Funding and Affiliations

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NAC Accreditation

Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision is accredited by The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) National Accreditation Council (NAC). NAC evaluates participating agencies by nationally accepted standards which are used to evaluate quality of services and programs.

Division of Blind Services

Rehabilitation and service programs are funded in part by contract with the State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of Blind Services.

United Way of Central Florida

As a member agency of the United Way of Central Florida, Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision receives a significant portion of its financial support from annual United Way campaigns for Central Florida.

Other Funding Sources

Include the Community Development Block Grant (funded by HUD) through the following: City of Tampa, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. Additional funding is provided by Hillsborough County BOCC through the Social Service RFA, charitable foundations, and donations by private citizens, and various clubs and organizations.

Disability Rights Florida has been established for the purpose of assisting clients/applicants with:

1. Understanding services available through DBS;
2. Pursuing appropriate remedies to ensure the protection of client’s rights; and
3. Helping to resolve any dissatisfaction that the client may have with regard to the furnishing or denial of services from DBS through the processes of informal, mediation, or formal reviews.

Disability Rights Florida’s services are free and independent of all state agencies providing services to individuals with disabilities. Disability Rights Florida is a statewide program and can be contacted by calling toll-free: 1-800-342-0823 (voice) or 1-800-346-4127 (TDD).