The Lighthouse of the Big Bend (formerly FIRE) provides free services for any person who is legally blind in Franklin, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla Counties.

The first step to receiving services is to complete an intake Referral Form. Feel free to print one out for yourself or someone else, or you can call the Lighthouse and we will fill one out with you over the phone (942-3658). You are also welcome to stop by our new facility at 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace, Tallahassee, FL.

We offer adjustment counseling, information and referrals, and education. Individual instruction and classes are available to help you adapt to losing your vision, such as those listed below:

Employment Skills: For those interested in gaining employment, the Lighthouse can assist with resume writing, job searching, developing resources for job leads, completing job applications, interviewing techniques, professional work skills, self advocacy with employers, transportation issues related to jobs, and other training to help you find employment or start a career.

Daily Living Techniques: A whole new set of skills are taught to help with daily life. Methods for cleaning, cooking, hygiene, clothing identification, telling time, eating, food identification, using tools, lawn maintenance and others can all be learned.

Communication: Specialists can help you with reading, writing checks, signing your name, typing, dialing a phone, finding phone numbers, and all other aspects of communication. The Lighthouse also offers beginning and Grade 2 Braille classes if desired.

Leisure Activities: Just because you can't see doesn't mean you have to stop having fun! The Lighthouse can teach you about adaptive games, hobbies, crafts, volunteer activities and anything that interests you. Many free services are available to obtain books on tape, CD or over the Internet. Various crafts classed are offered at the Lighthouse.

Orientation & Mobility: The Lighthouse's Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists can help you learn how to move safely and confidently at home or travel in the community. Learn to navigate stairs, find your way around open spaces, walk on campus or in the workplace, cross streets, use community transportation, instruct and follow a sighted guide, locate dropped objects, use a cane, learn about guide dogs, and other aspects of personal safety.

Computer Skills: Whether you need screen enlargement or speech access to your computer, the Lighthouse can teach you about adaptive computer software. Learn keyboard skills, Internet access, email, word processing and spreadsheet skills. Individual instruction or small classes are offered on a variety of computer programs. The Lighthouse facility also has an employment computer lab.

Support Groups: Discussing your visual impairment with others can assist you in coping with vision loss. Several discussion forums are available through the Lighthouse. You can attend a group in person or call in from your home or office.

Transition Services: High school students age 14 and older are taught the skills needed to “transition” to being an adult, getting a job, and living independently for the first time. Additionally, students learn daily living skills, assistive technology, vocational, social, and recreational skills which are critical for students to succeed in life.

Early Intervention: Young children age 0-5 and their families receive assistance in all areas of child development such as communicative, orientation and mobility, daily living, sensory and motor, and cognitive development. In addition to individual sessions, the Lighthouse offers a support group for family members and the children have a play group.

Please free free to complete an intake Referral Form for yourself or someone else, or you can call the Lighthouse and we will fill one out with you over the phone (942-3658). All services are free of charge. Individual instruction and small group classes are available at the Lighhouse facility or in your home, school, workplace, or the community depending upon what you need to learn. Please call or stop by to find out more!

Updated 3/17/10