All individual classes and groups are available to individuals with vision loss. For information on joining a group, scheduling an appointment with a specialist or to RSVP for a class, please contact Savannah at 850-942-3658, Ext 206 or email
Please follow us on Facebook (Lighthouse BigBend) and Instagram (lbb-lighthouseofthebigbend) for more information.
- NEW CLASS - BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download Program) Classes - Learn how to use the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled Downloadable Books and Magazines. Please have BARD downloaded on your device and signed into the app.
Tuesdays, January 13th and 20th | 1 pm to 3 pm at LBB
Group Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI - NEW CLASS - Beginning Chair Tai Chi
Designed to assist with balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength through slow, gentle movement which may also offer arthritis relief.
Mondays* and Fridays beginning January 12th thru February 20th | 11 am to 12:30 pm at LBB
Instructor: Stephanie Howard, Healthy Aging Program Manager, Big Bend Area Health Education Center
*No class Monday, January 19 due to the Martin Luther King Day Holiday - Beginning/Intermediate iPhone Group - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
Tuesday | 1 pm to 4 pm | In-Person only at LBB
Group Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI - iPhone and iPad Lesson & Support Group - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
Tuesday | 4 pm to 5 pm | Group Call Only
Please call Janet at 850-942-3658 Ext 212 to connect with the group.
Group Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI - Android Lesson & Support Group - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
Wednesday | 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm | In-Person only at LBB
Group Leader: David Darm, MS - Advanced iPhone Lesson & Support Group - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
Wednesday | 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm | In-Person only at LBB
Group Leader: John Ryan - Assistive Technology Computer Training - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
Thursday | 1 pm to 3 pm | In-Person only at LBB
Group Leader: John Ryan - Beginning JAWS (Job Access With Speech) Lesson & Support Group
Friday, January 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th | 1 pm to 2 pm
Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT
This class will help you learn how to utilize JAWS and a computer keyboard as a screen reader designed for individuals with vision loss. JAWS provides speech output for various Microsoft Office computer applications enabling users to access and interact with digital content confidently and effectively. - Beginning iPhone & iPad Lesson & Support Group - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
Friday, January 9th, 16th, and 23rd, and 30th | 2 pm to 3 pm | In-Person only at LBB
Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT - Computer Lab - Available to LBB clients
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday | 10 am to Noon | Please call John to schedule a time at 850-942-3658 Ext 222.
In person instruction available on computers and assistive technology devices including iPad, iPhone, Android, Braille Displays, Windows PC, Alexa, Chromebook, Mac, FUSION, JAWS, Notetakers, NVDA, OrCam, Windows Magnifier, Windows Narrator, Windows PC, ZoomText Magnifier, and ZoomText Magnifier \ Reader. We also provide practice on Windows PC and typing accuracy skills. - Beginning Orientation & Mobility Training
Wednesday, January 14th and 28th | 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at LBB
Monthly on 2nd & 4th Wednesday (LBB Office will be closed Christmas Eve)
Group Leader: Jennifer Stephens, MS, TVI COMS
Orientation is an individual's ability to know where you are in a given space and mobility is navigating between two places safely, efficiently, and as independently as possible. During this training, we will cover several different topics including white cane techniques, human guide instructions, and utilization of public transportation. - Beginning Braille Group
Wednesday, January 21st | 10 am to Noon at LBB
Monthly on the 3rd Wednesday
Group Leader: Janet Acheson Ed.S. TVI
Explore casual and fun uses of braille along with other tactile techniques to engage in the world around you. - Intermediate Braille Group
Monthly on the 1st Wednesday | 10 am to Noon at LBB
Group Leader: Janet Acheson Ed.S. TVI
Learn how to apply braille into your daily activities. This group will be helpful for those receiving individual braille lessons at LBB and those who already know braille. - Vision Loss Peer Support Group
Wednesday, January 7th and 21st
1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month | Noon to 1:30 pm at LBB
Group Leader: Jeffery Douglas MSW
The support group provides an opportunity to share and discuss topics such as personal attitudes toward blindness, self-esteem, coping strategies, becoming more independent, self-advocacy, and coping with one’s own emotions in the vision loss journey. - Employment Readiness Group
Tuesdays | 10 am to 11:30 am | Group Call | Please call Jeff for the number.
Thursdays | 10 am to 11:30 am at LBB | In-Person only
Group Leader: Jeffery Douglas MSW
This group will help you enhance essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the workforce. You will also learn vital soft skills like communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability.
- Community Groups – Monthly Vision Loss Support Group
Groups are for seniors who are visually impaired and their family and friends. You are welcome to join a group if you or a loved one are experiencing vision loss. Individuals attending are in all stages of vision loss.
- Westminster Oaks – Monthly Vision Loss Support Group
Wednesday, January 14th | 2:30 – 3:30 pm | Parry Center - Fireside Room
2nd Wednesday of the month Group Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI
Join LBB’s Vision Loss Support Group for individuals who are visually impaired, experiencing vision loss, or have a loved one or friend experiencing vision loss. Individuals attending are in all stages of vision loss.
Open to the public.
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Westminster Oaks - Assistive Technology Training
Thursday, January 15th | 10 am to 11:30 am at LBB
1st and 3rd Thursday of every month
Group Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI
Transportation to LBB provided by Westminster Oaks.
This training will teach how technology (cell phones, tablets, pads, and/or laptops) can provide more independence to individuals with vision loss. Please bring the device you would like to learn more about -
Advent Christian Village – 1st Monday of the Month*
Monday, January 5th | 1:30 to 3 pm | Old Pavilion Room
Group Leader: Wayne Warner
Open to the public.
*If the first Monday of the month is a holiday, class will be held on the following Monday.
- Westminster Oaks – Monthly Vision Loss Support Group
- Youth Group (ages 6 to 22)
Group Leaders:
Sharon Scherbarth Simmons, COMS CTVI, Children's Program Director
Terrence Snider, Transition Program Director
January Activities:
- Saturday, January 3 | 9 am to 2 pm | LBB | Transition Students | Instruction in Self-Advocacy
- Sunday, January 4 | 8 am to Noon | LBB | Transition Students | Tutoring Availability
- Friday, January 9 | 4 pm to 6:30 pm | LBB | Transition Students | College Prep
- Sunday, January 11 | 8 am to Noon | LBB | Transition Students | Tutoring Availability
- Friday, January 16 | 4 pm to 6:30 pm | LBB | Transition Students | Vocational Prep
- Saturday, January 17 | 9 am to 2 pm | LBB | Transition Students | Workplace Readiness Training
- Sunday, January 18 | 8 am to Noon | LBB | Transition Students | Tutoring Availability
- Tuesday, January 20 | 5 pm to 7 pm | LBB | Youth Group | Counseling on Enrollment Opportunities and Communication Skills Training
- Friday, January 23 | 4 pm to 6:30 pm | LBB | Transition Students | College Prep
- Sunday, January 25 | 8 am to Noon | LBB | Transition Students | Tutoring Availability
- Friday, January 30 | 4 pm to 6:30 PM | LBB | Transition Students | Vocational Development
- Saturday, January 31 | 9 am to Noon | LBB | Transition Students | Work-Based Learning Experience
- Saturday, January 3 | 9 am to 2 pm | LBB | Transition Students | Instruction in Self-Advocacy
