The Tri-Regional Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program provides family support services and early childhood vision consultation to families. Consultation can also be offered to childcare providers and other professionals who may be a part of the child’s developmental team.

This service is provided in the child’s daily settings, including in the family’s home and community, and in early learning or childcare settings.

Early Intervention Services – Vision Consultation

Consultation is provided by Early Childhood Vision Consultants (ECVC) from Surrey Place who are trained and knowledgeable in child development and visual impairment.

An ECVC supports families with identifying opportunities within their daily routines that address their individual priorities for their child’s learning and development. ECVCs work closely with families and know that parents are their child’s best resource and teacher.

In partnership with families and with input from professional team members, an ECVC conducts ongoing functional vision and sensory assessments. This guides appropriate adaptations to daily routines, materials, and the child’s environments, ensuring accessibility across the child’s day. Through this process, each child’s sensory strengths are identified, to foster the use of all their senses during their natural daily experiences.

Consultation can include:

  • appointments in the family’s home and community.
  • consultation to childcare providers.
  • attending ophthalmology appointments with the family.
  • supporting families with understanding their child’s visual diagnosis.
  • written reports and family service plans.

Family Support

The program provides the service of a Family Support Worker (FSW). An FSW is a Social Worker who promotes wellbeing by supporting families to build their capacity.

Support from an FSW may include:

  • counselling to support families in coping with the impact of vision loss.
  • connecting families with resources.
  • assistance identifying funding.
  • advocacy around the needs of the family and child.
  • networking with other families who have children with visual impairments.
  • transition planning to school or childcare.