Vision loss can affect transportation, employment, reading, technology, home safety, benefits access, and social connection. The resources below offer practical starting points for Florida residents with blindness or visual impairment, their families, and service providers.
Florida blindness and visual-impairment services
The Florida Division of Blind Services provides information about services for eligible Floridians with visual impairments, including independent living, vocational rehabilitation, and support for children and families. The Division determines eligibility and local service pathways.
Independent-living and technology education
- Hadley — free practical learning for adults adjusting to vision loss, including daily living and technology topics.
- American Foundation for the Blind — research, advocacy, and information about accessibility and life with vision loss.
- Be My Eyes — a smartphone service that connects blind or low-vision users with visual assistance; review privacy and account settings before use.
- VA Blind Rehabilitation Service — information for eligible veterans and service members with vision loss.
Accessible transportation planning
When contacting a transit or paratransit agency, explain whether the rider uses a cane, guide dog, wheelchair, personal care attendant, or phone-based navigation. Ask how drivers identify the vehicle, announce stops, provide boarding assistance, and handle service animals.
- PSTA for Pinellas County transportation and accessibility information.
- HART for Hillsborough County transit and paratransit information.
- Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged for statewide program and local-network information.
Digital accessibility tips
- Use browser zoom, built-in screen magnification, text-to-speech, or a screen reader according to personal preference.
- Ask organizations to provide accessible electronic documents or large-print information rather than image-only scans.
- Do not share account passwords or one-time security codes with someone offering remote visual assistance.
- Tell QOLCS if a page, document, image description, link label, or contrast choice prevents access so that we can address the issue.
Historical context and current support
QOLCS legacy work included transportation and independent-living support connected with vision-related community partners. Those direct activities are not presented as currently operating. QOLCS can now help identify public and nonprofit resources and prepare questions for a specialized agency.
Resource links last reviewed July 20, 2026. Third-party eligibility, hours, and services can change; verify details with the listed organization.
How QOLCS can help now
QOLCS currently provides free information, resources, referrals, and appointment-based guidance while direct programs are rebuilt. We can help Tampa Bay residents identify a useful starting point, prepare questions, and locate an appropriate public agency or community resource. QOLCS does not determine program eligibility and cannot guarantee that a third-party provider will accept a referral.