LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND INC

The Lighthouse began providing vision rehabilitation to Pasco babies and seniors in 1983. Over the years, Lighthouse extended its programs to Hernando and Citrus; persons with vision impairment of all ages are now served in all 3 counties from 2 permanent locations. Vision rehabilitation is a specialized array of services that help people who are blind and visually impaired to adjust to vision impairment, and develop coping skills, so they are able to participate fully at home, work and school. Vision rehabilitation reduces the economic cost of blindness. Outcomes of these essential services include increased independence and reduced unemployment for persons who are visually impaired and blind, reduced admissions to assisted living facilities and nursing homes, and reduced emergency room admissions. Lighthouse programs and services (vision rehabilitation) include outreach, independent living skills, assistive technology, Braille, safe travel and support groups. We also offer Little Lighthouse for babies, year round educational activities for children, transition to adulthood for teens, job readiness for adults, and specially designed programs for seniors. Our new employment initiative provides training and when possible, paid employment to people who are visually impaired and blind. Each year, Lighthouse provides training to approximately 300 visually impaired and blind people, and touches the lives of 750-1,000 more which include family members, service providers, educators, businesses, employers, and the general public. According to the American Foundation for the Blind 2013 Study of Visual Impairment, there are almost 25,000 persons living with vision impairment and blindness in the counties we serve.