Blind Childrens Center

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

A family-centered agency serving children with visual impairments

ON THE COVER

At Home
At The Blind Childrens Center

Timothy was born on September 18, 2002 in La Puente, California with the condition called anophthalmia which means he was born without eyes. In less than a month’s time, he had his first appointment with an ophthalmologist thanks to the swift and conscientious effort of a social worker at the hospital and Blind Childrens Center Family Worker Myrna Pineda Beit-Ayvaz. Upon learning of Timothy’s diagnosis, Myrna immediately contacted the family to begin intervention. “Mom was so nervous, scared,” Myrna said of the appointment with the ophthalmologist, “she thanked me over and over again for coming and helping her ask questions that were too difficult for her.”

Having worked until the very day she gave birth, Timothy’s mother assumed she would be able to return to her job within a few months, the same as with her other children – Timothy is the youngest of four. After his birth, all that changed, and she knew she would not be able to go back to work for a long time. She had a new job now, she needed to be home with her son.

Timothy’s family found a home at the Blind Childrens Center. A beautiful little boy with an adorable smile, Timothy was enrolled in the Blind Childrens Center’s Infant Program in November. He attends the Center once a week and continues to receive in-home services.

Timothy’s father is involved in Timothy’s development too. He attended a training session at the Center along with Timothy’s brother. Together they began to learn how to care for Timothy. One of their first lessons was on how to help him to do the stretching exercises he needs. “We are so happy that a place like the Blind Childrens Center exists,” said Timothy’s father. “We had no idea what to do for Timothy, how to help him be the best he can be. We didn’t understand anything about blindness. Now we have the support and education we need to be good parents to Timothy, and our other children are learning how to help their brother, too.”

“The Center is a beautiful place,” says Timothy’s dad. “There are so many toys, it’s so colorful and bright, and everyone here is so nice. It’s a little happy land.”

Raices firmes, Arbol fuerte, Buenos frutos

Raices firmes, Arbol fuerte, Buenos frutos

NEW SUPPORT GROUP TAKES ROOT
A new parent group with a focus on the Latino community has been developed at the Blind Childrens Center entitled “Raices Hispanas” which translates to “Hispanic Roots.” Their motto “Raices firmes, Arbol fuerte, Buenos frutos” is interpreted as “Firm roots will give rise to a strong tree which will bear a delicious fruit.”

The project is funded by a grant from the Eastern Los Angeles Family Resource Center and is open to anyone of Latino descent with a child with special needs. The group not only teaches but also offers support and guidance. Parents express concerns, ask questions, and share experiences with other parents who have similar situations.

Lolita Recillas and Carlos Martinez, Blind Childrens Center Parent Mentors, are the facilitators of the group which meets the last Wednesday of every month at the Blind Childrens Center. The group is conducted in Spanish and geared toward immigrant families. The goal is to orient families to the various views and traditions of the many worlds they now live in, for example, their culture of origin, U.S. mainstream culture, the world of disabilities, the world of medicine, special education, and social services. It also provides them with the skills they need to effectively advocate for their children. This is done by expanding each individual’s cultural self-awareness and exploring their traditions, values, and beliefs in an atmosphere that promotes pride and human validation.

“In our culture we don’t believe in asking doctors or professionals questions,” says Lolita Recillas, “we don’t speak up. We feel that questioning and expressing our thoughts is disrespectful. We want these parents to know that it’s okay to ask questions about proper care for their children. We are also making them aware of what their child with special needs is entitled to on state and local levels.”

The group has been extremely successful with more than 40 parents and family members participating. Included in each meeting is traditional food, music and decorations. “We are trying to make everything traditionally Latino,” says Lolita. “We are proud people. Even though we are teaching advocacy as it pertains to modern society, we should never change who we are. We must stand strongly rooted in our rich culture and tradition.”

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