Lighthouse of the Big Bend (formerly FIRE) Home - Guiding People Through Vision Loss

Welcome to the Lighthouse of the Big Bend Home Page

Who we are
The Lighthouse of the Big Bend is a nonprofit agency dedicated to guiding people through vision loss. Our mission is to assist people with vision loss in their pursuit of independence. Free services are provided on an outreach (one on one) or group basis and are provided without charge, without regard to individual or family income level, race, creed, age, disability or national origin.

Who we serve
Any child age 0-5 or individual aged 14 to 114+ who is legally blind and lives in the following counties is eligible for free services. Counties served include: Franklin, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla.

What we do
To enroll in the Lighthouse, individuals complete an intake referral form, or fill one out over the phone with a Lighthouse staff member. Clients are then assigned a Specialist. The Specialists help each client plan and implement a training program that will insure they receive the best services possible. Services may include individual instruction or classes in any of the following:
- Techniques of daily living (home and personal management),
- Communication (reading, writing, phone),
- Assistive technology including computers,
- Orientation and mobility (moving safely around the home and community),
- Employment skills,
- Recreation and leisure activities,
- Self advocacy,
- Individual and family adjustment counseling,
and other information and skills as requested by individuals and families.
For more details on what we do, please go to the Services page.

How to Contact Us
For free services, please call (850) 942-3658
or toll-free at (888) 827-6033.
You can also email the Lighthouse at info@lighthousebigbend.org.
Our facility is located at 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace, Tallahassee, FL 32301.

Subscribe to the "LighthouseBigBend" Email List

Email: Visit this group

Save the Date!
DINING in the DARK: 10/24
Get your ticket/table online by donating the cost through Network for Good & Guidestar

New Location and GRAND OPENING
We are thrilled to announce that we have moved into a new facility at 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Please feel free to drop by for a tour of our greatly expanded our classroom and technology lab space. We are holding our Grand Opening on our 27th anniversary - Tuesday, July 27th from 5 to 7pm. We hope you can join us!.

Also at the Grand Opening:
Multi-Sense-Ational Art Contest!

Job Opening: TVI / Orientation and Mobility Specialist (click for description)
This position is full-time, with a salary of $30,000-$35,000 & benefits, and works with children ages 0-5 who are visually impaired or blind, as well as providing Orientation & Mobility services to college students who are visually impaired or blind. The position MUST be eligible for Certification as Orientation & Mobility Specialist and requires a degree in visual disabilities or related field.
TO APPLY: If interested and qualified, please apply by sending a REQUIRED cover letter and resume to info@lighthousebigbend.org

And you can now find us on facebook: Lighthouse BigBend

How to Help
Come support the Lighthouse and have the amazing experience of Dining in the Dark 10/24/10! We are thrilled to share that Mike and (Rep.) Michelle Vasilinda are our Honorary Hosts for the event this year. We are now accepting nominations for the Paula Bailey Inspirational Community Member Award, which is given at the Dining in the Dark event. Nominations are due 9/15/10.

Check out the Lighthouse Volunteer page for opportunities to assist the Lighthouse with your time and energy.

If you can help financially, please consider a tax-deductible gift to the Lighthouse by clicking on the
Network for Good & Guidestar link for NEW online donations!

Consider getting our specialty license plate "A State of Vision" benefiting the agency serving the blind in the county where your car is registered. So - if you buy the $25 tag in one of the Lighthouse's eleven counties, the money will come right back to Lighthouseof the Big Bend to help your neighbors, friends and family who may have lost their vision. Below is an image of the tag. You can buy a specialty tag gift certificate, as well, which might be a wonderful gift for the holidays. Much thanks to Representative Loranne Ausley who bought the first tag 2/7/07 and to all those who have already bought the tag!

Florida "State of Vision" Specialty License Plate with graphic of a lighthouse on the ocean

Visit your local tag agency to find out how to get "A State of Vision" plate.

The Lighthouse of the Big Bend (formerly FIRE) is supported through contracts with the Florida Department of Education, Division of Blind Services, as well as grants through the United Way, Leon County, Capital Medical Society Foundation, and numerous corporate and private donations. ~ Thank you!

Updated: 7/23/10

For free services, please call the Lighthouse at (850) 942-3658 or toll-free at (888) 827-6033. You can also email the Lighthouse at info@lighthousebigbend.org
~ 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace, Tallahassee, FL 32301 ~