| Description |
Every minute a child somewhere in the world goes blind (World Health Organization, 2009). In the United States, one out of 20 preschooler aged children will have a vision problem that affects their ability to learn (Prevent Blindness America, 2010). Each child who is blind or visually impaired is unique. It is important to understand the full nature and extent of a child’s vision loss. It is also important to understand how best to support the family as they make decisions about services and assistive technology for their child. This two hour workshop is designed to address the unique needs of children and families entering early intervention with children who are blind or visually impaired. Topics include: overview of diagnoses – types, causes, incidence, testing, common health issues, facts vs. myths, supporting parental reactions to diagnoses, overview of developmental patterns of progress, national and local level resources, and supporting parent professional decision making within early intervention principles.
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