LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired history

In the 1930’s, our first facility manufactured brooms, mops, doormats, and various other articles.

Established in 1938, the AbilityOne Program is among the largest sources of employment in the United States for individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities.

The agency was incorporated May 3, 1940 and was located at 507 West Platt Street.

As early as 1943, University of Miami Trustee Doctor Bascom Palmer and Miami Lighthouse discussed establishment of an eye clinic to serve the local community.

Seven clients received services when the doors opened in September, 1946.

1950's - Sunshine Kindergarten opens.

In 1958 the San Francisco Association and Center merged with another non-profit known as Recreation for the Blind, to become the San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind.

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Groundbreaking March 6, 1961.

Doctor Palmer made it his life’s work to raise funds and support for the eye hospital in cooperation with Miami Lighthouse, and finally, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute was dedicated in 1962.

1965 – The agency associates with National Industries for the Blind to strengthen its Industrial Center, gain federal contracts and expand employment opportunities.

1968 – Summer enrichment program for preteens is established.

1971 – Adjustment Training Program for older blind persons is inaugurated - one of the firsts in the country.

1975 – Facilities of the Lighthouse are doubled from 8,000 square feet to 16,000 square feet.

In December 1976, the Lighthouse earned the first of its five-year accreditation, and has maintained and been awarded this accreditation every five years through the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped.

1978 – The agency’s name is changed to Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches to reflect its broad range of services.

1979 – The Preschool Program (ages birth to 5) - the first in Florida - grows from a summer program to a full-time; year-round service of the Lighthouse.

In 1984, a Low Vision Program and an On-The-Job Training Program were developed in the Rehabilitation Department.

In 1985, Mana-Sota Lighthouse for the Blind was created to provide critically needed services to blind and visually impaired individuals in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Low Vision services are added in 1988

Lighthouse building in 1991 after second expansion

In 1993 a new satellite Rehabilitation program was opened in Winter Haven.

1996 – Outreach Assistance for children and young adults is added to Lighthouse services.

In 1997, the San Antonio Lighthouse established partnerships with the Army and Air Force by opening retail operations.

In 1999, the Lighthouse implemented its Service Program by contracting with MacDill Air Force Base to provide telephone switchboard services.

In 2000, the Lighthouse celebrated 60 years of service to the community.

In 2003, the Lighthouse initiated a Summer Transition Program for high school youth ages 14-22 years old.

In 2004, Rose Resnick became dropped from the organization's title.

In 2007, the Transition Program was successfully expanded from a summer-only program to one operating year round.

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

In 2009, the Lighthouse served a record 1,104 persons agency-wide.

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

In Fall 2011, the Lighthouse expanded our Trenton manufacturing plant to add on 17,000 sq. ft. of medical manufacturing and kitting space along with training rooms for our Activities of Daily Living (ADL) programs.

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

In 2014, the Lighthouse expanded the Seniors Program to include a Sensory Studio, a simulated apartment that includes blind-accessible features and adaptive aids designed to accommodate an individual who is blind or vision impaired.

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

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

© 2018 Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches

In 2019, the agency underwent a re-branding campaign, updated all of it’s marketing materials, and began doing business as Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision.

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