Blind Childrens Center

4120 Marathon Street, Los Angeles, California 90029 (323)664-2153

A family-centered agency serving children with visual impairments

IN THIS REPORT...

Triana’s story Independence and so much more

THE FEEL, TOUCH, AND SOUND OF INDEPENDENCE

“Independence!” Bernice Islas said enthusiastically responding to a question asking her what she felt was the most important skill her daughter, Triana, achieved while a student at the Blind Childrens Center. “The independence to move on her own, to feed herself, and to express herself. I never thought it would happen, but it has because of the Blind Childrens Center.”

Despite a complicated diagnosis of bilateral sclereocornea, cataracts, glaucoma, and hypoplasia, Triana, now 5, has achieved independence and so much more. A recent graduate of the Center, she was enrolled in the Infant Program when she was only 2 years old. Triana’s first year at the Center was a difficult one as she tried to adapt to a new school and a new baby brother at home. Additionally, she was faced early in life with countless procedures and surgeries because of her blindness.

Although she had a difficult beginning at the Center, it wasn’t long before Triana began to show signs of independence. When she was enrolled, Triana had very limited communications skills which prevented her from expressing her needs. Fortunately, the Center’s early intervention programs helped Triana in the early stages of her development to overcome this obstacle and she soon began to use one-word utterances to make requests.

Triana eventually advanced to using two- to three-word phrases to communicate her needs. Despite having a second corneal transplant and needing drops in her eyes each day, Triana showed progression in many areas, including using a spoon to feed herself. Much to her teacher’s joy, little Triana’s social skills also began to improve. In the past, her interaction revolved mainly around adults, however, she started to show more awareness and interest in her classmates.

Triana’s development was by far the most exciting this past year. Her ability to independently accomplish tasks soared beyond everyone’s expectations. She became curious about her environment and used her cane to effectively navigate throughout the school. She even verbalized her favorite places to walk to within the Center. When it was time for lunch, Triana needed no help finding her own lunch tray, bringing it to the table and feeding herself. As most children do, she had preferences in food and was now speaking in complete sentences to express her likes and dislikes. Most importantly, Triana learned to respond to clear expectations set by the teacher in behavior and learning tasks.

Teacher of the Visually Impaired Rosalinda Mendiola has many fond memories of working with Triana. Rosalinda recalls how in the beginning, Triana would sit in the classroom with her fists tightly clenched refusing to explore her environment. Triana now jumps at the chance to use her hands to feel and explore and enjoys touching a variety of textures. Rosalinda also remembers how Triana would just sit in her chair hoping to be left alone. Now, this little girl wants to be where the action is and uses all of her senses to help her get there. “Now that I see the progress she has made, I smile and think to myself, ‘she has been listening all along,’” Rosalinda said.

While Triana has overcome many hurdles in her young life, there are many challenges to come being a blind person in a sighted world. Fortunately, Triana not only has a loving and supportive family but also has a strong foundation to build on for her future. Her family accepts her limitations, but knows she will continue to move forward as she has done for the last three years at the Center.

The Blind Childrens Center wishes all the best for Triana and her family. Just as we see the fruit of the Center’s hard work blossom, it is time to say goodbye and send Triana on her way. A bright and happy child, Triana is ready to advance to the next level of her education and take on the challenges that await her at her new school. The wonderful staff at Frances Blend Elementary School for the Blind eagerly awaits Triana’s arrival in the Fall with opens arms, just as the Blind Childrens Center did so many years ago. Good luck Triana. You will be missed.