A SHARED VISION PARTNERS IN PEDIATRIC BLINDNESS AND VISUAL IMP

A Shared Vision's team of licensed Early Intervention Teachers of the Visually Impaired (EI-TVIs) works closely with families - in their homes and community settings - to nurture the strengths of each child and build skills for lifelong success. Our teachers provide educational services that are family focused, strengths based and developmentally appropriate. We are the leading provider of early intervention vision services in the state. In 2024, A Shared Vision supported 211 children and provided 1,890 education service visits, both in-person and via telehealth, in 2023. Through contracts with 17 of Colorado's 20 Community Centered Boards, we support 60 counties representing 83% of the state's population, both urban and rural. In some of these areas, we are the only provider of vision services especially in rural communities. Years of research have proven that the home and familiar community settings are optimal for the development of children birth to age three. We recognize that caregivers are the critical "first teachers" in these settings. Our programs address the unique challenges and educational needs of caregivers whose children are blind or visually impaired. We educate and empower caregivers with specific strategies so that they may help their children reach developmental milestones. The intended outcome is to ensure that children with blindness or visual impairments are prepared for kindergarten and on a trajectory towards their lifelong success. A Shared Vision's team of 11 licensed and caring Early Intervention Teachers of the Visually Impaired addresses the full spectrum of vision needs, including home-based and natural environment visits, specialty co-visits, hospital visits and consultation services for in-patient children, and support during ophthalmology appointments. They conduct and support Family Assessments, Functional Vision Assessments (FVAs), development of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) and transition support from IDEA Part C to Part B. To build a community of highly skilled, collaborative professionals, A Shared Vision also provides transdisciplinary team meetings, professional development trainings and presentations on pediatric blindness and visual impairment, and internship opportunities for students in pursuit of relevant degrees.