commitment and what that looks like in practice. User-Led Accommodations -- How shifting HR protocols toward collaborative expertise, and partnering with the Division of Blind Services, produces better outcomes while reducing corporate spend. The Power of Community Engagement -- How the Lighthouse network can drive sponsorship, high-level volunteerism, employee engagement, and measurable ESG impact for your organization. Meet the Speakers
May 8, 2026
As digital spaces become central to how we work, shop, learn, and connect, website accessibility is no longer optional, it’s essential. In a recent webinar hosted by the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee, a panel of accessibility experts came together to break down the latest updates to ADA web accessibility requirements and what they mean for organizations today.  Featuring insights from Lisa Stella (Lighthouse), Alex Oliveira (Prediq), Sapir Yarden and Michael Hingson (accessiBe), and accessibility advocate Emi Hutton, the session provided a clear look at the current landscape, the risks of non-compliance, and practical steps forward. Why Website Accessibility Matters More Than Ever For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, an inaccessible website can create real barriers, preventing access to basic information, services, and opportunities. Accessibility is not just about compliance; it’s about inclusion. Organizations of all types, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and government entities, are increasingly expected to ensure their websites can be used by everyone, including those who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers or voice navigation.
April 27, 2026
We have wonderful news to share with our Palm Beach County community. At a recent breakfast ceremony hosted by the Ibis Charities Foundation , Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches was awarded a $20,000 grant — a gift that will shine directly into the lives of the children we serve every day. Our entire team was moved by this incredible show of support. This investment in our mission means more resources, more opportunities, and more independence for young people living with visual impairments across the region.
April 20, 2026
Mark Chapman lost his vision overnight and thought his life was over. At the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, he learned to live independently again and says he is happier now than when he could see. Read his story.
April 14, 2026
Gabriel survived a violent attack that left him with a 10% chance of living. After losing his sight, he found The Lighthouse and discovered a vision more powerful than anything he had before. Read his story.
April 14, 2026
Niurka Walker went from driving herself to the eye doctor to losing her sight the same day. At the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, she found the independence and tools to go back to college and rebuild her life.
March 31, 2026
The Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee was recently featured on Let’s Talk Charity with Sherry , where Executive Director Lisa Stella joined the program to discuss the growing need for vision services across our region and the life-changing work happening every day through Lighthouse programs. During the conversation, Lisa shared how the Lighthouse has been serving the community for 80 years , helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired build independence, confidence, and opportunity from childhood through adulthood.