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...

Victor An independent and secure little boy

Victor was born on July 24, 2002 at 6 months gestation. Having no functional vision, he was diagnosed with bilateral Retinopathy of Prematurity. Victor had various developmental delays not associated with his vision and was subsequently diagnosed with Diplegic Cerebral Palsy.

At 14 months of age, Victor started the Infant Program at the Blind Childrens Center where he learned to crawl for the first time. “The Center has been such a rich learning experience,” says mom Aracely. “I didn't know how to raise a blind child. I knew nothing about blindness, but the Center staff was so kind and knowledgeable. They really helped me learn about my son and how to care for him.”

Victor is also tactually defensive so he is working hard at touching unfamiliar, messy textures without rejecting them. He also has learned to love music. “The teachers always include me in Victor's learning activities which teaches me a lot about my son's individual needs,” says mom.

Victor is now a 4 year old preschooler and is growing up quickly. Before the new school year began, mom was concerned about his language development. Victor's teachers have been working with him in this area and mom is now happy to report that his language skills are starting to emerge. He is speaking more and is now able to communicate his needs and wants.

Victor has also been working on orientation and mobility. “Victor has really learned how to move around and recognize his surroundings thanks to the specialized training he's received. His teacher Miriam has helped him to become an independent and secure little boy,” says mom.

Some goals for Victor's next school year are to climb on and off various therapeutic equipment with little assistance, complete an obstacle course utilizing a variety of actions (in/out, under/over), and to learn self-calming strategies when frightened by unexpected loud noises.

“The Blind Childrens Center helped me to understand Victor's diagnosis. They taught me how to care for my little boy and how to teach him new things in a way that he can understand. Today he is a playful child who loves to sing and dance. Thank you Blind Childrens Center for helping my whole family.”