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DPH Updates

Learn about the Perkins Infant Toddler Program and the specialty services offered for children with vision impairments. Early referral is crucial for developing strategies and skills. Find contact information for referrals and questions.

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DPH Updates

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  1. Homeless/Shelter Survey • Program Director Session • November 30, 2016 • Sturbridge Host • Program Directors, Supervisors and Team Leaders DPH Updates

  2. Specialty Services for Children with Vision Loss:Perkins Infant Toddler Program

  3. Vision Impairments inInfants and Toddlers • Vision impairment can have significant impact on infant and toddler development • Early referral is critical to help children and families learn strategies and develop skills

  4. Diagnosed Conditions List:Vision • Blindness, in ONE or BOTH eyes • Cortical Blindness • Cortical Vision Impairment (CVI) • Optic Nerve Atrophy (ONH) • Low Vision (20/70 or less), in ONE* or BOTH eyes • Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)*

  5. Diagnosed Conditions List:Associated Conditions • Central Nervous System Disorders (including but not limited to: Cerebral Palsy, Hemiplegia, Intraventricular Hemorrhage, Leukodystrophy) • Chromosomal Disorders (including Down Syndrome) • CHARGE Syndrome • Traumatic Head Injury • Other syndromes, metabolic, and mitochondrial disorders

  6. A Special Note AboutCVI • Cortical Vision Impairment (CVI) is one of the leading causes of vision impairment • CVI is strongly associated with conditions such as: • Neurological issues (IVH, PVL, CP, HIE, other brain diseases) • Prematurity • Certain genetic, metabolic, and mitochondrial conditions

  7. Diagnosis of visual impairment from an eye care professional. May also come from neurologist in cases of CVI • Concerns about the way a child is using vision: • Difficulty visually tracking • Difficulty viewing people or objects • Difficulty with bright lights (squinting, covering eyes) • Nystagmus (random eye movements) • Mobility concerns (tripping, falling) that are not accounted for by gross motor delays “Red Flags”for Referral

  8. Referral Process • Early Intervention staff contact Cristina Valente or Ruth Silverstein with questions or referral regarding concerns of a child’s functional use of their vision, vision loss, and how it is impacting their development. • Children have been or will be scheduled to be seen by a pediatric ophthalmologist. • Referral information must include: DPH#, name, address, phone number of child and parent. (see infant/toddler referral form for additional information) • Early Intervention will fax or send a copy of the child’s IFSP. Fax # 617-972-7586.

  9. Referral Process (Cont’d) • Cristina or Ruth will contact the family to introduce our service, and if warranted will set up a home visit to help identify concerns about the child from both the family and EI providers. • Release forms are sent to the family and an eye report is obtained. • A Vision Specialist will be assigned

  10. Next Steps • A Functional Vision Assessment will occur, and services may be recommended. The services are individualized, and can be home or community based, consultative, and/or parent groups. • The Service Coordinator, Vision Specialist and parent will collaborate and add vision related goals, outcomes, strategies, and frequency of services to the child’s IFSP when indicated.

  11. Perkins Specialty Services • Weekly parent/child groups on campus • Short term group for infant and parent • Short term regional parent/child groups • Assistive Device Center (“Molly’s Workshop”) • “Let’s Move” consultations • Access to Perkins Toy Library • Connection to other families of children with visual impairments, information about conferences, workshops, and trainings

  12. Questions? • Families are welcome to call Perkins directly. • Early Intervention providers are welcome to call with any questions. • Consultation and training can be provided to Early Intervention Programs and Day Care Providers caring for children with vision impairment or deafblindness

  13. Social Workers • Cristina Valente 617-972-7444 • Cristina.Valente@Perkins.org • Ruth Silverstein 617-972-7332 • Ruth.Silverstein@Perkins.org • Infant Toddler Coordinator • Brenda Allair 617-972-7434 • Brenda.Allair@Perkins.org • Director, Community Programs • Teri Turgeon 617-972-7331 • Teri.Turgeon@Perkins.org Contact Information

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