CBVI provides educational services from birth through high school years to eligible children and their families. These services are designed to allow students who are visually impaired to participate equally with other students in regular classroom activities.
Once a child is found eligible for services CBVI works closely not only with the child but also with family members and local school personnel. Teachers of the blind or partially sighted provide educational instruction to the following students:
Early Intervention Services (birth to age 3)
CBVI staff will assess a child’s vision and, if eligible, offer specialized instruction tailored to his or her needs in the home. CBVI staff also works closely with family members and early intervention providers and health care providers to assist the child in making a smooth transition to preschool at age three.
School Age Services (ages 3 to 21)
CBVI contracts with local school districts to provide comprehensive services to children in school. These services include assessment and evaluation of a child’s visual abilities, and when applicable, instruction in Braille and related skills.
Instructors provide information and training to family members, teachers, child study teams, and other school personnel. CBVI also will loan local school districts appropriate adaptive equipment and make aides and special educational materials available.
Deaf-Blind Services (birth through 21)
Deaf-Blind Services (birth through 21)
CBVI offers special services to help meet the special needs of children who have difficulty with both vision and hearing. These include assessing the level of the child’s impairment, consulting with family members, teaching staff, and loaning the district special adaptive equipment and materials.
Other special services...
These special services are also available to all students when appropriate:
• Training in how to travel independently
• Social Casework Services
• Eye Health Nursing Services
• Vocation Rehabilitation / Transition Services
• Summer Recreational Program
For more information on the educational services provided by the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, contact Amelia Ricciardi, Coordinator of Educational Services at 973-648-6292.
