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...

Alejandra A loving and capable young lady

Alejandra is a bright little girl who, when asked what she wants to be when she grows up, says “a teacher at the Blind Childrens Center.” And, she would be most welcome.

Alejandra started at the Center when she was 3 years old. Her diagnosis at birth was Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, which is damage to the optic nerves, and Bilateral Microphthalmia, which means that both eyes are much smaller than the norm. Her parents Martin and Ascencion were referred to the Center by a child development teacher at the Braille Institute. “We are thrilled that we found the Center,” says Dad. “We were scared at first when Alejandra was born. We didn’t know what to do or how to help our daughter. The Center helped us to understand her diagnosis and prepared us for her future.”

Mom calls the Center a “little fantasy island” because everyone is so kind, compassionate and helpful. The Center is a happy place where parents can learn and share their feelings,” she adds. “It has helped us so much. It keeps us strong and enables us to keep going when things get tough.”

Alejandra also has two brothers. Martin, the oldest, is 10 years old and Emanuel is 2. Martin participated in a Sibling Workshop at the Center. The workshop is designed for the brothers and sisters of children who are blind. It allows the siblings the opportunity to share their feelings and learn about visual impairments. “When Alejandra was born I was happy about having a sister, but sad that she couldn’t see,” says Martin. “The Center and the workshop helped me feel better.”

“Our whole family has been helped by the Center,” says Mom. “Our youngest, Emanuel, will be starting in the Reverse Mainstream Program this September.” The program is designed to integrate sighted children into the educational preschool classroom. This is beneficial for both the sighted child and the visually impaired child.

Alejandra graduated from the Center this year and will begin kindergarten at Cesar Chavez Elementary School in September. Her teacher Marion is sad to see her go but is very excited for her. “I have watched Alejandra blossom into a loving and capable young lady,” says Marion. “She’s inquisitive, assertive, independent and has a wonderful sense of humor. Her parents have been a constant source of support and guidance for the successes she has achieved.”

“We feel secure leaving the Center with everything we have learned here,” says Mom. “For us the Braille Class has been particularly important. We knew nothing at all about Braille,” adds Mom. “Now we have the skills necessary to help our daughter.”

“There’s so much to appreciate at the Blind Childrens Center,” says Dad. “In the past we felt that the world needed to adapt to Alejandra. But the Center has taught us that Alejandra needs to adapt to the world and they have given Alejandra and our whole family the skills to do just that.”