Volume 20 March, 2020
Illuminations Newsletter
2020 Spotlight
I vote sticker with American flag

VOTE: March 17th, Florida Primary

Unless you live under a rock, you can not help being bombarded by all of the political ads and discussions taking place all over this country regarding the race to the White House. Regardless of your political affiliation or favorite candidate, the truth is – we ALL need to vote, not just in November for the national election but next week for the primary election on Tuesday, March 17.

Voting in any election, local or national, provides blind and low vision citizens with the opportunity to voice their opinion about elected leaders and policies and to help shape the future by electing candidates who share their views.

If you vote in person, be sure to request to use an accessible voting machine.

For more issues on voting, polling locations and local accessibility visit your counties election website:
Students taking photos
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Seven students pose in front of a fountain
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Two students walking across a busy street at a crosswalk with a white cane
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The Teens In Transition students went on their annual camping trip last weekend in St. Augustine. They enjoyed the sights on a historical walking tour and lunch downtown. During the tour, student’s used
their devices such as monoculars, smart phones magnification, and white canes. While on the camp grounds, students cooked dinner and relaxed in the cabins. 
Alexa, Siri and Google Oh My!
5 students with instructor Diane using voice assistants - cell phones, google and echo
The Boot Up Club's February meeting was all about Alexa, Siri, Cortana, Echo, Google and many, many more. Yes, there are millions of different voice assistants, and for the blind community, these assistants can be their best friend or worst enemy. The club's members learned about new technologies, strategies, safety precautions, and do's and don'ts of numerous types of voice assistants.
enVision 20/20 Inaugural Luncheon
David Crohan playing piano
Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches will host the enVision 20/20 Luncheon at the Sailfish Club of Florida in Palm Beach on Tuesday, April 7 at noon.

The luncheon features an elaborate buffet and a special musical performance by piano virtuoso David Crohan.

Don't miss this fun afternoon to support Lighthouse's mission of assisting persons with visual impairments to develop their capabilities to the fullest, and to utilize them in the pursuits of life, which are the right and privilege of all.

Can't make it - you can still support Lighthouse by making a generous donation. Thank you for your support!
2 hands on a braille notetaker
Assistive Technology "Hands-On" Demonstration

Friday, March 20th
12 - 2 pm

Join Lighthouse for hands-on demonstrations of some of the newest assistive technology products for people who are blind or who have low vision at the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches and online through BlindCafe.net
in the Lighthouse room:
• BrailleNote Touch Plus & BrailleSense Polaris: Accessible braille tablets
• AIRA Horizon Smart Glasses: A handsfree way to connect with AIRA agents
• Reveal 16i: Desktop Video Magnifier with Prodigi application and full Android
operating system
• eSight, Acesight, Iris Vision Live: Good looking wearable devices for near,
intermediate, and distance viewing
• ORCAM MyEye & Magnilink Voice 2: wearable vs. desktop scan & read system
• Snow 12: Lightweight CCTV with text to speech & distance viewing

Jose Cintron and Lesa Kretschmer will be onsite to showcase the products and answer all your questions. This event is open for all those who would like to attend. Please RSVP for this event by March 21.
Why Community Outreach Is So Important!
Lighthouse staff and volunteers from Lions Club and Florida Ophthalmologist Association pose in front of an aquarium
"Our daughter was in the right place at the right time, and had people experienced in the eye needs of the very young....we are forever grateful to the people and organizations involved in "Stroller Daze" for this early intervention that will help her realize her full potential as she grows and develops."
Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches once again partnered with the Florida Society of Ophthalmology providing free vision screenings at the semi-annual Stroller Daze event at the South Florida Science Center.

The event, which took place on February 25th proved to be quite impactful. A mother with a 14 month old baby with severe vision loss was linked to services at Lighthouse. Had she not attended the event she would have no idea of Lighthouse services for babies.

Additionally, a beautiful letter was received at the event from thankful parents who attended last fall's Stroller Daze and found out there that their 15 month old daughter had vision issues. It was confirmed by a local ophthalmologist that had this not been discovered she may have had serious vision loss by age 5.
To make a donation, to RSVP for events and to stay connected visit us.