Independence for the Blind

Independence for the Blind of West Florida (IB West) has been serving the visually impaired community since 1980. IB West is the only nonprofit entirely devoted to educating the blind and visually impaired in West Florida. 

Today, IB West's coverage area stretches 10 counties from the port city of Pensacola to the Apalachicola River, an area of the Florida panhandle that is home to a million residents. 

Our Mission: to empower people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve maximum independence.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Our programs are designed to meet the
emotional and practical needs of the
blind and visually impaired community.
For more details and other programs
and services visit our website.
application process

ADULT VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Assists individuals who have recently
lost their eyesight or are experiencing a
decline in vision and need to learn how
to adapt at work.

ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY
Is training to assist individuals to learn
how to safely navigate in their homes and
in the community. We help them arrange
their homes, ride the bus, avoid accidents,
and learn how to use a cane.

SKILL TRAINING
Teaches daily-living
communications/braille, assistive
devices/iPhone & iPad, job readiness,
and socialization training.

VISUALLY IMPAIRED (VIP)
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Assists visually impaired children in
learning independence, adaptive
technology, socialization skills, and how
to improve their self-esteem.

TRANSITION PROGRAM
Gives visually impaired teens the tools to
be independent, prepare for college,
and enter the workforce.

ASSESSMENTS AND COUNSELING
Assists individuals (and their families)
in identifying their needs and training
possibilities.