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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To stay up to date on Lighthouse classes and events, follow us on Facebook (Lighthouse BigBend) and Instagram (lbb-lighthouseofthebigbend) for more information.

Support Groups:

  • Parent Support Group  
    Saturday, August 1st | 10 am to Noon at LBB
    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, August 5th and 19th | Noon to 1:30 p m at LBB
    1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month
    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:

  • Orientation & Mobility Group
    Tuesday, August 18th | 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:

  • Computer & Assistive Technology Training
    Tuesdays on August 4, 11, 18, and 25th | 9 am to Noon | In-Person only at LBB
    Group Leader: Janet Acheson, ED.S. TVI
    Learn accessibility features and answer your questions.

  • iPhone Class
    Tuesdays on August 4, 11, 18, and 25th | 1 to 3 pm at LBB
    Group Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI
    Explore the many benefits of using an iPhone with little to no vision.

  • Beginning iPhone Class
    Tuesdays on August 4, 11, and 18th | 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.

  • Digital Eyes Group - please note new day and time

    Tuesday, August 25th | 3 to 4 pm at LBB
    Group Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI
    This class focuses on smart glasses such as Meta AI Glasses and other brands. Everyone is welcome whether you have smart glasses, you plan to buy them, or you’re interested in learning more about them. Please bring your charged smart glasses if you have them and your iPhone or Android.

  • Remote Advanced iPhone and iPad Lesson & Support Group
    Tuesdays on August 4, 11, 18, and 25th | 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 at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

    Group Leader: David Darm, MS

  • Computer & Assistive Technology Training
    Wednesdays on August 5, 12, 19, and 26th | 10 am to Noon at LBB
    Group Leader: John Ryan


  • Advanced iPhone Lesson & Support Group 
    Wednesdays on August 5, 12, 19, and 26th | 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm | In-Person only at LBB

    Group Leader: John Ryan
    Learn accessibility features and answer your questions

  • Computer & Assistive Technology Training
    Thursdays on August 6, 13, 20, and 27th | 1 to 3 pm | In-Person only at LBB
    Group Leader: John Ryan

  • Beginning JAWS (Job Access With Speech) Lesson & Support Group
    Fridays on August 7, 14, 21, and 28th | 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.

  • Beginning iPhone & iPad Lesson & Support Group
    Fridays on August 7, 14, 21, and 28th | 2 pm to 3 pm | In-Person only at LBB

    Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT
    Learn accessibility features and answer your questions.

  • Open Lab - Available to LBB clients
    Mondays | 10 to Noon at LBB 
    Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT
    Build your computer skills with independent practice time. 

  • 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:

  • Beginning Adaptive Cooking Class
    Thursday, August 6th and 13th | 10 am to 1 pm at LBB

    Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT
    Prepare recipes while learning adaptive techniques that promote a safe kitchen environment along with learning to plan summer menus. You will have confidence to get back in the kitchen on your own and enjoy cooking with your family.

  • Advanced Adaptive Cooking Class
    Thursday August 20 and 27th | 10 am to 1 pm at LBB
    Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT
    Develop independent meal prepation skills and meal planning.

  • Fourth Friday Lunch & Movie
    Friday, August 28th | 11 am to 12:45 pm at LBB
    Monthly on the 4th Friday
    Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT

Braille Groups:

  • Beginning Braille Group
    Wednesday, August 19th | 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, August 5th | 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.

    • Westminster Oaks – Monthly Vision Loss Support Group
      Wednesday, August 12th | 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.

    • Westminster Oaks - Assistive Technology Training
      Thursday, August 6th and 20th | 10 am to 11:30 am at LBB 
      Monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursday
      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
      Monday, August 3rd | 1:30 to 3 pm | Old Pavilion Room 

      1st Monday of the month*
      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.

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)

   
August Youth Group Activities: 

    • Thursday, August 6th thru Friday, August 7th | 9 am to 2 pm | LBB Summer Program Extravaganza
    • Saturday, August 8th | 9 am to 2 pm | Back-to-School Celebration at LBB
    • Wednesday, August 12th | 4 pm to 6 pm | Introduction to Self-Advocacy: Life Skills at LBB
    • Saturday, August 22nd | 9 am to 2 pm | To be announced.
    • Wednesday, August 26th | 4 pm to 6 pm | Workplace Training: Life Skills | Transition Students
    • Thursday, August 27th | 5 pm to 7 pm | Ms. Sharon Led Special Event | Youth Group
    • Saturday, August 29th | 9 am to 2 pm | To be announced.