1937
Founded as Hillsborough County Association for the Blind by the Jewish Women’s Guild under Daisy Waterman.
Our History
Serving Hillsborough, Polk & Hardee counties since 1937.
Our Roots
Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. (formerly Hillsborough County Association for the Blind) was founded in 1937 by the Jewish Women’s Guild under Daisy Waterman and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) on May 3, 1940. Today, as Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision, we’ve proudly served our region for over 85 years.
Evolution of Services
What began as a manufacturing workshop—offering employment when assistive technology was scarce—ran Lakeland and Tampa shops until 2003. With advances in technology, we shifted to community-based job placement and vocational support.
Expanding Impact
We now operate full rehabilitation centers in Hillsborough and Polk counties, teaching independent living and assistive technology skills. Over the decades, programs for children (0–5, 5–13), teens (14–21), statewide rehabilitation engineering for students and workers, and veterans programs have all been added.
Free Services & Adaptive Store
All of our programs are offered free of charge. We also sell adaptive‐aids in Tampa and Winter Haven—available to our clients and open to the public.
Looking Forward
From a small workshop to comprehensive rehabilitation centers serving ages 0–100+, our mission and purpose remains unchanged: maximizing independence and creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Key Milestones
1940
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) at 507 W. Platt Street.
1944
Joined the Community Chest (now United Way Suncoast).
1955
Relocated to 1106 W. Platt Street.
1975
Partnered with National Industries for the Blind to secure federal and military contracts.
1976
Earned first AER accreditation (first private blind-agency in Florida) and launched Social Work & Work Experience programs.
1984
Introduced Low Vision and On-The-Job Training programs.
1988
Launched the Supported Employment program for intensive job training.
1990
Added Personal Computer Training and Rehabilitation Engineering services.
1993
Opened a satellite rehabilitation center in Winter Haven.
1995
Opened Winter Haven Low Vision clinic; Polk County joined United Way of Central Florida.
1999
Began telephone switchboard services contract with MacDill Air Force Base.
2000
Celebrated 60 years of service to the community.
2003
Launched Summer Transition Program for high school youth (ages 14–22).
2007
Expanded Transition Program year-round and secured funding to start Early Intervention.
2008
Further expanded the year-round Transition Program.
2009
Served a record 1,104 persons agency-wide.
2015
Celebrated 75 years and revamped parking lots.
2016
Implemented the Children’s Program in Winter Haven with DBS funding.
2019
Rebranded as Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision.
Accreditation Council
Nationally accredited by
