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Lighthouse of Pinellas

General Information

Lighthouse of Pinellas
6925 112th Cir Ste 103
Largo, FL 33773
727-544-4433
mborisow@lighthouseofpinellas.org
http://www.lhpfl.org

Brief Description

Lighthouse of Pinellas is the sole, private not-for-profit agency serving the blind and visually impaired in Pinellas County. Chartered in 1956, the mission of Lighthouse of Pinellas is to advance the independence and quality of life for individuals in Pinellas County who are blind or visually impaired.
We are nationally accredited by NAC and provide comprehensive vision rehabilitation services for individuals from infants and toddlers to the very elderly in the home, at the agency, and in the community.
Lighthouse of Pinellas offers comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs for adults and seniors, vocational rehabilitation services for teens and adults, information and referral services, and comprehensive early intervention programs for infants and young children.

Services Offered

  • Counseling
    • Group and individual counseling services provided by a licensed mental health counselor with a specialty in the field of blindness are available for clients and their family members to assist with the adjustment to blindness or visual impairment.

  • Employment/Job Training
    • Provides training in keyboarding, computers, access technology and job readiness to individuals referred by the Division of Blind Services. Offers a year round and summer Transition Program for students preparing for employment or higher education.

  • Computer Training/Assistive Technology
    • Offers computer training with access technology such as speech software, screen magnification software, and portable notetakers. Training also provided in use of cell phones and tablets with access technology.

  • Information and Referral
    • Case managers provide individuals with information and referrals to appropriate resources within the community.

  • Low Vision Services
    • Staff provide assessment and training in the use of optical and non optical devices as well as training in the use of residual vision.

  • Travel/Orientation and Mobility
    • Services include precane techniques, use of the long cane, use of a support cane, indoor travel skills, outdoor travel skills with and without sidewalks, orientation skills to navigate unfamiliar areas, street crossing techniques, and the use of public transportation. Preparatory training to obtain a dog guide and/or follow-up training upon return with a new dog guide is also available. O&M specialists also provide orientation to new environments with specific training offered as directly related to the individual's needs.

  • Daily Living Skills/Independent Living Skills Training
    • Offers comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to adults and seniors. Service plans are developed according to the specific needs of the individual. Intensive Independent Living Skills Classes include community resources, labeling/organization, introduction to braille, money identification, telephones and talking devices, pouring and eating skills, writing skills, kitchen safety, home and personal safety, eye conditions, illumination/video magnifiers, introduction to access technology and magnification. Workshops, including adaptive kitchen skills, hand sewing, home and personal management, labeling, use of various adaptive devices, writing and audio voting, are also offered.

  • Advocacy
    • Offers self advocacy training to empower individuals with skills and confidence needed to be positive and assertive communicators.

  • Braille and Reading Instruction
    • Offers reading and writing instruction in braille I and II, slate & stylus, and dymo-labeler.

  • In-Home Services
    • Rehabilitation teachers assist individuals in their homes with individualized instruction such as personal management, writing, marking and labeling, organization, adaptive kitchen skills, home and personal safety, and use of adaptive devices.

  • Support Groups
    • Counseling and support groups are available to facilitate the adjustment to vision loss.