About Us
Agency Mission
Our mission is to “maximize independence and provide employment opportunities for persons who are blind or visually impaired”.
We shall fulfill this purpose by:
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Providing the necessary well maintained physical facilities, up-to-date equipment, trained staff, and accurate information systems.
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Providing the following:
a. Rehabilitation Program- case management, daily living skills, communication skills, orientation and mobility, peer support, low vision services, recreation therapy, transportation, work evaluation, computer training, supported employment, job placement and rehabilitation technology.
b. Service Contracts - telephone switchboard operator, mailroom clerk and records management.
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Acting as a referral source of information concerning subjects of importance to persons who are blind or visually impaired.
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Operating a retail store for the sale of adaptive products for persons who are blind or visually impaired.
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Carrying out public education programs designed to build positive attitudes toward persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Agency History
Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind (formerly Hillsborough County Association for the Blind) has been providing services in the Tampa Bay area for over 60 years. The agency was incorporated May 3, 1940 and was located at 507 West Platt Street. In 1944, Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind became a member of the Community Chest (now United Way of Tampa Bay). In 1955, the Lighthouse moved to its present location of 1106 W. Platt Street.
In 1971, Ms. Lucy Dent Smith, Executive Director, retired after 30 years of service to the Lighthouse and its clients, and Mr. Cliff Olstrom was appointed to succeed her. The name of the agency was changed to Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind and two new service areas were established: 1. the Adjustment Training Program, and 2. the Evaluation and Prevocational Training Program.
In 1975, the Lighthouse workshop began its partnership with National Industries for the Blind, an organization that would soon help the workshop earn contracts to supply blind-made goods to the Federal government and military.
In December 1976, the Lighthouse earned the first of its five-year accreditation, and has maintained and been awarded this accreditation every five years through the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped. In doing so, the Lighthouse earned the distinction of becoming the first accredited private non-profit agency serving the blind in Florida. Also in 1976, the Social Work Unit was developed and a Work Experience Program was implemented within the Evaluation Unit.
In 1984, a Low Vision Program and an On-The-Job Training Program were developed in the Rehabilitation Department.
In 1988, a new Supported Employment Program was initiated to provide intensive job training to Lighthouse clients seeking outside employment. In 1990, two new programs were added: 1. Personal Computer Training, and 2. Rehabilitation (Job) Engineering.
In 1993 a new satellite Rehabilitation program was opened in Winter Haven. In 1995, the Winter Haven facility opened its Low Vision clinic, and the Polk County Division became a member agency of the United Way of Central Florida.
In 1999, the Lighthouse implemented its Service Program by contracting with MacDill Air Force Base to provide telephone switchboard services.
In 2000, the Lighthouse celebrated 60 years of service to the community.
In 2003, the Lighthouse initiated a Summer Transition Program for high school youth ages 14-22 years old.
In 2007, the Transition Program was successfully expanded from a summer-only program to one operating year round. Also in 2007, the Lighthouse was awarded funding to start an Early Intervention program in Tampa, beginning in 2008. This new program was modeled after our successful Winter Haven-based program.
In 2008, the Lighthouse expanded its' year-round Transition Program.
In 2009, the Lighthouse served a record 1,104 persons agency-wide.