Classes

All individual classes and groups are available to individuals with vision loss. For information on joining a group, scheduling an appointment with a specialist, or to RSVP for a class, please contact Savannah at 850-942-3658, Ext 206 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please follow us on Facebook (Lighthouse BigBend) and Instagram (lbb-lighthouseofthebigbend) for more information.

NEW Classes:

  • NEW - Job Training Workshop
    Monday, April 13th | 1 to 2:30 pm at LBB
    Group Leader: David Darm MS
    Clients will be learning resume writing, interviewing with employers, and preparing for career fairs.
    FSU Career Center’s Shawn Einarson will present the Workshop.

  • NEW - FSU Final Spring Job Fair
    April 15 | 11 am to 3 pm at FSU Student Union, 75 N Woodward Avenue
    This Fair is another fantastic opportunity for clients to network with potential employers. We are pleased to report that recruiters from the last Job Fair have contacted two clients, and one client has a job interview!
    Link to employers attending the next Fair is at Spring 2026 Final Spring Job Fair

  • NEW - Parent Support Group
    Saturday, April 4th | 10 am to Noon at LBB
    Monthly on the 1st Saturay of the Month
    Group Leader: Jennifer Stephens, MS TVI COMS
    Monthly support group for parents of children and babies with visual impairments to meet and discuss challenges they may be facing and celebrate successes. Both parents and children are welcome!  

Orientation & Mobility Classes:

  • Beginning Orientation & Mobility Training
    Saturday, April 4th | 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at LBB
    Monthly on the 1st Saturday
    Group Leader: Jessica Smith, TVI COMS
    Orientation is an individual's ability to know where you are in a given space and mobility is navigating between two places safely, efficiently, and as independently as possible. During this training, we will cover several different topics including white cane techniques, human guide instructions, and utilization of public transportation.

  • Orientation & Mobility Group
    Tuesday, April 21st | 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at LBB
    Monthly on the 3rd Tuesday
    Group Leader: Sharon Scherbarth-Simmons, TVI COMS
    During this group, you will fine tune your orientation and mobility skills to be more agile with navigating spaces and your environment.

Assistive Technology Classes:

  • iPhone Class
    Tuesdays April 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 1 to 3 pm at LBB
    Group Leader: Janet Acheson Ed.S. TVI
    Explore the many benefits of using the iPhone with little to no vision.

  • Beginning iPhone Class
    Tuesdays April 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 3 to 4 pm at LBB
    Group Leader: Janet Acheson Ed.S. TVI
    Explore the basics of using an iPhone with little to no vision.

  • Remote Advanced iPhone and iPad Lesson & Support Group
    Tuesdays | April 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 4 to 5 pm Group Call Only
    Group Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI
    Advanced users have questions too! Join us to learn and share with other experienced iPhone users.
    Call Janet at 850-942-3658 Ext 212 to connect with the group.

  • Android Lesson & Support Group - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
    Wednesdays | April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm | In-Person only at LBB
    Group Leader: David Darm, MS

  • Advanced iPhone Lesson & Support Group - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
    Wednesdays April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 | 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm | In-Person only at LBB
    Group Leader: John Ryan
  • Assistive Technology Computer Training - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
    Thursdays | 1 pm to 3 pm | In-Person only at LBB
    Group Leader: John Ryan

  • Beginning iPhone & iPad Lesson & Support Group - Learn accessibility features and ask questions
    Fridays April 3, 10, 17, and 24 | 2 pm to 3 pm | In-Person only at LBB
    Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT

  • Beginning JAWS (Job Access With Speech) Lesson & Support Group
    Fridays April 3, 10, 17, and 24 | 1 to 2 pm at LBB
    Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT
    This class will help you learn how to utilize JAWS and a computer keyboard as a screen reader designed for individuals with vision loss. JAWS provides speech output for various Microsoft Office computer applications enabling users to access and interact with digital content confidently and effectively.

  • Computer Lab - Available to LBB clients
    Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday | 10 am to Noon at LBB
    Please call John to schedule a time at 850-942-3658 Ext 222.
    In person instruction available on computers and assistive technology devices including iPad, iPhone, Android, Braille Displays, Windows PC, Alexa, Chromebook, Mac, FUSION, JAWS, Notetakers, NVDA, OrCam, Windows Magnifier, Windows Narrator, Windows PC, ZoomText Magnifier, and ZoomText Magnifier \ Reader. We also provide practice on Windows PC and typing accuracy skills.

Daily Living Skills & Interests:

  • Employment Readiness Group
    Tuesdays | 10 am to 11:30 am | Group Call | Please call Jeff for the number.
    Thursdays | 10 am to 11:30 am at LBB | In-Person only
    Group Leader: Jeffery Douglas MSW

    This group will help you enhance essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the workforce. You will also learn vital soft skills like communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability.

  • Field Trip Friday - Dinner and a movie
    Friday, April 24th | 3 to 5 pm at LBB
    Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT

  • Beginning Braille Group
    Wednesday, April 15th | 10 am to Noon at LBB
    Monthly on the 3rd Wednesday
    Group Leader: Janet Acheson Ed.S. TVI
    Explore casual and fun uses of braille along with other tactile techniques to engage in the world around you.

  • Intermediate Braille Group
    Wednesday, April 1st | 10 am to Noon at LBB
    Monthly on the 1st Wednesday
    Group Leader: Janet Acheson Ed.S. TVI
    Learn how to apply braille into your daily activities. This group will be helpful for those receiving regular braille lessons at LBB and those who already know braille.

  • Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

    This 6-week program ending on Friday, April 17. Please note, there will not be a class on Good Friday, April 3rd.
    April 10 and 17 | 9 am to 11:30 pm at LBB
    Presenter, Stephanie Howard, Healthy Aging Program Manager, Big Bend Area Health Education Center
    Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT
    This program will discuss health management tools for adults with chronic illness including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, anxiety, depression, and other persistent health concerns. The benefits of the program include decreased pain & health distress and feelings of depression; increased energy & less fatigue and physical activity levels; and better communication with doctors; improved healthful behaviors and symptom management and overall health.

  • Beginning Adaptive Cooking Class

    Thursday, April 2nd and 9th | 10 am to Noon at LBB
    Monthly on the 1st and 2nd Thursday of the month thru May
    Group Leader: Cassandra Jessie, VRT 
    You will learn adaptive techniques, safely use kitchen utensils, work as a team, and plan menus.

Community Groups
Groups are for seniors who are visually impaired and their family and friends. You are welcome to join a group if you or a loved one are experiencing vision loss. Individuals attending are in all stages of vision loss. 

    • Westminster Oaks – Monthly Vision Loss Support Group
      Wednesday, April 8th | 2:30 to 3:30 pm | Parry Center - Fireside Room 
      2nd Wednesday of the month       Group Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI
      LBB’s Vision Loss Support Group is for individuals who are visually impaired, experiencing vision loss, or have a loved one or friend experiencing vision loss. Individuals attending are in all stages of vision loss.
      Open to the public.

    • Westminster Oaks - Assistive Technology Training
      Thursday, April 2nd and 16th | 10 am to 11:30 am at LBB
      1st and 3rd Thursday of every month 
      Group Leader: Janet Acheson, Ed.S. TVI
      Transportation to LBB provided by Westminster Oaks.
      This training will teach how technology (cell phones, tablets, pads, and/or laptops) can provide more independence to individuals with vision loss. Please bring the device you would like to learn more about

    • Advent Christian Village – 1st Monday of the Month*
      Monday, April 6th | 1:30 to 3 pm | Old Pavilion Room 
      Group Leader: Wayne Warner
      Open to the public.
      *If the first Monday of the month is a holiday, class will be held on the following Monday.

Youth Group - ages 6 to 22
Group Leaders: 
Sharon Scherbarth Simmons, COMS CTVI, Children's Program Director
Terrence Snider, Transition Program Director
   
    April Youth Group Activities: 

    • Saturday, April 4th | Easter Egg Hunt & FSU Circus Performance | 9 am to 4 pm
    • Sunday, April 5th | Youth Group Tutoring Availability | 1 pm to 5 pm at LBB
    • Wednesday, April 8th | Job Exploration  Counseling & Life Skills | 4 to 6 pm at LBB
    • Wednesay April 8th and 22nd | Transition Program | 4 to 6 pm at LBB
    • Thursday, April 9th | Florida School of the Deaf & Blind Theatre Performance in St. Augustine | 6:30 to 8:30 pm
    • Saturday, April 11th | Workplace Training | 9 am to 2 pm at LBB
    • Sunday, April 12th | Youth Group Tutoring Availability | 8 am to Noon at LBB
    • Thursday, April 16th | Spring Concert Performance at Florida School of the Deaf & Blind | 2 pm to 4 pm
    • Saturday, April 18th | Sportsabilty Outdoor Recreation | 9 am to 2 pm
    • Sunday, Aparil 19th | Youth Group Tutoring Availability | 8 am to Noon at LBB
    • Wednesday, April 22nd | Instruction in Self-Advocacy | 4 pm to 6 pm at LBB
    • Thurslday, April 23rd | Share Night - Activities of Daility LIving & Workplace Training | 5 to 7 pm at LBB
    • Saturday, April 25th | Instruction in Self-Advocacy | 9 am to 2 pm at LBB
    • Sunday, April 26th Youth Group Tutoring Availabilty | 8 am to Noon at LBB
    • Saturday, May 2nd | Counseling in Opportunities for Enrollment & FSU Symphony Rehearsal | 9 am to 2 pm at LBB

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