Who We Are

Our History

Prior to 1980, Independence for the Blind operated under two names: first, the Visually Impaired Program (VIP), and later, the Adult Blind Independent Living (ABIL) Program.   From 1980 to 1993, the program was administered by Pensacola Junior College and called SCIL, Skills Center for Independent Living.  After PJC lost funding for SCIL, concerned community members who saw the need for education for the blind established a corporation and opened doors for service.  From 1993 to 1995, the program continued its mission under the sponsorship of a similar, Tallahassee-based organization called Independence for the Blind, Inc.  On October 1, 1995, the corporation became a self-governing, private, not-for-profit entity fully incorporated under the name of Independence for the Blind of West Florida (IB West).

IB West initially served the blind in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties.  Today, IB West’s coverage area stretches from the port city of Pensacola to the Apalachicola River, an area of the Florida panhandle that is home to a million residents.  IB West is funded in part by the Florida Department of Education, Division of Blind Services. 

Independence for the Blind of West Florida is the only nonprofit entirely devoted to educating the blind and visually impaired in West Florida. 

IB West's ten county district

Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, and Gulf counties.

Our Mission

Our mission is to teach independent living skills, computer and adaptive technology, and to provide vocational training, and employment-related services to people who are blind or visually impaired so they can achieve maximum independence.

Our Vision

To be the standard of excellence in rehabilitation services across the total age spectrum of the blind and the visually impaired population.

What We Do

IB West continues to provide client-centered individualized instruction to the blind, incorporating the most up-to-date techniques and equipment.  Each year, our counselors logg more than 6,000 hours of instruction time and work with more than 200 clients throughout our ten county service area.  Four distinct programs have been developed to provide services free-of-charge to all ages:

• Independent Living Adult Program 

• Vocational Rehabilitation Program

• Transition Program

• Early Intervention

How do I apply for services from Independence for the Blind?

Complete an application (click here for application) and mail it with a current eye exam to the address below:

Independence for the Blind of West Florida

3107 North Davis Highway

Pensacola, FL  32503

"Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness.  It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." 

          ~ Helen Keller