In the News

Anne Ogden has spent her life adapting—and thriving—through change. Recently featured in TODAY.com , Anne’s story is a powerful reminder that vision loss does not limit passion, creativity, or purpose.

The Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast and Okeechobee is proud to highlight recent community recognition earned by members of our Board of Directors. Their leadership, service, and professional excellence continue to reflect positively on the mission of Lighthouse and the communities we serve. Anita Patel Featured by the Chamber of the Palm Beaches Anita Patel, CEO and Trusted Technology Advisor at Minerva Tec Group , was recently featured in the Chamber of the Palm Beaches ’ newsletter , recognizing her leadership and impact in the technology sector. With more than 25 years of experience in global telecom and technology, Anita leads Minerva Tec Group, a vendor-agnostic advisory firm that helps organizations simplify IT decisions, reduce risk, and support long-term growth. Her team provides access to more than 350 vetted suppliers and highly certified engineers, serving as an extension of internal IT teams. Anita is widely respected for her ability to align cloud, cybersecurity, AI, and telecom strategies with measurable business goals. In addition to her professional work, she serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including Lighthouse for the Blind and Speak Up for Kids , and is a strong advocate for women in technology. She regularly mentors emerging leaders and speaks on innovation and responsible technology adoption. Originally from London and now based in West Palm Beach, Anita brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to community, inclusion, and sustainable business practices.

We’re proud to announce that Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches has been recognized for its dedication to innovation and accessibility! This nomination came after a great effort by our very own Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and Assistive Technology Specialist, Diane Salina ! For over three decades, Diane’s expertise and passion have been instrumental in helping individuals with vision loss reclaim their independence. From teaching daily living skills to introducing cutting-edge assistive technologies, Diane’s work reflects the heart of Lighthouse’s mission: empowering lives through innovation and support.One of her standout contributions is the implementation of an advanced beacon navigation system using QR-like codes, enabling blind and low-vision clients to safely and independently navigate our facility. Diane also leads training in screen readers, magnification tools, smart devices, and accessible apps, creating personalized solutions that meet the unique needs of every client. Help Us Shine a Light on Accessibility Voting is open from July 15 to August 15, 2025 , and we need your help to showcase Diane’s extraordinary contributions to accessibility and education. 👉 Vote daily at Palm Beach Illustrated Education Awards Voting Let’s come together as a community to celebrate Diane and the Lighthouse’s ongoing commitment to transforming lives across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties. The winners will be announced on September 11, 2025 , at the Palm Beach Illustrated Education Awards Reception at the stunning Belgrove Resort . Thank you for helping us highlight the incredible work that continues to make a difference for individuals with vision loss.

Lighthouse for the Blind has been nominated for the 2025 Boca Raton Observer Readers’ Choice Awards! Voting opens July 15—help us take home the win!

Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches is proud to share that our Executive Director, Lisa Stella, recently served as a panelist at the 2025 FPTA/FDOT/CUTR Professional Development Workshop & Transit Safety and Operations Summit, held June 9–11 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Tampa, Florida. Lisa took the stage on Tuesday, June 10, from 1:15 to 3:00 PM EDT, during a key workshop session titled: "Navigating the Future: AI in Transit" A Powerful Conversation on AI's Role in Transit This engaging session addressed the growing momentum behind artificial intelligence (AI) within public transit operations. Rather than discussing AI in abstract terms, the panel focused on real-world applications—highlighting how AI is already transforming fleet management, maintenance, routing, and rider communication. Lisa brought a crucial and often overlooked voice to the discussion: accessibility. As Executive Director of Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Lisa emphasized that AI innovations must be inclusive from the ground up. She spoke on how transit technology impacts individuals who are blind or visually impaired and urged decision-makers to view accessibility as a core feature—not an afterthought. The Panel Lineup Lisa joined a distinguished group of professionals who brought unique perspectives to the session: Joe McCabe, Operations Manager, LeeTran Joseph Cheney, Deputy Director of Maintenance, PSTA Martin Catala, Program Director, Transit Management & Innovation Group, CUTR Dr. Jacob Yan, Assistant Professor, UF Transportation Institute Together, the panel explored the balance between technological advancement and human-centered design. Lisa's remarks stood out as a powerful reminder that innovation must work for all riders, regardless of ability. Lisa Stella's Impact Lisa's contribution resonated with many in the audience, especially those working to modernize transit systems without leaving behind vulnerable populations. She shared stories from Lighthouse clients who rely on accessible transit and challenged attendees to prioritize universal design in their AI planning efforts. As Lisa reflected after the session: "When we design with inclusion in mind from the start, we don't just make transit better for people with disabilities—we make it better for everyone." About the Event Sponsored by the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA), Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), this annual summit brought together hundreds of Florida's top transit professionals. Attendees gained valuable insight into operations, safety, innovation, and staff development—all while networking and collaborating across agencies and roles. Looking Ahead Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches remains committed to being part of the conversation on transit equity and innovation. We thank the organizers for including Lisa in this critical dialogue—and we're excited to keep pushing forward, ensuring AI and other technologies create a more inclusive and empowering future for all.

We are thrilled to announce that Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches has been featured as the cover story in the March 14-20 edition of Palm Beach Society ! The article, titled "Empowering Vision, Inspiring Independence," highlights the transformative work we do to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired (B/VI) across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. A Beacon of Hope for the B/VI Community Since 1946, Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches (LHPB) has been dedicated to providing vital services, education, and resources to individuals of all ages—babies, children, young adults, working professionals, and seniors. As the only private, nonprofit organization of its kind in West Palm Beach, LHPB stands out for its commitment to empowering the blind and visually impaired to live full, independent lives. Our mission goes beyond serving individuals; we provide training for families, caregivers, and even institutions to create inclusive environments for the B/VI community. Through services funded almost entirely by charitable donations, we are proud to be fully accredited by the National Accreditation Council. Spotlighting Our Life-Changing Programs The Palm Beach Society feature captures the heart of our work, including programs like: The Youth Program: Offering early intervention vision screenings for children and helping them develop essential life skills. Technology Training: Providing clients with tools to access education, employment, and daily life independently. Well-Being and Independence Living for Adults Program: Empowering adults to regain independence and confidence through mobility training, education, and hands-on activities.

We are proud to announce that Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches has been featured in the prestigious INNOVATE South Florida ebook! This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, and Indian River counties. A Spotlight on Innovation and Impact Our feature on page 148 of the ebook showcases the vital work we do to provide education, rehabilitation, and support services to individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. From early intervention programs for infants and children to life skills training for adults, our mission is to help individuals develop their capabilities to the fullest and lead independent, fulfilling lives. This recognition in INNOVATE South Florida is a testament to the dedication of our team, volunteers, and supporters who make our work possible. It also highlights the innovative approaches we take to ensure that every individual we serve has access to the tools and resources they need to thrive. Why This Matters Being featured in INNOVATE South Florida places us among some of the most forward-thinking organizations in the region. It’s an opportunity to shine a light on the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments and the solutions we provide to help them overcome these obstacles. Our work is about more than just services—it’s about creating a community where everyone, regardless of their vision, can achieve their dreams and live with dignity and independence. Explore the Ebook We invite you to explore the INNOVATE South Florida ebook and read more about our feature on page 148. The ebook celebrates organizations and individuals driving innovation and making a difference in South Florida. 📖 Read the ebook here: INNOVATE South Florida Thank You for Your Support This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community. Whether you’ve volunteered , donated , or simply shared our mission, you’ve played a part in helping us reach this milestone. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of those who are blind or visually impaired. Let’s continue to innovate, inspire, and empower!

We are honored to announce that Boca Magazine has featured Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches in its February 2025 edition! In an insightful Q&A, our Executive Director, Lisa Stella, shared valuable insights into our mission, the impact of our services, and how the community can better support individuals with visual impairments. Why is Lighthouse for the Blind so Important? Since 1946, Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches has been a beacon of hope for individuals with visual impairments, providing essential services to help them lead independent, fulfilling lives. Lisa emphasized how our programs—from mobility training to employment readiness—equip people with the skills they need to thrive.

Learn more about the Lighthouse's award nomination and attendance at the 8th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards