ABOUT PROJECT INSIGHT
Click here for a PROJECT INSIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT
WHAT IS PROJECT INSIGHT?
Designed to promote independence for the visually impaired, Project Insight is an 800 number designed as an outreach of the
Florida Council of the Blind.
A long-held dream of many who work and live in the blind community was that there would someday be easy access to information
about services, locations of peer support groups, and other assistance for people who are blind and visually-impaired. It seemed
impossible to obtain information about what was out there and where to find it. It was obvious that one of the most difficult challenges
about losing one's sight was the feeling of isolation and the lack of basic knowledge about where to find assistance; indeed, knowledge
that assistance was available at all.
What was needed was a comprehensive list and a viable way to distribute it. In addition, however, was the need for people experiencing
sight loss to communicate with others who had faced and successfully dealt with the challenge.
In the early 1990's, a group of members of The Florida Council of The Blind decided to "do something" and began assembling a list
of all kinds of services and opportunities available to people who are blind and visually-impaired.
Our motto, "You have lost your sight, not your vision," exemplifies our basic belief that everyone with vision problems can live an active
and productive life if they can acquire the tools they need to do this.
Committees were formed and the name Project Insight was chosen. FCB members from around the state volunteered as "peer
counselors," ready to be trained and eager to participate. An office was selected in Tallahassee and a special person was employed.
Equipment was purchased and telephone lines were installed. The telephone number 1-800-26-SIGHT (1-800-267-4448) was
chosen.
The first training session was held in September 1994 in Orlando with 11 FCB blind or visually-impaired volunteers from throughout the
state. FCB members and others with expertise in appropriate fields volunteered as trainers in reflective listening skills, telephone
techniques, empathy, responsiveness, and public relations. A program was set up to enable the volunteers to serve the callers. In
addition to being available to callers, volunteers are asked to help publicize the toll-free number through distributing brochures, writing
letters and articles, and "getting that number out" to the public.
As we have achieved wider circulation of the help line number, our calls are increasing. Have we really helped these callers? The
answer to that question is reflected in the final verse of a poem written by one of the people whom we were privileged to serve. It is only
one of hundreds of positive responses we have received.
"I learned invaluable information about my plight.
That helped through the transition of losing my sight.
Project Insight became to me, The lifeline I needed to set me free."
Peer counselors, who are sight-impaired volunteers throughout the state, are trained to help an individual deal with the ramifications of
vision loss. Information and encouragement will be offered to promote a more positive attitude toward loss of sight.
We believe everyone with an eyesight problem can live an active and productive life. Project Insight exists to make this philosophy
achievable.
REMEMBER, 1-800-26-SIGHT
1-800-267-4448
A PROJECT INSIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT
Training tapes and manuals are available in all accessible formats via the Project Coordinator.
Project Insight brochures are available for the asking, just call the 800 number and help promote this wonderful outreach program!
1-800-26-SIGHT
1-800-267-4448
Project Insight Main Page
Back to the FCB Home Page