The Blind Childrens Learning Center Of Orange County
PROGRAMS
Early Intervention: Ages 0-3
The members of the Beyond Blindness team are experts in early intervention and are leading the charge to change the lives of children with visual impairments and other disabilities throughout Orange County and beyond. Early Intervention through the following services helps children overcome obstacles and delays caused by a visual impairment. At-Home Services During weekly home visits from Infant Development Specialists, families are provided with parent education and support for children with visual impairments and other disabilities that address developmental delays and help promote growth and learning. Infant/Toddler Classrooms Children with visual impairments and other disabilities need specialized support in learning settings. Our classrooms focus on healthy development and school readiness. They provide a highly inclusive environment and specialized training in sensory development, utilization of low vision, and adaptive skills. Therapy Services Depending on a child’s needs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are available to help optimize a child’s development for a more independent future.
In the past year, Beyond Blindness served 341 children annually with 91% of children making measurable developmental progress.
Education and Enrichment: Ages 3-22
Beyond Blindness supports students and families through one-on-one services and community events including: Learning with a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) Our highly experienced Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) work closely with students, both in the family’s home and at the child’s school to provide instruction in Braille or low vision modalities and adaptive technology training. TVIs ensure that lesson plans are appropriately adapted to meet the individual needs of each student. Orientation & Mobility (O&M) O&M Specialists teach a student how to navigate their immediate surroundings and travel more independently through white cane mobility training and assistive technology. This results in increased confidence and independence in school, at home, and in the community. Enrichment Opportunities Beyond Blindness provides enrichment and multi-sensory learning opportunities at our facilities and throughout the community. These include monthly Parent & Me gatherings and a two-week-long summer day camp with STEM activities, adaptive sports, and unforgettable field trips.
Goals of the Education and Enrichment program include improving daily living skills and increasing participation in school and the community. In the past year, we launched Social Society, a free weekly group for youth ages 10-18 with visual impairments and their friends. At each group meeting, youth receive mentorship in transitioning to adulthood, increasing social connectedness, developing independent living skills, building leadership skills, and participating in community-based learning opportunities through excursions.
Family Support
Our Family Support services offer inclusive family events and training opportunities to the entire family, including parents, grandparents and siblings. Our goal is to help build community so that families can thrive. Journey of Care Families can access the comprehensive “Journey of Care” at any stage of their child's development. Beyond Blindness provides access to a licensed social worker and conducts regular wellness checks to identify emerging needs. Parent Education & Training Beyond Blindness provides tools and resources for parents, grandparents, and siblings so that the whole family is better equipped to support a child with visual impairments. Counseling Beyond Blindness recognizes the many emotional challenges individuals with visual impairments and their families face. Counseling services enhance coping skills and help families build confidence and resilience.
93% of parents responding to a recent survey reported increased confidence in including their child in outside social experiences. 87% of parents reported that participating in Beyond Blindness family events supported their child in gaining self-sufficiency skills.
CONTACT
The Blind Childrens Learning Center Of Orange County
18542-B Vanderlip Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705
angie.rowe@beyondblindness.org
Phone: 714-573-8888