Teen’s Pre-Employment Transition Program

The Lighthouse provides a year-round transition program for teens with vision loss ages 14 to 22. The program empowers students to live more independent, productive lives through instruction and activities in 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 per month, and periodically on teacher planning days. Transportation to and from Lighthouse instruction, provided in our facilities and in the community, is available. One-on-one instruction is offered for students unable to attend group sessions. During the summer, a 5-week intensive camp 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.

Each year, as part of the Teen Transition Program, Lighthouse provides a state-wide prom for teens who are visually impaired and blind. This year’s Teen Prom was held on Saturday, May 16, 2026. See the prom press release which includes a link to our Google Photo Album. 

2026 Teen Summer Camp Recap

Thirteen Lighthouse teens had an incredible experience at Teen Summer Camp, where the primary focus was gaining real-world volunteer workplace experience. Campers developed job readiness skills, explored career interests, and built confidence through placements at Suncoast Goodwill Trinity Superstore, Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc., Publix Super Market at Regency Crossings, The Volunteer Way, Inc., and Jennifer Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care. To support their transition to adulthood, teens also participated in a behind-the-scenes courthouse tour, shopped for professional work attire, learned to use transportation and food-ordering apps, and five campers attended the Statewide STEAM Summer Camp in Davenport, Florida. Along the way, they formed new friendships, created lasting memories, and strengthened the skills they will need to succeed in school, work, and life. View the 2026 LVIB Teen Summer Camp photo album at https://photos.app.goo.gl/tLyznmrabUp2Ydhs6.

Our 2026 Teen Summer Camp was made possible through the support of many generous community partners. We extend our sincere thanks to our volunteer workplace partners Suncoast Goodwill Trinity Superstore, Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc., Publix Super Market at Regency Crossings, The Volunteer Way, Inc., and Jennifer Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care; sponsors and donors Pasco County Tax Collector, Shah Foundation, Inc., DEX Imaging, First United Methodist Church of Hudson, Krista and Stephen Dillon, John and Debbie Mann, and Tariq Khan; grantors Pasco County Community Development, United Way of Pasco County, Publix Super Market Charities, Bungie Foundation, and Harper Family Charitable Foundation; volunteers Brian Cuervo, Brittnie Weeks, Kenny Ratzlaff, Keith Smith, Chris Cline, and Andrea Semas; and Lighthouse staff members Carly Cline, Sofya Matkarim, Fannie Gasparik, Kevin Grace Sr., Karen Schab, Nelson Hernandez, Charles Edwards, Beth Sinacola, and many more. Most importantly, we are grateful for our teens and their families. We are incredibly proud of our campers for embracing new challenges, building workplace skills and independence, and making the most of every opportunity.

Special Event Sponsorships are always available.

The Teen Program is funded in part by the Florida Division of Blind Services, grants from organizations such as the United Way of Pasco County, Publix Super Markerts Charities, Harper Family Foundation, and by private donors. Our Annual Fundraisers also help raise funds for our Teen Program.