As a music educator for the past 30+ years, I have taught all types of students will a myriad of disabilities but I've never seen or been a part of an organization whose dedication is at the level of the Miami Lighthouse. Every person there is committed to their mission statement. They are friendly, hard working people whose sole purpose is to make the lives of the clients a little better each and every day.

The clients receive a snack in the morning and a free lunch, if they wish. They are treated with respect and dignity. Every staff member from executive officers down to maintenance and custodial workers alike all pitch in to ensure the staff is taken care of.

Virginia Jacko, CEO and President of the Miami Lighthouse sets the finest standard she wants her staff to emmulate. It is her standard that the staff strives to live up to. I have nothing but the finest regard for the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

As the Vocal Director for the Better Chance Music Production Program and one of the co-authors of the Music Braille on line course, I feel privileged to be a part of such a magnificent organization. The scope of services which the Lighthouse offers to the clients far exceeds its expectations because the staff takes the time to provide those special personal touches which mean so much to those we serve. The Better Chance Music Production Program offers young people the chance to express themselves through music, while receiving instruction from world-class musicians. They also have the opportunity to compose and record their own music right at the Lighthouse. The Music program is unique because it is an inclusion program which combines blind, visually impaired and sighted students in a musical setting where everyone is equal and everyone is valued for their talent and expertise. The Lighthouse is very excited about our new Music Braille course! With the assistance of the Carroll center, we are about to launch a ground- breaking project wherein blind and visually impaired students can learn Music Braille independently, via the computer. This type of instruction has never been attempted before and we believe we have the key to bringing the gift of music to blind and visually impaired people.