Help for Children
We offer a coordinated program of educational intervention and prescribed therapies that promote development of infants and toddlers who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities. Our focus is to address the unique needs of your child during these critical years of early development.
Our Children’s Services’ staff works with children and their families to help each child develop toward his or her fullest potential. We believe that children who are blind or visually impaired must learn the same things as sighted children but in different ways.
Our programs are designed to achieve the following:
- Promote appropriate growth in all areas of your child’s development
- Enable your child to become as independent as possible
- Help your family have a full understanding of your child’s vision loss and how it affects their development
Programming for Infants and Toddlers
Infants and toddlers receive individualized attention as staff and volunteers engage in many one to one, face to face interactions. The environment is rich with a wide variety of safe toys and objects that stimulate the child’s sensory development with sound and textures.
Vision teachers and therapists specializing in occupational, physical, and speech therapy will work one on one with your child, as well as in small groups. Our services are provided based on your child's individual needs and address the skills that all children must learn for school success, as well as the adaptive skills used by those who are blind or visually impaired. Services are offered at our facility, at home or in a child care setting.
Programming for preschoolers
Beginning at age three, children who are blind or visually impaired may participate in our Preschool Program. This program is designed to prepare your child for their next school experience. Interactions and activities are designed to develop their self esteem and positive feelings toward learning. Teachers prepare the environment for children to learn through active exploration and interaction with staff and volunteers, other children and classroom materials.
Services offered include special education services, vision and sensory training and orientation and mobility training. Therapies provided include speech/language, occupational and physical therapy. Family support and education continues to be a vital component. Children who are blind or visually impaired may continue in this program up to the age of six.
Family Support
Family support is vital to the success of your child, and our staff will work closely with your family to offer education and practical tips so you can build upon the strengths of your child. Family meetings, a mentor program and informational seminars also provide valuable ongoing support.
Vision Consultation
Through our Vision Consultation program, we meet with family members and caregivers to help them better understand their child’s visual impairment. Because so much of early childhood development is visual, we teach loved ones creative ways to help their child maximize their vision and use other senses to explore their world.
Additional Resources
To learn more about the help we have available for your child, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Children’s Services Director at 414-615-0161.