Volume 20 June, 2020
Illuminations Newsletter
Our Light Continues to Shine
Young blind boy looking at computer
On March 23, the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches' building closed due to Coronavirus and suspended in-person client services and events. Our resilient staff began working remotely, with a very seamless transition.

Over the past few months, we taught many clients how to shop for groceries on-line, we taught numerous adults how to use Zoom, Outlook and many other online platforms. Children participated in group online trivia sessions, scavenger hunts, and job readiness activities; as well as Friday lunch time socials so the kids could stay connected! Erica Thomas, one of our adult clients was featured on NewsChannel 12 showcasing the amazing services/instruction for the blind she received to help support her independence while she quarantined.

We are closely following government regulations and are slowly returning to the office. Our low vision clinic and some clients have been able to come into the office by appointment only. Of course everyone, staff and clients, must wear a mask and follow social distancing.

We will continue to follow updates from the government and keep you informed as programs and classes resume on-site.

We hope that everyone stays safe and healthy.

Mary Allen
Director of Vision Services
Cartoon art of a sun shining on Summer Camp Virtual wording
Lighthouse Campers are gearing up for a new kind of summer camp - virtually. All of the same fun, games, arts and crafts, learning and friendships - from home.

Children's Camp (Students 6-13) - June 8 - 12 & July 6-10

Transition Camp (Student ages 14 and older) - June 22 - 26 & July 13 - 17

Virtual College Prep via Zoom - June 16 at 11 am - College Tours
June 18 at 11 am - Scholarships

Additional activities will be added; pending the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Please contact Children's Services for more information [email protected] ,
One eye showing what normal vision is and another eye showing what a cataract eye looks like
June is Cataract Awareness Month

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, and it is the leading cause of blindness in the world. There are 24 million Americans over the age of 40 who are affected by cataracts. Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. Unlike many eye diseases, however, vision loss due to cataract can be restored. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States and has a 95 percent success rate. And, a new study found that cataract surgery patients had a significantly reduced rate of hip fractures from falls.

For more information visit prevent blindness or call (800) 331-2020.
A Yellow Post-it note saying SAVE THE DATE
SAVE THE DATE

June 15 - 19 - 2019 Annual Report Hits Mailboxes and Website
June 28 - July 4 - Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week
August - Children's Eye Health and Safety Month
October 15 - White Cane Awareness Day
November 10 - enVision 20/20 Luncheon (rescheduled)
EVERY GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!
Thank you for your generosity. There are many ways to support your local Lighthouse for the Blind.
Your generosity will be confirmed with a receipt emailed to you detailing your generous, tax-deductible contribution.