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Chartered in 1956, Lighthouse of Pinellas is the only private non-profit organization in Pinellas County providing services to meet the needs of individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. The agency offers comprehensive vision rehabilitation services provided by experienced, licensed and certified professionals on-site, in client homes, and in the community. The majority of Lighthouse of Pinellas's programs and services are provided at no cost to clients.
Examples of the agency's successful programs and partnerships include:
- Diabetes Management Classes—Diabetes ranks as a leading cause of vision loss today, and our country is experiencing an epidemic of new cases. An aging population increases this trend, but all cases can be managed more successfully when people have the right tools. Our Diabetic Management Class instructor helps students learn how to eat right, test blood sugar correctly and manage their medications. Some of her students have even managed to get off insulin altogether, thanks to this comprehensive, excellent program.
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Independent Living Skills for Adults—This program enables clients who are blind or visually impaired to take care of their homes and personal needs. They learn adaptive techniques needed to prepare meals safely, manage their homes, label items for easier identification, and more. They gain the skills and confidence to return to activities they previously enjoyed. A licensed and certified counselor and support groups also are available to ease the adjustment to vision loss.
- Orientation and Mobility for Adults—Trained and certified orientation and mobility specialists teach techniques to travel safely in homes, schools, workplaces and the community. Working with their Orientation and Mobility specialist, clients decide on the goals they want to reach during an O&M assessment. For some, this may be walking to the mailbox. For others, it may be catching a bus to go shopping or eat at a favorite restaurant. Lighthouse O&M specialists help them reach their goals and, in many cases, go beyond them.
- Access Technology—The Lighthouse professional staff teaches computer skills with assistive technology including audible software, screen magnification software, and portable note takers to clients of all ages. Clients learn how to take back their control to pay bills, read the morning newspaper, stay in contact with family and friends through email, and surf the web to find information or products.
- Low Vision Clinic—Low vision services are offered through an association with a local, well-known optometrist specializing in low vision. Patients receive thorough clinical evaluations and prescription of appropriate glasses and low vision optical aids. In addition, Lighthouse of Pinellas provides functional low vision assessments and training in the use of optical and non-optical aids and devices.
- Life Enrichment for Older Adults—This is an extended program for older clients who have completed their vision rehabilitation program and benefit from attending weekly group classes to maintain the skills they have learned and to socialize. Class offerings include Creative Writing, Current Events, Lifetime Fitness, Yoga, Macramé, and Art Enrichment.
- Magnifying Solutions, a privately owned Product Store (Sight Shoppe) is also located on our property—The store features the largest selection of low-vision technology available anywhere in the State. It is open to the public and features hundreds of specialty low-vision items and adaptive products.
- Children's Services—The Lighthouse Early Intervention program serves children birth through six years of age. A professional team of dedicated therapists and teachers address the unique needs of each child and family. Summer camps are available for youth six through 14 years of age, giving them the rich experience of field trips, new friends and special activities.
- Transition Program—This program provides services to teens aged 14 to 22 to help them successfully transition from high school to the world of work or higher education. They learn the skills they need to function independently as they become adults.
- National Accreditation—Lighthouse of Pinellas is accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving People with Blindness or Vision Impairment.
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I have a lot more energy, and I feel better, happier and proud of myself.
