Meeting the Needs of the Child and

FamiliesBy Aleena Persaud

About the Family and their Needs • Jose– Age 4 – Has been diagnosed with low

vision – An only child– New to the preschool room

• Jose’s father – Was transferred at work

• Jose’s Mother – Also a working mom

• The Family as a Whole – Moved to Toronto from

Winnipeg – Two-parent family, one child – Asked about services in the

Toronto area

About Low

Vision

• Is a impairment in vision that cannot be treated fully with the use of glasses, contact lenses, medication or eye surgery (American Foundation)

• Possible Causes of Low Vision – Cataracts, which causes vision to blurry and

hazy – Partially obscured central vision due to

macular degeneration – Poor peripheral vision, also sign of glaucoma – Can be a birth defect or caused by an injury (American Foundation)

• The Impact of Low Vision –May see problems when learning concepts– From an early age, may require special

instructions – In regards to socializing with others, may

require additional support– Adults and seniors are more commonly

effected than children (American Foundation)

(2013). In American Foundation for the Blind. Retrieved February 15, 2014, from http://www.afb.org/info/programs-and-services/professional-development/teachers/what-you-need-to-know-about-low-vision/1235

About Low Vision

continued…

• Enhancement of learning and development are very dependent on the use of the remaining or residual vision, as well as the senses of touch and hearing, risk of difficulties in all developmental areas are increased and include:– Language and communication skills– Motor skills, fine and gross – Understanding and thought process – Social skills – Emotional development – Self-help (Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth

Services)

(2010). In Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services . Retrieved February 15, 2014, from http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/earlychildhood/blindnesslowvision/brochure.aspx

Signs and Symptoms

of Low Vision

• Swollen or encrusted eyelids

• Drooping eyelids

• By 3 months:– Does not make eye contact – Does not watch or follow an object

• Eye movements lack coordination

• Excessive blinking or squinting

• Excessive rubbing or touching of eyes

• Sensitivity or avoidance of bright lights

(Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services)

(2010). In Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services . Retrieved February 15, 2014, from http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/earlychildhood/blindnesslowvision/brochure.aspx

Some Tips Regarding Children’s

Vision

• Children’s eyes should be checked when they are–3 months old–3 years old –Then every year or as recommended

by optometrist

• Eye exams do not require the child to speak or read.

• Eye exams are covered by OHIP for children under the age of 19 years old. –One every 12 months for each child

• Many signs and symptoms are not always seen which is why eye exams and encouraged.

(Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services)

(2010). In Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services . Retrieved February 15, 2014, from http://www.tpsls.on.ca/blv/services.htm

Adaptions

To Support Jose

• Add a variety textures to environment (i.e. floors, walls) as well as materials (i.e. toys, puzzles)

• More sensory boxes

• Enlarge text and pictures around the environment as well as books

• Provide text in Braille options

• Use a auditory cue to signal transitions

• Assign spots at circle time, having Jose sitting closer for better view

• Give verbal directions to help Jose, as well as larger visual directions for other children

To Support Jose’s Family • Provide agencies to support Jose and family

• Offer places to visit in the city that they may enjoy as a family as well as help them learn their new home – Include TTC map or driving directions, times of operation,

prices, etc.

• Inform about the adaptions made to child care centre and suggestion making those adaptions–Also ask family if they have any suggestions they have

made at home –Discuss which adaptions are working effectively and which

ones are not

Agencies to Support Jose and his family

Toronto Preschool

Speech and Language Services

• Offers services for children who have speech and language, hearing, and blind – low vision impairments

• Anyone can be referred

• Services available to those who live in Toronto and have diagnosed with being low vision or blind

• TPSLS offers the following services – Family Support Services

– Early Intervention Services

– Child Care Consultation

– Public Awareness and Professional/Parent Education

Visit website for more information.

http://www.tpsls.on.ca/blv/services.htm

Located at:225 Duncan Mill Road Suite 201Toronto, ON M3B 3K9

Intake # 416-338-8255

CNIB

• Offers a variety of services, including–Rehabilitation and Support Services –CNIB Library –Provides Helpful Product and Assistive

Technologies – Independent Living Services –Career and Employment Services –Child and Family Services

• Services can be requested online or referrals can be made by family doctor

• Services are available free of cost to clients

For more information, please visit the website.

www.cnib.ca

Located at1929 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON M4G 3E8

Contact # 416-486-2500

Self-Reflection