Virginia Jacko, president and CEO of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, said on LinkedIn that a new partnership with Uber will expand accessible transportation options for clients and staff.
“Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is proud to partner with Uber, to make transportation for our blind and low vision clients and staff more accessible,” said Jacko, President & CEO, according to LinkedIn. “At Miami Lighthouse, we provide hope, confidence, and independence to people of all ages, through education, training, research, and vision enhancement. Not only are the clients and students that we serve visually impaired, so am I, along with members of our staff such as our Senior Technology Specialist Oseas de Leon. We thank Uber for their support of our venerable mission!”
According to Miami Lighthouse, the collaboration with Uber is intended to enhance transportation accessibility for individuals who are blind or have low vision. This includes both staff and clients who depend on reliable rides for work, training, and community activities. The organizations have previously worked together on mobility awareness initiatives related to Florida’s White Cane Laws, emphasizing a sustained commitment to safer and more informed transportation access.
Miami Lighthouse’s mission is described as providing “hope, confidence, and independence” through education, training, research, and vision enhancement. These services often require dependable transportation for attending appointments, classes, and community programs. The nonprofit has received 14 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, which it highlights when entering partnerships like those supported by Uber.
Uber has outlined national initiatives that assist community organizations in funding transportation for those in need. This includes programs facilitated through the Uber Health dashboard. In an update on its Health Access Fund work, Uber reported supporting over 80 community organizations and enabling more than 50,000 rides. This illustrates how Uber partnerships can be structured around ride credits and access goals similar to the collaboration with Miami Lighthouse.
Jacko leads Miami Lighthouse in its efforts focused on vision rehabilitation, education, and fostering independence for people who are blind or visually impaired.
