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
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
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.
Debra Gilley, Chief, Blind Rehab Services, Gulf Coast VA
228.385.6730
Robin Sniffen, VIST Coordinator South MS
228.385.6762
Melanie Shurden, VIST Coordinator Central MS
601.364.7937
Keith Tackett, VIST Coordinator Northern MS
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.
Kristian Wilson
601.746.5101
Kwilson@Brightstepstherapyllc.com
Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) Training Center (through MDRS, opens January 2024)
Ages: 16-Adult
A new Structured Discovery training center for the blind through MDRS, opening January 2024 in Long Beach, MS.
601.853.5210
800.443.1000
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.”
228.604.4020
Form: disabilityconnection.org/contact-us/
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
Ages:
2080 S Frontage Road, Suite 103
Vicksburg, MS 39180-5882
601.638.6606
Covered by Medicare
Family First Braille
Ages: All
Offers quarterly grants, braille transcription, and a quarterly magazine for visually impaired individuals and families.
Brenda Ramsey, Director
228.224.2920
brendaramsey@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.
Referral Coordinator
601.576.7427
800.451.3903
Form: Download PDF
Mississippi State Department of Health, 570 East Woodrow Wilson, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215
Fax: 601.576.7540
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.
Toni Hollingsworth, Local Contact
Angelique Landry, General 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
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.
Dr. Glen Stribling, Optometrist
Myisha Jenkins, Administrative Assistant
601.984.8222
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
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.
Jane Harty, 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 Blind Literacy Rights Law
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.
Ralph Smitherman, President
Rene Virden, Treasurer
601.937.5461
MS Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)
Ages:
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
mdrs.ms.gov/VocationalRehabBlind/Pages/default.aspx
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
msmegaconference.org/index.html
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.
2501 N. West St., Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: 1.866.859.4461 | Local: 601.984.3200
Fax: 601.987.3892
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).
Mary Rodgers Beal, Director
601.432.4151
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.
Dr. Jeremy Stinson, Superintendent
601-984-8203
National Federation of the Blind of Mississippi (NFB)
Ages: All
Advocates for blind individuals by raising expectations and promoting independence.
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.
816.787.0140
Sara West, President of Mississippi Parents of Blind Children
662.574.3942
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:
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.
Provider: Cheri Harbour, MS, OTR/L, SCLV
662.377.3340
Fax: 662.377.3349
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
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.
Shirley Blanton, Founder and Director
Phone: 662.455.0030
Fax: 662.247.1489
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
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: 0-5
Provides early intervention services on a statewide basis to families of blind/visually impaired or Deaf-Blind children ages birth to 3 years. Services are usually provided in the home during weekly home visits by a staff of parent advisors trained in early intervention models.
Kaye Carr, Director
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 (mobile)
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
Ages:
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.