Media Inquiry

Media Inquiries
Thank you for contacting Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center. Our communications team works with the media to raise awareness and engagement about our programs, services and technology that support blind and visually impaired individuals residing in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, DeSoto and Highland Counties.
Media Contact:
Dane Gass, Communications Associate
dane.gass@LighthouseEducationCenter.org
(O) 941-359-1404
About Lighthouse
Mission:
To educate and empower those affected by vision loss so they may enjoy happy, healthy and independent lives.

Vision:
Our vision is to transform our community so those with vision loss have the opportunity to participate, contribute and rise to their fullest potential.
Founded:
The Lighthouse was officially established as a not-for-profit agency in 1985 by a group of people who themselves were visually impaired. Together with the support of area eye specialists and community donors, these volunteers spent countless hours to secure funding and nonprofit status 501(c)(3) for the agency, originally known as Manasota Lighthouse for the Blind.
Background:
Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center is the only nationally accredited, non-profit agency providing rehabilitation training to blind and visually impaired children, teens, adults and seniors in our service area that includes Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Charlotte and Highlands.
Services:
The Lighthouse provides training and rehabilitation to foster independence, productivity and improved quality of life to individuals with vision loss. Based in Sarasota, Florida, the Lighthouse provides all professionally taught instructional courses at NO COST.
Through interview and assessment, personalized instructional classes and resources are carefully chosen to provide each client with skills to live independently and with confidence to undertake daily activities. The Lighthouse offers education, support and motivation within an environment that is enriching to those with vision loss.
Accreditation:
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired through August 31, 2024. Meeting national standards for Orientation & Mobility, Technology Instruction Services, K-12, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy Services and Identification & Referral.
Nonprofit Status:
501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit donations to Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center are tax-deductible.
Governed By:
Board of Directors. Our volunteer leadership consists of 8 business and community leaders from our service area.
Resources:
Fact Sheet (coming soon)
Press Kit (coming soon)
Annual Report
Our Team