Lights Out is a unique program that allows people without disabilities to get a brief "taste" and a better understanding of what daily life is like for individuals with a visual impairment. Lights Out provided participants with the opportunity, in a controlled environment, to experience a gourmet meal while blindfolded. From getting to their seat, to dining and drinking, everyone had the opportunity to dine in the dark and live life as a visually impaired person for a few short hours.

A selection of high-end restaurants in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami Beach participated in this special event throughout October 2012. For a fixed price guests enjoyed a meal at one of South Florida's hippest restaurants, while having a fun and unique evening out with friends and family; all for a good cause!

Check out pictures from this year's Lights Out Experience here!

One of the participants Lora "Skeets" Friedkin had this to say about her experience at Lights Out in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton:

"I experienced Lights Out dining at Dapur and Rosso and the experience was challenging, surprising and exceptional. I found my sense of hearing increased and heard the laughing and excited voices fill the air. I chose to close my eyes behind the soft eye mask provided and actually felt a sense of calmness. Talking to my dinner partners not knowing if they were listening because I could not see their faces made me try harder to communicate and in fact the dinner conversation was lengthy and multi-faceted. I was visually impaired for 6 1/2 hours for the 2 evenings including 2 bathroom stops and the evenings were so special. Stand Among Friends and their Ability Explosion serves as a great tool in enlightening the public and adding understanding and tolerance and simple acceptance of the accomplishments and strength of those without sight or any disability. I recommend this experience for all."

-Wednesday, October 17th, 2012 at 7pm at

- Thursday, October 18th, 2012 at 7pm at

-Wednesday, October 24th, 2012 at 7pm at