LVIB IN TOUCH, Spring 2011 Edition

Click here to download the print version.

Agency Update from the Executive Director

Welcome back! So far, 2011 has been an exciting and busy time at the Lighthouse. January marked the start of several new employment initiatives to address the over 70% unemployment rate for persons who are blind. A WebStore was started, which now employs one person who is visually impaired, and has the potential to employ many more in the future. Please see the story inside about our wonderful Theresa. The Lighthouse is committed to employment for persons who are blind and visually impaired, and if you or your company is interested in learning how you can be part of this development, check our web site under ‘We Want to Work’ to learn more and contact Sylvia Perez or Sandy Barley at the Lighthouse. We can help your business grow as you provide employment for the blind.

In March, the Lighthouse hosted the Chasco Coronation Ball for the 26th year. The ball is the major fundraiser for the Lighthouse annually, with funds going to support the Lighthouse programs and services, specifically the Blind Babies and Children’s Programs. This year’s ball had a record attendance of over 325 and raised approximately $50,000. Thank you to all who attended the ball and for your support of the Lighthouse, and a very special thank you to our wonderful sponsors which include the Musunuru Family, Community Hospital, and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. A full list of our major sponsors is included in the Ball Section.

In April, the Lighthouse had its 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt for our children. It was a wonderful day, full of fun and games. Unfortunately this year we were not able to borrow the beeping eggs, but all of the children had a volunteer from Rollins College to help them find eggs. We are collecting donations to purchase beeping eggs–they cost $15.00 each. If you’d like to purchase an egg or several–we will put your name on the egg–and recognize you at our next egg hunt in 2012.

We are getting ready for our awesome summer children’s programs. It will indeed be another fun–and well I should just say it–crazy time around the Lighthouse. We’ll have children from age 5 to 18 running around with their long canes (well, some of the canes are quite short) and I’ll have to put on my “principal” hat and voice. What fun it will be! If you would like to get involved, we need volunteers, supplies, tickets to theme parks, bikes, and games. Let us know how you would like to help give children who are blind a summer to remember!

The past few years have been economically challenging for all non-profits, and we want to say a very special thank you to those of you who have continued to help support the mission of the Lighthouse to provide persons who are blind and visually impaired with the skills needed to achieve their maximum independence. Every donation has helped us continue to change lives, which you will read about in this newsletter. The Wish List was sent out with the printed version of this newsletter. You can view it online at http://lvib.org/help/donate/wish-list. Now more than ever, we need your support, and every donation makes a difference. Thank you for sharing our vision!

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Inside this Edition

1. 26th Annual CHASCO Coronation Ball

• Event Recap
• Jamie Mick, Lighthouse’s President-Elect & Ball Co-Chair

2. Client Profiles: Living and Learning with Low Vision

• The Woman behind “Please Keep Me Working”
• Stimulating the Senses: Isabella Makes Her Milestones While She Plays
• People who are Visually Impaired want to work too!

3. Program Update: Independent Living

• Cooking Tips from the Lighthouse Training Kitchen
• Beef Noodle Stroganoff

4. People Making A Difference

• Susan Marty, Lighthouse Independent Living Skills Teacher
• Businesses & Volunteers ‘Rising Up’ to Meet the Need

5. Ways You Can Help

6. About Us

1. 26th Annual CHASCO Coronation Ball

On Friday, March 25th, at a beautiful black tie event held at the Spartan Manor, the community came together to raise funds in support of Lighthouse programs for babies and children who are visually impaired and blind. The 26th Annual Chasco Coronation Ball was attended by a record 330 people, thanks to the tireless efforts of Jamie Mick & Tina Shelton (co-chairs) and the wonderful event committee: Angel Cook, Bonnie Howard, Bruce & Monica Mills, Cami Austin, Carol Kinnard, Dr. Rao Musunuru, Ginny Pierce, Kat Sille, Kim Altrui, Kim Bogart, Kim McPherson, Lana Howe, Lori Felber & Mary Julian.

The Coronation Ball is a celebration recognizing the many nominees for King Pithla and Queen Chasco, who give of their time and talents to the many non-profit organizations of our community. A very special thank you to the amazing 2010 King Pithla, Dr. Rao Musunuru, and Queen Chasco Bonnie Howard. Please join us, as we applaud our King Pithla and Queen Chasco for 2011, Queen Judith Koutsos and King Chuck Grey.

Queen Judith was nominated by the Rotary Club of New Port Richey, where she has volunteered her time and talents for many years, including founding The Gateway Music Society, Daughters of Penelope, where she is currently President, PACE Center for Girls, and the All Children’s Hospital Foundation. Judith has donated food and the use of the Spartan Manor to assist local non-profits and organizations in their causes.

King Chuck was nominated by the Morton Plant Mease North Bay Hospital where he has served as a Board Member since 2007. Chuck is extremely active in the community and belongs to many organizations, including the Rotary Club of New Port Richey, West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and is an active member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

For more information on Queen Judith and King Chuck, please visit our ball page.

The Lighthouse would also like to recognize the following individuals and companies as major supporters of the 26th Annual CHASCO Coronation Ball:

• Presenting Sponsors: The Musunuru Family, Community Hospital, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point
• Royal Sponsors: Medical Staff of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point
• Crown Bar Sponsors: Greg Henry, Suncoast Eye Center
• Regal Nominee Gift Sponsor: Rotary Club of New Port Richey
• Silent Auction Sponsor: Regions Bank
• Nobel Table Sponsors: Bank of America, Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A., Rotary Club of Holiday, Rotary Club of Trinity, Thornton, Torrence & Barnett, P.A. & Suncoast Graphics/Animal’s Best Choice Veterinary

The 2012 Coronation Ball will be held on Friday, March 23, 2012. We hope to see you there!

Pictures from the 2011 Event:

First row from left to right: 2010 Queen Bonnie Howard & King Rao Musunuru; 2011 royal nominees; all kings and queens in attendance; the Rotary Club of Holiday.

Second row from left to right: The crowd toasts the 2011 Chasco King and Queen; Lighthouse Executive Director Sylvia Perez and her husband Roger; after the coronation, the dancing begins; Genesis, one of our transition teens and her dance partner.

To view more pictures from the ball, please visit http://lvib.org/events/past-events.

Jamie Mick, Lighthouse’s President-Elect & Ball Co-Chair

Jamie Mick is a Commercial Real Estate Broker/Associate, a member of the Rotary Club of Holiday and is the District Governor Nominee for District 6950 (Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando & Citrus). Jamie is also Lighthouse’s president-elect and co-chairs the committee for the Coronation Ball with Tina Shelton. Jamie has had a personal connection to vision impairment for more than 30 years. Her grandfather was visually impaired and now her mother is experiencing vision loss. This is Jamie’s story:

In August of 1980, when I was 16 years old, my Grandfather became legally blind. My love of reading came from my grandfather. He read constantly and taught me about the joy that reading could bring. I remember his transition to “books on tape” and the other adjustments he had to make because he lost his sight. My grandfather died 1½ years later. His struggle with vision loss is etched in my memory as his macular degeneration could be passed on to me in my later years. I also watched my mother at the age of 82 begin to develop signs of vision loss. She was 10 years older than her father was when he was declared “blind”. Needless to say, when the opportunity to join the Lighthouse board presented itself, I jumped at it. I wanted to get further involved in my community and learn more about assisting the visually impaired. I also wanted to be prepared to help my mother should her vision fail.

My first real exposure to the visually impaired at the Lighthouse was at Arthur Murray Palm Harbor, the dance studio where I am learning ballroom dancing. Encouraged by the Lighthouse Executive Director, I approached Arthur Murray to see if they could provide a program for Lighthouse’s visually impaired teens in preparation for their upcoming Valentine’s Dance in Tampa. Arthur Murray’s response was a resonating “yes” and the teens soon began a short dance program. I was invited to look on as the teens were instructed and what I saw was magical. Lania Berger and David Schmidt, Arthur Murray’s professional dancer/instructor team, worked closely with the teens who soon lit up the dance floor.

After the Valentine’s Day dance, the teens went on to complete a 6-week dance course that culminated on National Dance Day, when the teens and staff performed at a nation-wide dance celebration held at the Arthur Murray studio. Watching these young people dance and move around the dance floor was nothing less then amazing. In addition, I had the opportunity to watch Genesis, a young Lighthouse client, learn to dance. In March 2011, Genesis attended the Chasco Coronation Ball where she made a special presentation and then she danced for us. Genesis’ performance that night made me cry with joy. Her whole life is before her and her vision impairment is secondary to who she is and what she will become.

I have accepted the responsibility of chairing the last two Chasco Coronation balls with my good friend and board member Tina Shelton. Together, Tina and I are working to continue the Coronation Ball’s legacy that supports programs for persons who are visually impaired and blind. The ball, and my role on the board, has provided me with opportunities to grow, and to experience more satisfaction than I ever expected. It is so rewarding to work with Lighthouse staff and clients–at times the rewards can be overwhelming. I am simply very proud and honored to be connected with such a wonderful agency. I want to thank my friend Roger Michells for nominating me to the Board of Directors. I hope my small contribution to it and to the Lighthouse has expressed the pride and joy I feel for being part of this community.

2. Client Profiles: Living and Learning with Low Vision

The Woman behind “Please Keep Me Working”

Recently the Lighthouse coined the phrase: “Keep Theresa Working” and has been using it in interviews, proposals, and on our website. Theresa works in the WebStore, which was our first Lighthouse employment initiative for persons who are visually impaired and blind. Some might be wondering ‘who is this Theresa person’ and ‘why do we need to keep her working’? This is Theresa’s story.

Theresa Santana grew up on a farm in Maryland. As a child, she was a tomboy and very athletic. She experienced many falls and crashes as she played. Theresa was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) at the age of 13. RP is a degenerative eye condition that causes gradual blindness. Theresa continued to play sports vigorously, however she finally had to quit when she was hit in the nose with a lacrosse ball in high school.

Theresa finished high school, took some college courses, and then entered the workforce. She worked at Martin Marietta in security, payroll, benefits, and scheduling. After 3 years, she moved to Maryland General Hospital and became a benefits/insurance coordinator. Her vision loss had become more pronounced; it was difficult to see the numbers on spreadsheets. Her employer was very accommodating and provided her with magnifiers & improved lighting. When she could no longer do her job because of her eyes, they moved her to another position until the business closed its doors.

In 1996, Theresa met Dan, a sleep disorder technician/father of one. Theresa started to work with Dan as a sleep study patient coordinator, and then they got married. Theresa continued to lose more vision, and after much contemplation, they moved to Florida to be close to Dan’s parents. When Theresa started to look for work in Florida, she thought she could no longer do computer work because she could not see print. Theresa looked for other types of employment and got a job at Walmart, where she worked in various departments. Unfortunately her day shift changed to night, and because Theresa had no night vision/could not travel in the dark, she decided to leave. Theresa, always industrious, and with a need to feel useful, started volunteering. She devoted herself to the Nature Coast SPCA, and also to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

Then Theresa learned about the Lighthouse. Theresa’s vision rehabilitation program at the Lighthouse helped her develop independent living (IL) skills, and taught her to travel safely using a white cane. Theresa appreciated learning how to live life with more independence, however she didn’t want to use the white cane. She disliked drawing attention to herself and wanted to avoid provoking feelings of pity. Theresa admits now, three years later, that she is more comfortable using her cane and appreciates that it prevents people from running into her. After Theresa’s training, she returned home to care for her family.

In 2010, Theresa was contacted by the Lighthouse about employment. Theresa was reluctant to begin working for many reasons. This is not an unusual reaction for persons who are visually impaired. Obstacles to employment include stigma about vision loss, negative stereotypes, inaccessible workplaces, a lack of awareness about accommodations available to employers & employees, and the risk of losing hard won and much needed government benefits. Theresa was counseled by Kyle Kiper, Lighthouse’s Vocational Programs Manager, and with a new understanding about vocational programs and workplace accommodations, she joined the Lighthouse family.

Theresa is our WebStore worker extraordinaire. As the only employee of the WebStore, Theresa does it all. She receives donated books, music and movies, sets a fair price based on research, enters each item into the database/Amazon WebStore and then she stocks the shelves. Once an order is placed, Theresa does all the shipping and provides exemplary customer service. Business at the WebStore started off slow but it is increasing. Music CDs are a huge success. Items are being shipped locally and also around the world. Theresa loves her job and appreciates being able to once again work on the computer. She also loves working with people and interacts with Lighthouse clients, answers phones and helps her coworkers. Theresa enjoys fundraising too. Her efforts have led to Target donating shelves for the WebStore, and several pizzerias donating pizza for the job fair that was held in the Hernando office recently.

Theresa gave up her license in 2000 when she became fearful of driving. According to Theresa “I thought not driving was going to break me”. But her family reassured her that this would be nothing, that her life would go on as it should. Theresa started using the bus, car pooling, and her husband gladly drives her where she wants/needs to go. She says “Dan lets me be independent, but he’s there in case I need a soft spot to land.”

As Theresa looks forward to the future, she aspires to keep working, and to get more merchandise donated and uploaded in the Lighthouse WebStore. Theresa has always enjoyed working but after not working for almost 10 years, she says “I feel so useful. The WebStore increases my self esteem and it’s very rewarding to do something for others that helps me at the same time.”

Editor’s note: Theresa’s employment began with a 3-month DBS-paid work experience. Now she works 3 days a week and would like to work more. We are depending on the success of the WebStore to sustain & grow her position, and positions like it. Please donate to the Lighthouse and shop the WebStore regularly at http://amzn.to/lvibstore.

Stimulating the Senses: Isabella Makes Her Milestones While She Plays

In June, Isabella will be turning 2 years old. Her family has been a part of our Babies Program for over a year now. Isabella and her mom first started coming into the Hernando Lighthouse where Isabella loved loved loved to spend time in the sensory room. Her favorite part is a tall bubbling tube that changes colors, with colorful pretend fish that move up and down in the bubbles. As soon as they came in the door, Isabella would start listening for the bubbles and smile her big happy smile when she heard them. Isabella’s eye conditions, macular hypoplasia, ocular albinism and nystagmus limit the amount of visual information she can process, but the lights, sounds and textures in the sensory room have really helped her to learn to focus her attention.

Isabella has multiple physical challenges, including cerebral palsy and a spinal condition that has kept her in a brace to support her head and neck for most of her life. In spite of these big challenges, she has been able to learn to sit up with some support and uses her hands to explore those things within her reach. She loves toys with bright colors, lights and music and also petting her kittens. But the thing that lights up her smile most is her family.

Isabella has 4 brothers and sisters and even though she cannot run and play with them yet, she listens for their voices and smiles her big happy smile when they come to play with her. Isabella doesn’t have words yet, but when she smiles and pats your face to say hello, you know what she is saying.

Earlier this year, Isabella’s family moved to Pasco County. Although it is no longer feasible to bring her into the center, Isabella’s family is still able to receive early intervention services because our program is also able to provide home-based services when needed. Isabella’s early intervention teacher visits her family at home each week to work on developing new skills. Although it has been a challenging year for Isabella and her family, as it has for so many others, she has still managed to make terrific progress in her developmental skills. And of course, she still lights up the room with her smile.

A note about the Lighthouse Sensory Room: The sensory room provides an unparalleled learning experience for those who are visually impaired and need a controlled environment in order to develop their blind skills. It eliminates outside distractions while providing a safe and quiet place that encourages exploration. Our room has been designed to stimulate the senses through the use of light, sound and texture, and combined with specialized and individualized instruction, is effective for teaching skills such as using remaining vision, locating sources of light and sound, and developing hand-eye coordination.

People who are Visually Impaired want to work too!

Did you know that all military uniforms are made by persons who are blind? Yes, it is true, these are manufactured throughout the U.S. by individuals working in agencies just like the Lighthouse. Thousands of products and many services are provided by the blind–creating competitive jobs for thousands of persons who are blind. Yet, there is still an over 70% unemployment rate among persons who are blind and visually impaired. The Lighthouse wants to change this–in our corner of the world at least. The Lighthouse has started to work on several initiatives to create employment for the blind.

In a cooperation with the National Industries for the Blind, through the Wagner-Javitz-O’Day Act which mandates priority for Federal contracting and purchase to entities employing a 75% or more legally blind workforce, the Lighthouse is working to develop industry and manufacturing, as well as a small contact center. We are looking for sub-contract opportunities and opportunities to provide local commercial call/contact center services. Please contact Sylvia Perez or Sandy Barley at (727) 815-0303 or lighthouse@lvib.org to learn how you can help (and how the Lighthouse can help your business).

3. Program Update: Independent Living

Cooking Tips from the Lighthouse Training Kitchen

Cooking for yourself and your family is an important skill that provides many benefits that can include improved well being, stronger social ties, a healthier diet, and more affordable meals. Many people who lose their vision struggle with cooking because their experience in the kitchen was developed when they could still see and they have lost their confidence. Some individuals have cut and burned themselves, so are fearful of knifes and heat. The Lighthouse provides training to develop new skills for low vision cooks that keep them safe in the kitchen. Training covers nutrition, budgeting, shopping, meal preparation, cooking, serving and food storage. Training also teaches participants how to adapt their environments. To demonstrate some of the adaptive techniques the Lighthouse teaches, we have provided an adapted recipe for Beef Noodle Stroganoff with tips and safety recommendations. This is a recipe often prepared by clients enrolled in the Lighthouse Independent Living Skills Class. Please note, these tips are only suggestions to increase a person’s safety in the kitchen, and are used in conjunction with intensive training at the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse and its staff are not responsible for damage or injury resulting from the use of these tips.

Prepare yourself and your work area

• Ensure clothing is safe–long sleeves should be pulled up & secured with an elastic band
• Ensure stove, counter top & work areas are free of clutter
• Organize the necessary ingredients and utensils on a tray
• Adapt an electric frying pan or stove top with tactile markings for easy temperature setting
• Keep a fire extinguisher close by and know how to use it
• Setup good lighting if appropriate

Gather your equipment/utensils

• Accessible tools and equipment (color contrasting cutting boards, measuring cups with tactual or large print markings, and sharp cutting knives)
• Recipes in an accessible format (depending on the cook, they will be written in large print, bold print for stronger contrast, in Braille or on audio tape)
• Magnification device, high quality oven mitts, kitchen timer

Access rules of thumb

• Color contrast assists those with low vision to see the food they are working with or the surface they are working on. Always use dark items on a light surface, or vice versa.
• Tactual markings provide an alternate means for gathering information. A set of measuring cups for example can be ‘high marked’ so the right cup size is used. Measuring utensils can be purchased with large print and high markings however they can also be made at home using water-proof puffy paint.
• For many people, sharp knives when used correctly, are safer than dull knifes because they minimize the slipping that occurs when too much pressure is applied to the blade. Some people with vision impairments prefer to use food processors for safety but still must come into contact with the blade for cleaning. Some people prefer to purchase pre-cut foods for convenience such as turnips or mushrooms.

Beef Noodle Stroganoff

(Adapted instructions for persons who are visually impaired and blind)

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• Water
• Oil & salt
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 8 oz. container of sour cream
• 1 large package of egg noodles
• Bread or biscuits to pass

Instructions

Brown ground beef in an electric skillet. Break raw beef up into bite size pieces and place in a large, cold skillet. Cook beef on medium heat for 7 minutes, stirring several times. When not stirring, keep covered. Once the beef is cooked, turn the temperature to the lowest setting. Using lean ground beef reduces the need to drain oil from the hot meat, and using an electric skillet provides for maximum stability and is safer than stove top because there is no open flame or exposed heating element.

Measure ½ cup water. Measure the water using a ½ cup measuring cup. Determine the container is full by using a clean finger inside the cup to feel the liquid or use a liquid level indicator such as a ping pong ball or fishing bobber (for cold liquids only). Always measure ingredients over a tray to avoid spills.

Add soup, sour cream and water to ground beef. To reduce the risk associated with stirring in a hot pot, pre-stirring when possible is recommended. Place soup, sour cream and water in a heat proof bowl and stir before carefully adding the mixture to the ground beef. Now stir the mixture into the beef. When stirring, always wear oven mitts. Hold the pot or skillet with one hand and the stirring utensil in the other. You want to ensure you cover the entire bottom of the pan. Divide the pan into quarters and stir one quarter at a time. Keep the skillet temperature turned to low.

Cook the noodles. Place a large pot on the stove top. Match the size of the pan to the burner and center the pan on the burner. Use the back burner on the stove top whenever possible. Turn the pan handles so they can’t be knocked or melted. Now add water to the pot, using a kettle or milk carton, until the pot is half full. Add a teaspoon of oil and a shake of salt to the water. Turn on the heat to high and cover the pot. After a minute, add the noodles carefully and stir, keeping your face turned from the steam. Return the lid, set the timer per the noodle cooking time and wait for the water to boil. The boil can be heard or it can be felt on the pot handle while wearing oven mitts. Stir every minute or so and turn off the heat when the timer rings. As the noodles are cooking, stir the beef and sauce periodically–every 2 to 3 minutes.

Strain the noodles. Turn off the burner before removing the pot from the stove. Make sure the way to the sink is clear. Place a high contrast strainer in the sink. With oven mitts on, carry the pot to the sink and pour the noodles slowly into the strainer, being careful to keep your face turned away from the steam. Drain for 2 minutes.

Stir noodles into the sauce, then serve. Carefully mix the noodles into the beef and sauce mixture in the skillet. Turn the skillet off. Use a cup to measure individual servings into bowls. Use a tray to carry each bowl to the table. Serve with bread or biscuits. Serves 4-6. Enjoy.

4. People Making A Difference

Susan Marty, Lighthouse Independent Living Skills Teacher

Susan Marty has been a Vision Rehabilitation Teacher with the Lighthouse since 2008. In this capacity, Susan teaches independent living skills to adults and seniors who are visually impaired and blind. Recently she assumed the additional responsibility of assisting the transition program teens with preparing for adulthood. Before coming to the Lighthouse, Susan was a high school teacher for the visually impaired in Pinellas County. During the summer, she worked for the Florida Division of Blind Services as a counselor in their summer transition camp for teens. Prior to entering the field of vision impairment, Susan worked as a LPN (licensed practical nurse) with Alzheimer patients.

Susan has a Bachelor of Science in Visual Disabilities from Florida State University, and a diploma in practical nursing from Pinellas County Technical Institute. She is eligible to sit for the CVRT examination (Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist). Susan is working to continue her education through many channels. She recently completed a Hadley School for the Blind course called ‘The Human Eye’, and she is currently taking a computer class. In the future, Susan will pursue her Orientation & Mobility certification so she is able to teach safe travel to our clients. Susan switched from nursing to helping persons with vision impairments because she wanted to teach, and she wanted a new challenge.

At the Lighthouse, Susan has been able to accomplish her goals. She finds her position at the Lighthouse to be very rewarding. Her clients have told her the training she provides helps change lives by giving independence back to persons with vision impairments.

Businesses & Volunteers ‘Rising Up’ to Meet the Need

The Lighthouse is grateful for all the support it receives from the community. Recent donations include bookcases from Target for our WebStore, a food donation from Publix for our client appreciation BBQ, and several pizzas that fed the attendees of our Industries Employment Incentives Orientation from the following Hernando pizzerias: Hungry Howie’s on Mariner in Spring Hill; CiCi’s Pizza on SR 50/Cortez, Pizza Villa on SR 50/Cortez, Little Caesars on Broad Street–all in Brooksville.

The Lighthouse was fortunate to have some new volunteers help out this spring. The Lighthouse would like to thank the United Way of Pasco Day of Caring volunteers who helped at our client appreciation BBQ, and the students from Rollins College in Winter Park who came out to learn about volunteering at the Lighthouse, and also helped with our Easter Egg Hunt. Please visit our volunteer web page at: http://lvib.org/help/volunteer to learn about volunteering at the Lighthouse. To view a list of Lighthouse donors and volunteers, please visit: http://lvib.org/help/our-supporters.

5. Ways You Can Help

The Lighthouse appreciates the support of our generous donors. Our funding is limited therefore we need your help to meet the need for services. Please continue to support the Lighthouse by making donations, volunteering your time and expertise, and providing much needed gifts-in-kind from our Wish List. Information on The Friends of the Lighthouse Annual Giving Program and The Lighthouse Legacy Society is available on our web site at http://lvib.org/help/donate/friends and http://lvib.org/help/donate/legacy, respectively.

Another way to show your support of persons with visual impairments is by purchasing or gifting “A State of Vision” plate through the Florida DMV specialty license plate program. “A State of Vision” specialty license plates provide much needed awareness and funds for programs that serve people who are blind. An annual proceed of $17.50 from each license plate sold to residents of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus comes to the Lighthouse. You can buy a specialty tag gift certificate, as well. Please visit your local tag agency to find out how to get “A State of Vision” license plate or visit the DMV online at: http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/specialtytags/miscellaneous/a_state_of_vision.html.

6. About Us

The mission of the Lighthouse is to provide persons who are visually impaired with the skills needed to achieve their maximum independence. We provide free, individualized rehabilitation services to persons who are visually impaired and their families. We are designated by the Florida Division of Blind Services as the only community resource provider of vision rehabilitation in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties.

Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity, registration number CH662. A copy of the Lighthouse’s official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Florida Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 1-800-435-7352. Official registration can also be viewed online at http://csapp.800helpfla.com/cspublicapp/giftgiversquery/giftgiversquery.aspx. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.

   

The Lighthouse is funded in part by the Department of Education, Division of Blind Services, by the United Way of Pasco, and by Pasco County Commissioners. We also depend on fundraising and donations from clubs, businesses and private citizens in order to meet the need for services.

Lighthouse programs and services for all ages include outreach, independent living skills, assistive technology, Braille, orientation and mobility, adjustment to blindness, Little Lighthouse for babies, summer camp for children, transition to adulthood for teens, job readiness for adults and support groups for adults, seniors, parents and partners.

Services are provided one-on-one or in a small group format. Classes are held in our offices located in Port Richey and Brooksville. We also provide classes in the community, in cities such as Zephyrhills, Dade City and Lecanto. Home-based training is available to many individuals. Transportation is available for training.

Persons in need of our services can contact the Lighthouse directly. Please plan a visit to the Lighthouse to determine if our services are right for you. We also welcome referrals from family members, friends, doctors, and other professionals. To make a referral or to learn about eligibility requirements, call us or visit our web site. For your convenience, a referral form can be downloaded from www.lvib.org/programs.

Contact, Read About, or Visit the Lighthouse

Sylvia Stinson-Perez, Executive Director: sperez@lvib.org
Board and staff directory: http://lvib.org/about/staff
General email: lighthouse@lvib.org
Visit our website: www.lvib.org
Read our blog and sign up for blog updates: www.lvib.org/lighthouse-blog
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LighthousefortheV.I.Pasco.Hernando.Citrus
You can also read Sylvia’s Guide Dog Tale at www.lighthousepasco.wordpress.com

Pasco: 8610 Galen Wilson Blvd. Port Richey, FL 34668 Phone: 727-815-0303 Fax: 727-815-0203

Hernando: 6492 California St. Brooksville, FL 34604 Phone: 352-754-1132 Fax: 352-754-5118

Citrus: Toll Free (for all locations): 1-866-962-5254

About LVIB IN TOUCH

LVIB IN TOUCH is a free quarterly newsletter produced and distributed by Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind.

• Thank you to ABCO Graphics & Printing, Inc. for sponsoring this edition of LVIB IN TOUCH. ABCO Graphics & Printing, Inc. did a great job printing and assembling our printed newsletter, and their donation is very much appreciated.
• Contributors to this edition of LVIB IN TOUCH include Becky Barber, Brad Taylor, Jamie Mick, Kyle Kiper, Patricia Porter, Susan Marty, Sylvia Stinson-Perez, Theresa Santana, and Tina Shelton.

Please help us raise awareness about services, reach more persons with visual impairments, and gain support:

• After reading this newsletter, please forward it to a friend or leave it in a place for others to read.
• If you are not on our mailing list, contact us to subscribe.
• If you change your address, provide us with the update.
• If you receive LVIB IN TOUCH by mail, please consider subscribing to our email newsletter instead to save paper and postage costs.
• If you have questions or comments about this newsletter, please contact us at newsletter@lvib.org or call the LVIB in your area.

We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for reading LVIB IN TOUCH.