Local Resources
A comprehensive list of local organizations providing services to visually impaired individuals in Mississippi.
Addie McBryde Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (through MDRS)
Ages: 16-Adult
A comprehensive personal adjustment center through MDRS for adults who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind located in Jackson, MS.
Rosie Gibson, Director
601.364.2700, 800.443.1000
https://mdrs.ms.gov/workforce/vrb/addie-mcbryde
ARC of Mississippi
Ages: All Ages
Promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Lisa Burck, Associate Director
601.355.0220
Bellevue Specialty Eye Care
Vision Therapy Is An Eye Opening Experience - Our Vision Therapy services come from a place of compassion, understanding, and personal experience. We know and respect what you and your child or loved one may be going through. We understand and we are here to help. All optometrists are trained in vision therapy, however many do not specialize in it. Factors such as other chosen areas of specialization, office space, specific staff requirements, and the expense of the necessary technology and equipment needed to offer excellence in vision therapy, renders it impractical for many practitioners. As such, we are the only optometry clinic that specializes in Pediatric Vision Therapy in the Hattiesburg and Jackson areas.
Dr. Megan Lott
601.475.2020
Blind Rehabilitation Service Veterans Affairs
Ages: Adults
Provides comprehensive case management and rehabilitation to Veterans who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind. Service-Connected condition not required. VIST Coordinators (Case managers) located throughout the state. Gulf Coast Blind Rehabilitation Center provides inpatient services in Biloxi, MS. Additional contacts: Robin Sniffen, VIST Coordinator South MS, 228.385.6762, Robin.Sniffen@va.gov; Melanie Shurden, VIST Coordinator Central MS, 601.364.7937, Melanie.Shurden@va.gov; Keith Tackett, VIST Coordinator Northern MS, 901.523.8990 ext. 5577, Keith.Tackett@va.gov.
Debra Gilley, Chief, Blind Rehab Services, Gulf Coast VA
228.385.6730, 228.385.6762, 601.364.7937, 901.523.8990 ext. 5577
Brain Injury Association of Mississippi
Ages: Adults
The only nonprofit in our state specifically assisting traumatic brain and/or spinal cord injury survivors, both civilian and military, and their families. We provide timely and ongoing help through our referral network, support groups, survivor activities, and events. Additionally, we offer injury prevention education and advocate for laws that would prevent injuries.
Lee Moss, Executive Director
601.981.1021
Bright Steps Therapy
Ages: All
Occupational therapy services for children and adults, including assessment and evaluation of cortical visual impairment, low vision conditions, training in low vision aides, and daily living modifications.
601.746.9242
https://brightstepstherapy.com
DeafBlind Community of Mississippi
Ages: All
A nonprofit organization promoting the social well-being of adults who are deaf, blind, or deaf-blind.
Andre Jarreau
303.520.7004
Disability Connection
Ages: All
Dedicated to the mission of: “Creating a Connected Community to provide social support, ensure healthy futures, eliminate barriers, and foster cooperation and understanding for people with disabilities.” Form: https://disabilityconnection.org/contact-us/
228.604.4020
Disability Rights of Mississippi
Ages: All
Advocates for individuals with disabilities to ensure their inclusion in home, community, education, and employment.
601.968.0600, 1.800.772.4057
Enhabit Home Health
Covered by Medicare.
601.638.6606
2080 S Frontage Road, Suite 103
Vicksburg, MS 39180-5882
Family First Braille
Ages: All
Offers quarterly grants, braille transcription for visually impaired individuals and families.
Brenda Ramsey, Director
228.224.2920
brendaramsey@familyfirstbraille.com
https://familyfirstbraille.com
First Steps Early Intervention Program
Ages: 0-3
A program that matches the needs of infants and toddlers with developmental delays to early intervention services. Form: https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/2056.pdf. Fax: 601.576.7540.
Referral Coordinator
601.576.7427, 800.451.3903
Mississippi State Department of Health, 570 East Woodrow Wilson, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215
https://msdh.ms.gov/page/41,0,74.html
Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center
Ages: Adult
The mission of Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center is to breed, raise, train, and place well-trained dogs to assist visually impaired individuals.
Becky Floyd, Director
601.853.6996
iCanConnect
Ages: 7-Adult
iCanConnect provides free equipment and training for people with both significant hearing and vision loss who meet the program’s disability and income eligibility guidelines. Additional contact: Angelique Landry, General Contact, 617.972.7712, angelique.landry@perkins.org.
Toni Hollingsworth, Local Contact
228.249.9668, 617.972.7712
Independent Living Services for the Blind (through MDRS)
Ages: 18-Adult
Provides adaptive techniques and support for individuals with visual impairments.
Lynda Hall
662.320.6656
https://mdrs.ms.gov/workforce/vrb/independent-living-services
Jackson Central Lion’s Club Low Vision Clinic (Mississippi Assistance Center)
Ages: Birth through Secondary School Age
Services are offered to any child (from birth through secondary school age) who is a legal resident of Mississippi and enrolled in an educational program. Assessment staff members in the MAC include a Doctor of Optometry, specialist in orientation and mobility, and a classroom teacher/school counselor, as needed. MAC provides an educational assessment of student’s residual vision, training in low vision aids, low vision aids loaner program, orientation and mobility services, and more. Additional contact: Myisha Jenkins, Administrative Assistant, myisha.jenkins@msdbk12.org.
Dr. Glen Stribling, Optometrist
601.984.8222
https://msdbk12.org/msb-homepage/outreach-msb/
L.I.F.E. of Mississippi
Ages: Adults
Empowers individuals with disabilities through advocacy and independent living services.
601.969.4009
Mississippi ABLE (through MDRS)
Ages: All
Helps individuals save while maintaining their eligibility for SSI and Medicaid.
888.609.3469
ms.clientservice@savewithable.com
https://savewithable.com/ms/home.html
Mississippi Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MAER)
Ages: Adults
Provides professional connections, educational opportunities, and a yearly conference for vision professionals.
Tyler Griffin, MAER President
Mississippi Blind Persons' Literacy Rights and Education Act
Ages: All
Provides information on state regulations regarding learning materials for individuals with visual impairments.
Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities
Ages: 5-Adult
A statewide nonprofit that expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Pam Dollar, Executive Director
601.969.0601
Mississippi Council of the Blind
Ages: All
Elevates the social, economic, and cultural levels of people who are blind and visually impaired, in cooperation with other programs of private and public agencies and organizations serving the blind and visually impaired. Additional contact: Rene Virden, Treasurer, rene@mscounciloftheblind.org.
Ralph Smitherman, President
601.937.5461
Mississippi Disability Mega Conference
Ages: All
More than ten Mississippi organizations plan and implement an annual conference focusing on the abilities of persons with disabilities. Respite is provided by Joni and Friends.
Pam Dollar, MS Parent Training Information Center
601.969.0601
https://msmegaconference.org/index.html
Mississippi EMERGE Center, located in Long Beach Mississippi
Ages: 16-Adult
Structured Discovery is a unique blindness skills training model that differs substantially from traditional approaches intended to help blind and low vision people to become self-sufficient. Structured Discovery training programs teach non-visual techniques and encourage problem-solving through exponential learning and confidence building activities. From time to time, the staff wear learning shades (blindfolds) to demonstrate their personal belief in the effectiveness of non-visual techniques. Staff walk the talk and function confidently with or without sight. The Training Center uses Structured Discovery teaching strategies across all areas of training, including cane travel, Braille reading and writing, home management, and technology. The consistent use of Structured Discovery principles helps the participants confront and challenge the negative social attitudes about blindness that unnecessarily limit the lives of far too many blind people.
601.853.5210, 800.443.1000
https://mdrs.ms.gov/workforce/vrb
Mississippi Hearing-Vision Project
Ages: Birth to 21 years
Provides support and training for families and educators working with children who have both hearing and vision loss.
Toni Hollingsworth, Project Director
228.249.9668
Mississippi Heroes
Ages: Adults
Nonprofit organization connecting, supporting, and celebrating caregivers through resources and community initiatives.
Katherine Sutton
228.234.4649
Mississippi Industries for the Blind
Ages: Adults
Provides training and employment for visually impaired individuals to foster independence. Fax: 601.987.3892.
1.866.859.4461, 601.984.3200
2501 N. West St., Jackson, MS 39216
Mississippi Instructional Resource Center (MIRC)
Ages: 0-21
Provides textbooks and specialized materials.
Dr. Antonio McGee, Director
601.984.8226
Mississippi Library Commission’s Talking Book Services
Ages: All
The Mississippi Library Commission serves as a free public library service for eligible Mississippi residents who are unable to read standard print due to a visual, physical, or organic reading disability and for institutions which serve these eligible individuals (schools, hospitals, living facilities).
Miranda Loper, Director
601.432.4116, 800.446.0892
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center (MSPTI)
Ages: 0-21
Provides families with information, resources, support, and training to help children with disabilities meet educational goals.
Leslie Junkin, Director
601.969.0601
Mississippi School for the Blind (MSB)
Ages: 0-21
Provides K-12 education focused on the unique learning needs of visually impaired students. Additional contact: Lakesha Doyle, Principal, lakesha.doyle@msdbk12.org, 601-984-8203.
Mr. LaMarlon Wilson, Superintendent
601.984.8203
MS Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)
The largest state agency committed solely to helping people with disabilities achieve independence through employment. Services may include vocational evaluation, counseling and guidance, educational assistance, job training, job placement, and assistive technology.
Dorothy Young, Director
601.853.5210
https://mdrs.ms.gov/VocationalRehabBlind/Pages/default.aspx
National Federation of the Blind of Mississippi (NFB)
Ages: All
Advocates for blind individuals by raising expectations and promoting independence.
https://nfb.org/about-us/state-affiliates/mississippi
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
Ages: All
A national advocacy group providing resources and support for families of blind children. Additional contact: Sara West, President of Mississippi Parents of Blind Children, 662.574.3942, sarawest2009@hotmail.com.
816.787.0140
National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision (NRTC)
Ages: All
Strives to enhance the employment and independence of persons who are blind and visually impaired through research, professional training, and education.
662.325.2001
Never Lose Sight
Ages: Adult
A nonprofit organization designed to provide the blind/visually impaired community of South MS with resources to increase quality of life, expand possibilities, and regain independence and confidence.
Charlotte Searcy
228.769.1706
North Mississippi Medical Center’s Low Vision Rehabilitation Services
Ages: All
Provides services by an occupational therapist with a specialty certification in Low Vision Rehabilitation from the American Occupational Therapy Association. The program helps individuals with vision loss complete daily activities, manage medication, and use assistive technology. Fax: 662.377.3349.
Cheri Harbour, MS, OTR/L, SCLV
662.377.3340
https://nmhs.net/medical-services/eye-care/low-vision-therapy/
North Mississippi Retina Center
Ages: All
Located in Tupelo, this center specializes in the treatment of retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
662.377.3000, 800.843.3375
O&M Vision Rehabilitation Services LLC
Ages: All
Provides Orientation and Mobility training for individuals with visual impairments, as well as support for their families and related service agencies.
Laurie Hancock
601.394.2420
P.O. Box 447, Leakesville, MS 39451
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind (through MDRS)
Ages: 16-Adult
A branch of MDRS that specializes in working with blind and low vision individuals to optimize their opportunities for inclusion into the workforce, community, and home.
Dorothy Young, Director
601.853.5210, 800.443.1000
https://mdrs.ms.gov/workforce/vrb
Open Doors Theatre
Ages: Unlimited
Open Doors Theatre strives to create a space where everyone, regardless of ability or background, can experience the magic of theater. From our diverse casts to our accessible performances, we are committed to ensuring that the arts are for everyone. Inclusivity drives our storytelling, amplifying voices that need to be heard and embracing the richness of human experience. Empowerment is at the heart of our mission, fostering confidence and creativity in all who step onto our stage or support from behind the scenes. Through service, we honor our audience, our community, and each other—making every production a celebration of connection, compassion, and shared humanity. At Open Doors Theatre, the spotlight shines on possibilities, and the curtain never falls on our commitment to making theater a place where everyone belongs.
Mackenzie Charles
McComb, MS
https://www.opendoorstheatre.org
Optimum Occupational Therapy Services, LLC
Ages: 12 and older
Younger age groups may be treated if a specific program is set up and guided by a pediatric vision specialist or similar professional. Optimum Occupational Therapy Services, LLC specializes in low vision rehabilitation for persons with vision impairments that affect the eye(s) such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and vision impairments resulting from strokes or other brain injuries. Fax: 662.247.1489.
Shirley Blanton, Founder and Director
662.455.0030
Radio Reading Service of Mississippi
Ages: All
The Radio Reading Service of Mississippi (RRSM) features on-the-air readings of newspapers, books, and magazines for persons who are unable to read standard print due to visual impairments or other physical disabilities.
601.432.6301
https://mpbonline.org/radio/radio-reading-services
Sea and Sun Camp, Inc. (Lions of Mississippi Activities Corporation)
Ages: 5-16
A summer camp for children ages 5-15 years with visual impairments. Camp occurs one weekend each May at Camp Wilkes, in Biloxi, MS, and offers archery, kayaking, crafts, bicycling, swimming, fishing, and more.
Greg Crapo, Co-Founder
228.760.0239
Sensory (Kids) Impaired Home Intervention Program (SKI*HI)
Ages: 0-3
The MSDB SKI*HI Early Intervention Program offers early intervention, family-centered opportunities free of charge for children ages 0-3 who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, and deafblind. A specialized trained professional provides individualized services in the child's natural environment.
Dr. Tara Brister
601-984-8222
1252 Eastover Drive
Jackson, MS 39211
Southern Low Vision
When a person with low vision contacts Southern Low Vision, Dr. Fields personally calls the patient or their caretaker to discuss their individual situation and advise them what can be done to help. He also discusses the fees involved and potential costs of low vision devices that might help them.
Dr. Roderick Fields
866.771.2040
Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCIVIS)
Ages: 4-12th Gr.
A week-long camp for students in grades 4-12 at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Camp occurs the last week of September.
Dan Oates, Coordinator
304.851.5680
T.K. Martin Center
Ages: All ages
The T.K. Martin Center provides comprehensive, multi-disciplinary evaluations to remove limitations through the application of assistive technology, allowing individuals to participate in educational, vocational and leisure activities to the fullest degree they choose. The comprehensive nature of the services offered ensures that the correct solutions are achieved efficiently and effectively, with needs being met in a one-stop shop. The Center staff provide services and outreach for individuals with disabilities of all ages including assistive technology, art, The T.K. Martin Center provides comprehensive, multi-disciplinary evaluations to remove limitations through the application of assistive technology, allowing individuals to participate in educational, vocational and leisure activities to the fullest degree they choose. The comprehensive nature of the services offered ensures that the correct solutions are achieved efficiently and effectively, with needs being met in a one-stop shop. The Center staff provide services and outreach for individuals with disabilities of all ages including assistive technology, art, early intervention and dyslexia services.
Eric Knox
662-325-1028
326 Hardy Road
P.O. Box 9736
Mississippi State, MS 39762
https://www.tkmartin.msstate.edu
TF Mobility and Low Vision Services, LLC
Ages: 5-Adult
Provides Orientation and Mobility services to people with blindness or low vision.
Terri Ford
601.940.4322
The Retina Institute of Mississippi
Ages: All
Conducts retinal surgeries and office visits to support patients who have damage to their retinas.
601.324.4066
Time Touch Take
Time-Touch-Take, LLC, launching July 1, 2024, specializes in automated medication systems for the elderly and blind. It provides caregivers with assurance that medications are taken on time using IoT-enabled technology with tactile, color-coded bottles.