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Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) is an organization that helps the blind or visually impaired population of the greater Washington DC region, including the Deafblind community, overcome the challenges of vision loss. The goal of CLB is to help people who are blind or visually impaired to remain independent, active and productive in society.

History
Since 1900, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind has been dedicated to helping the blind or visually impaired population of the greater Washington region overcome the challenges of vision loss. Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind was founded on May 17, 1900, by Francis R. Cleveland, an attorney from Connecticut, and H.R.W. Miles, a graduate of the Perkins Institute for the Blind, in an effort to establish a presence for the blind community in the nation’s Capital. CLB's efforts enable people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired to remain independent, active and productive in society.

Programs and Services
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind’s programs and services include training and consultation in assistive technology, employment marketing skills training, career placement services, comprehensive low vision care, and a wide range of counseling and rehabilitation services.

CLB provides programs and services to people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, regardless of their ability to pay. Programs and services include adaptive technology, professional and career services training, low vision services, rehabilitation, counseling, children’s services, independent living and older adult programs. CLB provides services to the more than 20,000 blind and low vision individuals in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. In 2006, CLB’s assistive technology staff trained more than 400 people in 83 citiesacross the United States in the use of assistive technology. Each year, more than 150 volunteers contribute thousands of service hours to CLB.

Light the Way 5K
On September 10, 2011 CLB held its first annual Light the Way 5K, which was a fundraising event to raise funds to support their programs and services. The event was held at Nationals Park and opening remarks were given by Washington DC councilmembers Tommy Wells and Mary Cheh as well as Mark Lerner, principal owner of the Washington Nationals. The event attracted over 600 walking or running participants including participants who were blind and were accompanied by a sighted guide.

The second annual Light the Way 5K was held on September 29, 2012, once again at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Major sponsors of the event included Safeway and the Washington Nationals.

External Reference

 * Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind Website