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Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MLB) — an organization providing hope, confidence, and independence to program participants of all ages through education, training, research, and vision enhancement — recently received a $70,000 grant from the Honda USA Foundation. The grant will help address the impact of mobility and empower children with a vision disability.
Annually, MLB’s grades Pre-K to 5 programs benefit nearly 160 participants and is offered at no cost to the families. Many of these children have additional disabilities and/or are medically complex and need specialized curricula, an interdisciplinary team of certified teachers, trained instructional staff, health providers and access to proper equipment, facilities, and special accommodations.
The awarded $70,000 grant will enable MLB to train an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialist and a certified physical therapist to provide year-round support to program participants. Funds also will be used to purchase accessible equipment for mobility training, physical therapy exercises, and adaptive sports such as blind soccer with sound soccer balls and more.
“We are honored to receive the Honda USA Foundation grant to support the many programs and activities we offer at Miami Lighthouse,” said Virginia Jacko, president and CEO of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. “The awarded funds will safely increase our students’ mobility and physical activity, resulting in enhanced independence, social integration, and better quality of life.”
Proper orientation and mobility training result in a high level of mobility, independence, safety, inclusion, and confidence. The acquired skills will enable independent use of public transit, long-distance travel, social participation, and ability to join the workforce. Physical therapy improves mobility of muscles and joints, therefore enhancing physical abilities and fitness.
“Through our support, we strive to remove barriers that hinder individuals from experiencing the joy and freedom of mobility,” said Bobbie Trittschuh, executive director, Honda USA Foundation. “We are thrilled to support Miami Lighthouse’s mobility and physical activity programming. These opportunities will significantly impact young children, fostering their physical, emotional, and social development from an early age.”
For more information about the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, visit www.miamilighthouse.org/.
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