Tallahassee-Leon County Services for People with Low Vision
Florida Division of Blind Services
Address: 1320 Executive Center Drive, Atkins Bldg., Ste. 201
Phone: (850) 245-0370
Website: http://dbs.myflorida.com
Provides training and resources for individuals who are blind or visually impaired so they may fully integrate into society. Anyone who has vision loss in both eyes may be provided services. Services specifically beneficial to seniors fall into the following categories:
Vocational Rehabilitative Services
Assists individuals who are severely visually impaired gain, regain or retain employment. These services are based on economic need.Independent Living Program
If your vision loss is affecting your ability to perform normal everyday activities then this program can assist you. These services are based on economic need. Services may include:
- Diagnosis and evaluation to determine eligibility
- Counseling and guidance
- Orientation and mobility training
- Activities of daily living training
- Communications training
- Assistive low vision screening
- Provision of assistive devices
- Advocacy
- Information and referral
- Peer counseling and support group opportunities
- Sponsorship/coordination of eye medical care
Braille and Talking Book Library Services
If you are legally blind, visually handicapped, or physically disabled, and unable to hold a book or read conventional printed material, then these services can help you keep in touch with the world of books and magazines. You will find the same books and magazines recorded on cassette and records that are available in public libraries in Florida, and they will be mailed to your home postage free. This program will also lend you a record player or cassette player if you need it in order to benefit from these services. To access these services free of charge, call 1-800-226-6075.
Leon County Public Library
Address: 200 West Park Avenue, Main Library
Phone: (850) 487-2665
Website: www.co.leon.fl.us/library/
The following services may be accessed free of charge. A library card is required to check out materials.
- A "Kurzwei Reader" can be used at the Main Library to read any print material aloud. Also, CCTV (closed circuit TV) can be used to magnify any print up to 60 times for easier viewing.
- Hand-held magnifiers may be borrowed from any library service desk at any location.
- Large-type books may be checked out at all locations. Described videos, Books on Cassette, Talking Books, Talking Book machines, and a Perkins Brailler may be used or checked out at the Main Library. The automated library catalog can be used at an adapted computer station in the Main Library that will magnify the print on the computer screen.
Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education (FIRE)
Address: 1286 Cedar Center Drive
Phone: (850) 942-3658
Provides services to the legally blind, or those with a condition that is progressing towards legal blindness. The services are free, but you must be a Florida resident to qualify. Services include:
- Counseling for clients and families
- Personal and public advocacy
- Information and referral
- Independent living skills training
- Orientation and mobility training
- Braille training
- Assistive technology
- Assistance in finding adaptive aids at cost
A person can come to your home to provide some of these services.
Insight Support Group
Address: Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St., 3rd Floor Conference Room
Phone: (850) 942-7483 – Delores Wussler
Meeting Time: 3rd Tuesday of every month, 1:00 - 3:00pm
This group is to shares ideas, experiences, love and laughter with those experiencing the loss of their sight. Guest speakers are often invited to impart information pertinent to those with vision loss. There is no fee, but a small donation is encouraged.
The Octopus Club
Address: Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education Building, 1286 Cedar Center Drive
Phone: (850) 894-9025
Meeting Time: 1st Wednesday, 1:00 - 3:00pm
Reaches out to those experiencing visual impairments in an effort to provide support and encouragement, as well as useful tips, suggestions and information on how to live with vision loss. Guest speakers are often invited. There is no fee.
Personal Adaptive Computer Users (PACU)
Address: Florida Institute of Rehabilitative Education Building, 1286 Cedar Center Drive
Phone: (850) 942-3658, ext. 205 - Eva
Meeting Time: Every Monday, 11am to 2pm; 2nd Friday of each month, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Members share a common interest in using computers. Their meetings revolve around sharing information and learning more about computer applications. Guest speakers are often invited. It is a loosely structured group and members have varying levels of computer skills. Anyone with significant vision loss is welcome. Lunch is provided at the meetings. There is no fee for membership.
Don't Let Low Vision Be a Barrier
According to the National Eye Institute, the risk of blindness is greatest for people age 75 or older, but regular dilated-eye exams are critical for everyone age 60 or older. The NEI estimates that half of all cases of blindness can be prevented if the leading causes of vision loss are detected and treated early.
The leading causes of blindness in the elderly are:Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – This is the most common cause of blindness in Americans age 60 or older.
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Cataracts - The most treatable of eye diseases, cataracts affect some 20 million Americans age 65 or older. By age 80, more than half of all Americans develop cataracts. Although they are easily removable through eye surgery, some people are not treated because of poor access to healthcare.
- Glaucoma - This disease causes gradual damage to the optic nerve. It often goes undetected because vision loss is not noticed until significant nerve damage occurs.