How do I get a Lightbox? How do I get a Vision Therapist or TVI for my child?

If your baby or toddler is blind or visually impaired they should be getting Early Intervention services. Early Intervention is a program for children with developmental delays, ages birth to three, that provides in home therapy.  We knew Thomas was blind at birth so our pediatrician got the ball rolling to get Thomas signed up for Early Intervention. He had his evaluation when he was only a month old and we started in home therapy with a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) soon after.

If you believe your child is lagging behind in any way you can request to be evaluated by your local Early Intervention provider. This program is not just for children who have severe health problems! Talk to your pediatrician and ask for a referral to your local Early Intervention provider. If you are in Allegheny County and want to access Early Intervention services, please contact The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers at (412) 885-6000.

It starts with an in-home evaluation which will determine whether your child qualifies for Early Intervention services. Thomas started out with only services from a TVI but later added physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition and speech therapy.

Tom using his lightbox.

Tom's first TVI told us that, as a blind child, Thomas is eligible for federal quota funds and could receive free books and educational tools created specifically for blind children. Click here to read more about the Federal Quota.  She signed Thomas up and ordered Thomas a lightbox from the APH and the Level 1 materials kit. Tom also got the On the Way to Literacy: Book Set 1  and Book Set 2, which feature books with large print and Braille, with tactile illustrations.

One thing I suggest you request is APH's Word Associations Print-Braille Labels.

From the website

Introduce children to the world of reading by using these large print-braille stickers! Consists of 12 sheets of self-adhesive labels containing common words. For example, the large print-braille label chair can be placed on a chair to associate the word with the object. Includes 91 labels and a manual in either large print or braille.

Here we were using the window as a light box. See the braille label for window in the upper right?

If your child finds Braille everywhere they begin to understand that it has meaning and purpose. Sighted children find print words EVERYWHERE! You can give that opportunity to your blind child by putting labels around your home. I have them everywhere and most sighted people never notice. But Tom finds them! Be sure to put the labels at child height. And the guide that comes with the labels contains tons of ideas and information.

So get your TVI on the phone and start asking about getting your child signed up for the Federal Quota funds so you can access great educational tools for your child!

*Note - I updated the links page with Braille book resources.