Where a child fits
Overview
The mission of Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired is simple. However, when a parent comes to CCVI, it can be difficult to understand exactly where they fit in and how their child can get started. Luckily, professionals with decades of experience are available to chat, help, and bring the cavalry to provide services for every child.
Get the Big Picture!
Download our infographic to understand exactly where each child fits on the CCVI path! While there’s no ‘one size fits all’ and anyone can join at any time, it still helps to have a typical roadmap. Download here!
How children find CCVI
CCVI collaborates with families, local school districts, state officials, and medical professionals so that children diagnosed with visual impairments can receive the custom and specialized services required to educate an individual with that disability. For many parents, the first step in their journey starts here.
mission
“To prepare children with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities, to reach their highest potential in the sighted world.”
What comes next?
If an introductory call with CCVI, providers may determine that the child needs a Functional Vision Evaluation. CCVI is able to provide this assessment. This evaluation can help identify the needs of the child through the analysis of their vision capabilities. This evaluation can be followed up with a Learning Media Assessment. These first steps are used to provide a foundation going forward that future teachers, whether through CCVI or at their home school districts, will use as a resource. School Districts can also contact CCVI to conduct this evaluation.
Our Alumni
“CCVI has alumni who have gone on to become musicians, lawyers, gold-medal olympians, top business executives, valued family members, and friends.”
From Birth to Three Years Old
CCVI offers the Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers that provides services directly out of the child’s home or daycare. This accessible program focuses on maximizing the child’s functional vision and teaches compensatory strategies. While monitoring the overall development of the child, CCVI Teachers of the Visually Impaired and therapists anticipate common hurdles that the child might encounter. CCVI also acts as a link for families to understand the specific needs of their child.
CCVI By the numbers
supporting 46 counties in mo & ks
65,419 miles driven by staff to reach kids this year
serving 300+ children annually
Two Years Old to Eight Years Old
At the Children’s Center Campus, the CCVI Early Learning Academy provides children from two years old to eight years old the opportunity to learn from Teachers of the Visually Impaired. Half day or full day schedules are available where students can have therapy and specialized services integrated into their attendance as per the expanded core curriculum and Individualized Educational Plans.
testimonial
“It is really impossible to describe how much it has meant to our family. The teachers, therapists and staff are so dedicated, so talented, so cheerful and Grace has thrived under their care.”
Therapy and Specialized Visual Impairment Services
By enrolling in a CCVI program, children with visual impairments have access to specialized services that provide vision-based compensatory methods or body strength and conditioning. CCVI offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, orientation and mobility, and aquatic therapy. Assistive technology is also integrated in all programs at CCVI. Therapies are only provided based on the recommendations of a child's educational plan. This care is detailed in an IEP or IFSP. Privately paying families can incorporate therapeutic instruction into the child's goal plan.
