The Lighthouse provides a year-round transition program for teens with vision loss ages 14 to 22. The goal of the program is to empower students to live more independent, productive lives by providing a variety of instruction and activities that include daily living, technology, career exploration, socialization, recreation, orientation and mobility, and self-determination.
The Lighthouse provides a year-round transition program for teens with vision loss ages 14 to 22. The goal of the program is to empower students to live more independent, productive lives by providing a variety of instruction and activities that include daily living, technology, career exploration, socialization, recreation, orientation and mobility, and self-determination. Transition students meet one day per week after school from 3:30-6:30 pm, one Saturday a month, and periodically, on teacher planning days. Transportation to and from the Lighthouse instruction provided in our facilities and in the community is provided by the Lighthouse. One-on-one instruction is provided if students are unable to attend the group sessions. During the summer, a 5-week intensive program includes a paid work experience.
Lighthouse utilizes a program/curriculum of methods and techniques based on the Vision Rehabilitation Model/best practices in the field of Vision Rehabilitation for developing independent living and employment skills, orientation and mobility skills, and the use of adaptive technology/devices. Lighthouse employs experienced Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, and Orientation & Mobility Specialists who are certified by the Accreditation Council of Vision Rehabilitation Professionals. Many of our staff members are visually impaired and some of our staff have family members who are visually impaired. Personal experience with blindness and vision rehabilitation enables us to deliver a comprehensive program that addresses the functional and emotional impact of vision loss.
The Lighthouse is very pleased to offer a Parent of the Visually Impaired Support/Educational Group.
Thank you to our donors!
The Teen Program is funded in part by the Florida Division of Blind Services, by grants from organizations such as the United Way of Pasco County, Sunshine Health, and Synovus, and by private donors. Some of our teens are budding entrepreneurs (they are making and selling beautiful tactile cards), thanks to RESPECT of Florida. Our Annual Fundraisers also help raise funds for our Teen Program.
Heather and Valencia were interviewed by Sarah Blazonis of Bay News 9 about the challenges of being blind during COVID-19 and how LVIB has added services to meet the emerging needs of our clients. Here’s a link to the COVID-19 story.
On May 6, 2023, 33 teens from 4 Lighthouses descended on the NPR Lighthouse for A Royal Night in Paris-themed Prom. The event included a limo ride, photos under the Arch, and crowning the 2023 Prom King & Queen, Gavin and Mariana. The teens danced and ate and had a fantastic time seeing old friends and making new ones. Thanks to Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Lighthouse of Pinellas, and New Vision for Independence (Lake, Sumter, The Villages) for coming to our Prom! We can’t wait to do it again! Thanks also to our wonderful donors and volunteers for making the event such a great success. Please enjoy photos from the prom, courtesy of J. David Wright. Read “Blind and visually impaired teens get the full prom experience at Lighthouse” by Pat Morris of Suncoast News. You can also listen to Brian McCallen of Speaking Out for the Blind as he interviews LVIB CEO Stefanie Pontitz.
For more formation about Teen’s Pre-Employment Transition Program, please contact the Lighthouse.
Gigi is a 15-year-old student in the Teen’s Pre-Employment Transition Program. When Gigi entered the program last fall, like many teens, she was more interested in keeping her headphones on and listening to music. However, in the transition program, one of our goals is to help our teens make new friends and learn valuable social skills, which they will use for the rest of their lives.
Read more about Gigi