Serving the Visually Impaired of Lake and Sumter Counties, Florida Including The Villages Call 352-435-5040 if you or someone you know has a visual impairment

History

New Vision for Independence was incorporated in 2005 by a group of concerned community citizens who wanted to assure that the rehabilitation and education needs of visually impaired and blind adults of Lake and Sumter Counties would be met. At the formation of New Vision, community support included individuals affiliated with the Lake County Commission, Lake-Sumter Community College, Lake-Sumter Emergency Medical Services, and State of Florida Legislative Representatives. The individuals who form the Board, staff, and volunteers have extensive experience in the fields of education and rehabilitation of adults and children with visual disabilities and blindness. Some of these individuals have years, even decades, of administrative experience as directors, coordinators, and project managers. Others have served on similar agency Boards and headed similar projects. The majority have provided years of direct educational and rehabilitation instruction in similar positions in other agencies and organizations for the visually impaired.

 In addition to offering direct instruction to students, many New Vision members have provided a vast number of in-service educational seminars to various community groups, including Home Health nurses, Lake County transportation drivers, and doctors’ office staff. Some New Vision members have extensive public speaking experience in the field, including successful presentations to local service organizations, professional statewide conferences and seminars, national conferences, and international conferences abroad.

 The staff, Board, and volunteers have received exemplary performance reviews from employers, funding sources, community partnerships, professional organizations, and visually impaired students and their families. Staff, Board members, and volunteers also are aware of the unique characteristics and concerns of Lake and Sumter Counties, including transportation, demographics, and community support, and they have experience in problem-solving when difficulties arise. All Board members, staff, and volunteers live within the borders of Lake and Sumter Counties.

All services are provided at no cost to the visually impaired participant.

Sponsored by:

        DOE/DBS and the State of Florida

        Lake County Human Services

        Community Foundation of South Lake

        2010 US Census

9501 US Hwy 441

Leesburg, FL  34788