LBB provides several adult and youth programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Franklin, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties. Programs include Blind Babies (ages birth to 5), Children's Program (ages 6 to 13), Transition Program (ages 14 to 22), Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living, and Older Blind (55 or older).
Classes include assistive technology, computer skills, adjustment counseling, support groups, employment skills, daily living techniques, communication, orientation & mobility, and recreation & leisure.
For information on personalized training, classes, or joining a group, please contact Savannah at 850-942-3658, Ext 206 or email
NEW Classes:
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NEW - Social Security Disablity Benefits Workshop
Wednesday, May 13 | 1 pm to 3 pm at LBB
Group Leader: David Darm, MS
The Workshop will focus on assisting Lighthouse clients in the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program (or interested in seeking employment) to understand the impacts of earned income on their Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI and SSI). Jeff Whitehead, a Certified Community Work Incentives Coordinator, will provide counseling services to help individuals plan around the impacts and learn how to retain benefits while employed. This is an incredibly important topic and essential for our clients to learn before entering the workforce! -
Lighthouse & Hadley Partners Connect - Tech-It Out!
Tuesday, May 26th | 1 to 3 pm at LBB
Last Tuesday of the monthGroup Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI
More information to follow.
Support Groups:
- Parent Support Group
Saturday, May 2nd | 10 am to Noon at LBB
Monthly on the 1st Saturday of the Month
Group Leader: Jennifer Stephens, MS TVI COMS
Monthly support group for parents of children and babies with visual impairments to meet and discuss challenges they may be facing and celebrate successes. Both parents and children are welcome! - 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.
- Vision Loss Peer Support Group
Wednesday, March 4 and 18 at LBB
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.
Orientation & Mobility Classes:
- Beginning Orientation & Mobility Training
Saturday, May 2nd | 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at LBB
Monthly on the 1st Saturday
Group Leader: Jessica Smith, 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. - Orientation & Mobility Group
Tuesday, May 19th | 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at LBB
Monthly on the 3rd Tuesday
Group Leader: Sharon Scherbarth-Simmons, TVI COMS
During this group, you will fine tune your orientation and mobility skills to be more agile with navigating spaces and your environment.
Assistive Technology Classes:
- iPhone Class
Tuesdays May 5, 12, 19, and 26 | 1 to 3 pm at LBB
Group Leader: Janet Acheson Ed.S. TVI
Explore the many benefits of using the iPhone with little to no vision. - Beginning iPhone Class
Tuesdays May 5, 12, 19, and 26 | 3 to 4 pm at LBB
Group Leader: Janet Acheson Ed.S. TVI
Explore the basics of using an iPhone with little to no vision. - Remote Advanced iPhone and iPad Lesson & Support Group
Tuesdays | May 5, 12, 19, and 26 | 4:30 to 5:30 pm Group Call Only
Group Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI
Advanced users have questions too! Join us to learn and share with other experienced iPhone users.
Call Janet at 850-942-3658 Ext 212 to connect with the group. - Android Lesson - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
By appointment only - please email David Darm at 850-942-3658 Ext 202 or email atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Group Leader: David Darm, MS - Advanced iPhone Lesson & Support Group - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
Wednesdays May 6, 13, 20, and 27 | 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
Thursdays May 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 1 pm to 3 pm | In-Person only at LBB
Group Leader: John Ryan - Beginning iPhone & iPad Lesson & Support Group - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
Fridays: May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 2 pm to 3 pm | In-Person only at LBB
Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT - Beginning JAWS (Job Access With Speech) Lesson & Support Group
Fridays: May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 1 to 2 pm at LBB
Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT
This class will teach you 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. - Computer Lab - Available to LBB clients
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday | 10 am to Noon at LBB
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.
Daily Living Skills & Interests:
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Beginning Adaptive Cooking Class
Thursday, May7th and 14th | 10 am to Noon at LBB
Monthly on the 1st and 2nd Thursday of the month thru May
Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT
You will learn adaptive techniques, safely use kitchen utensils, work as a team, and plan menus. - Fourth Friday Lunch & Movie
Friday, May 22nd | 11 am to 12:45 pm at LBB
Monthly on the 4th Friday
Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT
Braille Groups:
- Beginning Braille Group
Wednesday, May 20th | 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
Wednesday, May 6th | 10 am to Noon at LBB
Monthly on the 1st Wednesday
Group Leader: Janet Acheson Ed.S. TVI
Learn how to apply braille into your daily activities. This group will be helpful for those receiving regular braille lessons at LBB and those who already know braille.
Senior Community Groups:
Groups are for those 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. Please note some classes are open to the public.
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- Westminster Oaks – Monthly Vision Loss Support Group
Wednesday, May 13th | 2:30 to 3:30 pm | Parry Center - Fireside Room
2nd Wednesday of the month Group Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI
LBB’s Vision Loss Support Group is 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, May 7th and 21st | 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, May 4th | 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 (ages 6 to 14)
Terrence Snider, Transition Program Director (ages 14 to 22)
May Youth Group Activities:
- Saturday, May 2nd
FSU Symphony Rehearsal | 9 am to 2 pm
Wakulla Community Prom | 5 pm to 8 pm - Wednesday, May 6th | Instruction in Self-Advocacy & Life Skills | 4 pm to 6 pm at LBB
- Saturday, May 9th | Mother’s Day Crafts Activity | 9 am to 1 pm at LBB
- Saturday, May 16th | Morning Brunch and Orlando Trip Pre-Brief | 9 am to 2 pm at LBB
- Wednesday, May 20th | Counseling in Opportunities for Enrollment & Life Skills | 4 pm to 6 pm at LBB
- Saturday, May 23rd | End-of-School Celebration | 9 am to 1 pm at LBB
- Thursday, May 28th | Youth Group Special Event led by Ms. Sharon | 5 pm to 7 pm at LBB
