Foundation Friday: How Miami Lighthouse is helping people who are blind see a future without limits

The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired received a grant from the NBA Foundation and the Miami Heat during a halftime ceremony.

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

creates opportunities for individuals to showcase their abilities and demonstrate that vision loss does not define their potential.

Founded in 1931 by Dolly Gamble with initial assistance from trailblazing blind activist Helen Keller, Miami Lighthouse has evolved from a small non-profit organization into a leading vision rehabilitation and learning facility, offering free vision services, job-readiness programs and educational opportunities for people of all ages.

Now, in partnership with the NBA Foundation, Miami Lighthouse continues to expand its impact under the leadership of President and CEO Virginia A. Jacko, who is committed to taking the organization’s mission even further in the realm of pre-employment training for the blind.

“The funds provided for us will be able to take about 15 students to different technical colleges and universities,” said Jacko.

“The NBA Foundation has empowered high school students to go big, and to achieve their potential, with pre-employment career opportunities.”

After honoring Jacko during halftime of a Miami Heat game in April alongside Heat legend Alonzo Mourning, the NBA Foundation expressed its appreciation for the opportunity to support an organization making a lasting impact.

“We are excited to partner with new grantee, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Learning about their work was a highlight when selecting grantees for Round 16, and we are glad to support their mission, which provides economic opportunity for young people in the Miami Heat market,” said NBA Foundation Executive Director Ruth Jurgensen.

Jacko is the ultimate testament to facing boundaries head-on and exceeding them. After losing her eyesight in her 40s due to retinitis pigmentosa, she found a renewed purpose in serving others and continues to inspire people to this day. While serving as one of Purdue University’s financial officers and working closely with the university president, she gained valuable leadership experience that helped shape her path forward.

In 2005, she was appointed president and CEO of Miami Lighthouse, becoming the first totally blind person to hold the position. She never let her condition stop her pursuit of striving for better, not only for herself but for the people around her who needed help.

As of late, Miami Lighthouse has put forth initiatives including adding a fourth grade level to Miami Lighthouse Academy, establishing a blind soccer team and a collaborative for critical visual impairment lessons.

All in all, with these initiatives, Jacko’s ultimate goal is to reinforce a motto she has lived by for quite some time now.

“ A blind person can do anything a sighted person does,” Jacko exclaimed.