Blind Childrens Center

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

A family-centered agency serving children with visual impairments

Infant Program
This early intervention program encourages children to explore their environment, develop their other senses and acquire age-appropriate skills. Parents learn how to help their child reach developmental goals which are based on a comprehensive assessment of each child’s needs. Families are served through both home-based and center-based programs.

Home-Based Component of the Infant Program
The Home-Based Component offers home sessions to children/families who are already enrolled at the Center; to new clients who may be unable to participate at the Center due to a child’s fragile health, lack of transportation or geographic distance; or those who may not come to the Center due to emotional or cultural barriers.

Educational Preschool
Our preschool provides individualized educational programs including utilization of low vision training, sensory development, orientation and mobility, occupational therapy, literacy preparedness, speech/language consultation and a music program. The educational staff consists of specially trained teachers, teacher assistants and specialists with a ratio of one staff member to three students and a maximum of six children per class.

Therapeutic Support Services
Therapeutic Support Services are an integral part of the Center’s Infant and Preschool Programs. The overall goal of therapeutic services is to increase the independence, self-confidence and self-image of the child who is blind or visually impaired. These specialized services also teach parents skills to support their children’s development. Therapeutic Services include Orientation & Mobility Training, literacy preparedness, pre-Braille and Braille training (Adaptive Services), Speech & Language, and Occupational Therapy.

Kindergarten Program
The Kindergarten Program serves children who are visually impaired, ages five to six years. The program has been designed to offer a fully inclusive environment, meeting all state curriculum standards for kindergarten classrooms, while continuing to provide support and expertise relating specifically to visual impairments. Classes have a ratio of one staff member to four students and class size is limited to eight students. The full-day program benefits both students and parents.

Parent Mentor Program
The Center’s parent mentor provides parents with advocacy training and representation, peer counseling on a group and individual basis. The parent mentor also educates parents on how to navigate the medical and educational systems on behalf of their children. He participates in The Center’s home-based program with The Blind Childrens Center’s professional team. He also participate in community outreach to organizations interested in integrating parent mentors into their programs.

Family Services
Individual and group services are delivered by a qualified staff. Sessions include parent support and education, braille classes, advocacy training, social opportunities and a variety of groups addressing family needs.

Publications
A series of 18 educational booklets, including three training manuals, and two videos have been published by the Blind Childrens Center. Over 750,000 copies have been distributed to parents, educators, and specialists in 75 countries.

Community Outreach
Pediatric residents from local renowned hospitals receive training and information regarding Blind Childrens Center services. Medical and applied research investigating childhood blindness is also supported annually by the Center.

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