Florida Division of Blind Services Director

The Division of Blind Services is Florida's state agency responsible for ensuring that people of all ages in the state who are blind or visually impaired can live independently and achieve their goals. Also, its Bureau of Braille and Talking Books Library administers a free library program of Braille and recorded materials for eligible readers.

Joyce Hildreth -- Division Director

Appointed as director of Blind Services in 2008, Mrs. Joyce Hildreth is an esteemed professional who has worked ten years as a state employee and more than ten years in vision rehabilitation. She oversees the operations of the Division serving over 11,000 clients, the Bureau of Business Enterprises with 145 food service facilities generating $18.6 million in taxable revenue, and the Braille and Talking Books Library with over 30,000 active readers. 

She serves on the Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, the American Foundation for the Blind Program Committee, and the Florida Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired.  She earned a master’s degree in visual disabilities from Florida State University and is nationally certified as a Rehabilitation Therapist by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals. 

As Director, Hildreth demonstrates her commitment to ensure the provision of quality services to adults and children who are blind or have another severe visual impairment.