EARLY INTERVENTION
VISION HELPS US MAKE SENSE OF THE WORLD AROUND US
It is a well known fact that up to 90% of what a child learns
in the first three years of life is through visual observation.
This means that infants from birth to 3 years of age with vision
impairments, and possible multiple disabilities, need the unique
expertise of certified teachers of blind and partially sighted
children with additional special skills in the area of early intervention.
OUR MULTI-CULTURAL TEAM
of special educators teach infants and toddlers in their
own homes how to compensate for any reduced, or in some instances,
total lack of vision. They also help prepare each child for a
successful transition to a wide range of pre-school options.
THE PROCESS
First, a comprehensive functional vision and developmental assessment
helps define the child’s unique needs. Second, an Individualized
Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed that addresses the specific
needs of both child and family.
LEARNING IN THE HOME and the community environment
is the key component of our Early Intervention Program.
Here the child feels familiarity and security. Parents and other
family members can learn alongside our special educators how to
best help their children maximize their abilities, and actively
participate in their learning.
FAMILY MEMBERS
play the lead role in directing their child’s education—with
guidance, resource information, educational expertise, and support
provided by our teachers, and, when necessary, the school’s
social workers, and physical, occupational and speech therapists.
Together, parents and the St. Joseph’s team implement the
child’s individual plan. Parents also have opportunities
to meet and discuss experiences with other parents.
THROUGH PLAY, CHILDREN LEARN:
- Effective communication
- Awareness of body image and movement
- Use of all senses—including any remaining vision
- Concept development
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Orientation and mobility
SIGHTED CHILDREN LEARN THESE SKILLS
‘NATURALLY’by visually observing and
mimicking the behavior of others. Infants and toddlers with vision
impairments and other multiple disabilities need the expertise
of special educators to make sure they do not fall behind their
sighted peers. That is why it is so very important to start early
intervention services as young as possible—ideally soon
after birth.
At St. Joseph’s, families realize that they are never alone
in helping their children to
“LEARN TO BE ALL THEY CAN
BE!”
|
