First steps
toward exploration
OVERVIEW
The CCVI Early Intervention Program (EIP) is designed to help infants and toddlers from their birth until the age of three. The program begins with an Initial Functional Vision Evaluation at CCVI to give a better understanding of each child’s specific needs. This play-based assessment establishes recommendations and influences goals. Based on the observations taken during the evaluation, CCVI collaborates to create an individualized learning approach. This educational plan focuses on maximizing the use of functional vision, minimizing developmental delays, and enhancing the development of all the senses.
Care can be arranged to take place based on the recommendations and comfort of the family. Whether that’s a home, daycare, or another site—CCVI is here to help.
REFERRALS
Children join the Early Intervention Program from many different paths and situations. One of the most common methods of enrollment is through a referral. New parents of a child with vision impairment receive a diagnosis from an ophthalmologist or other medical professional. The family is connected with state officials as part of the Missouri First Steps or the Kansas Infant Toddler Services. Another common method of referral is through the child’s school district. These coordinators refer the family for a functional vision evaluation to understand vision capabilities.
initial Evaluations
Services through infancy
Progress as a Toddler
What is a vision evaluation?
This initial assessment is the pavement beneath the feet of a child’s educational path forward. A formal evaluation typically takes an hour, and it influences curriculum and services for years to come. It allows teachers, parents, and every individual involved the developmental process to collaborate and devise strategies for the most efficient learning plan. Experts at Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired can assess essential functions, such as cognition, communication, motor and vision-related compensatory skills, and provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Early Intervention Program Goals
Support families emotionally and educationally
Work with state officials for the needs of the child.
Assess, monitor, and maximize functional vision.
Anticipate common hurdles facing infants and toddlers.
Connect families through shared experiences.
Teach compensatory strategies for vision loss.
APPROACH
A multidisciplinary approach is used to provide a systematic program of planned learning experiences. The Early Intervention Team is composed of teachers of the visually impaired, certified orientation and mobility specialists, and physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists who collaborate on a regular basis to ensure quality programming. Regular learning sessions are carried out in the natural environments of the child’s home or daycare setting. Initial Functional Vision Evaluations are typically conducted at the Center and the teachers routinely update their functional vision analysis. Support and resources are provided to the parents and caregivers.
Meet the Program Director
Danielle Schulte - Danielle joined the CCVI staff in 2010 as a physical therapist and now oversees the center-based therapy and early intervention teams. She has practiced in various pediatric settings across the country beginning work as a physical therapist in 1998. Danielle earned her post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy and is certified in Neuro-Developmental Treatment for the management of and treatment of children with cerebral palsy and other neuromotor disorders.
“Through Early Intervention at CCVI, Emmett’s visual abilities have improved drastically! He receives all of his therapies at CCVI, including physical, occupational, and speech. CCVI is helping him reach his full potential and I can’t thank them enough for all they have done for us.”
