Education Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Children

“The opportunities you have given me have truly opened up my world”
—P., Poland

Welcome to Education Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Children (ESBVIC), a statewide service of Catholic Charities Maine. We provide assessment, instruction, and consultation to blind and visually impaired children birth through 21, their parents, and school personnel. We provide services throughout the state to children who have a visual impairment that has been diagnosed by a licensed qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist at no cost to individuals or local school districts. Most of our funding comes through a contract with Maine’s Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI). We process all applications for educational services for blind and visually impaired children, including Orientation and Mobility (O&M)  services that are commonly provided through DBVI.

ESBVIC employs 17 certified Teachers for the Visually Impaired (TVIs) throughout the state of Maine. We provide direct and/or consultative services to children and their educational teams regarding the impact of visual impairment on the child’s educational program.  The first step upon completion of the attached packet requesting TVI services is a Functional Vision Evaluation and a review of the child’s Learning Media to inform the team of the impact of the visual impairment on learning. Once that evaluation is complete the TVI will present recommendations for the team to consider regarding appropriate accommodations and services needed for the child.

Children with visual impairment often require deliberate teaching of concepts that are learned incidentally by children without a visual impairment.  The TVI can assist the family and educational team by providing teaching strategies.  The TVI can also assist in providing information concerning the impact of vision on development for those children in early intervention programs.

TVI services are driven by the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). The ECC is the body of knowledge and skills that are needed by students with visual impairments due to their unique disability-specific needs. Students with visual impairments need the expanded core curriculum in addition to the core academic curriculum of general education. The ECC should be used as a framework for assessing students, planning individual goals and providing instruction. http://www.afb.org/info/programs-and-services/professional-development/education/expanded-core-curriculum/the-expanded-core-curriculum/12345

• compensatory or functional academic skills, including communication modes
• orientation and mobility (provided through DBVI)
• social interaction skills
• independent living skills
• recreation and leisure skills
• career education
• use of assistive technology
• sensory efficiency skills
• self-determination

Orientation and Mobility training (O & M) helps a blind or visually impaired individual know where they are in space and where they want to go (orientation). It also helps the individual to be able to carry out a plan to get there (mobility). Orientation and mobility skills begin to develop in infancy starting with basic body awareness and movement, and continuing on into adulthood as the individual learns skills that allow them to navigate their world efficiently, effectively, and safely.

Applications should come through the IEP, IFSP, or 504 process.  If the application requests O&M services, that referral will be made once the completed packet is received.  Please note on the application any observations/concerns you have related to your child’s vision.  Please complete and return ALL of the following documents to ensure your application process moves as quickly as possible:

• Completed and signed application packet (PDF) including the Release of information forms
• A recent medical eye report from either an optometrist or ophthalmologist if you have it
  Please note: We must receive the medical eye information prior to any student visit. If you do not have an eye report, ESBVIC will request the report as long as we have the release. Please make sure all releases are signed and submitted with application.
• Please review our Privacy Practices page

Applications may be faxed to: (207) 282-1694 or mailed to:

Nancy Moulton ESBVIC Program Director,  229 Pool Street, Biddeford, ME 04005

Listen to a presentation here that might be helpful as you explore what Catholic Charities Maine offers for services to children with visual impairment.

Watch this video or click here to learn more about a career working with children with a visual impairment.