A college-aged woman who is visually impaired puts her arm around a kindergarten boy with glasses, who smiles at his iPad in his classroom

Blind Children’s Center Highlights Inclusion and Independence During World Blindness Awareness Month

/in /by

This October, Blind Children’s Center (BCC) is recognizing World Blindness Awareness Month by highlighting how early education and family support help children who are blind or visually impaired build confidence and independence. In BCC’s inclusive classrooms, children learn and play alongside sighted peers, while parents and caregivers gain tools to support their children’s development at home.

For nearly 90 years, BCC has worked alongside children and families to support learning and development. Teachers and specialists tailor instruction to each child’s needs, with parents and caregivers involved throughout the educational process.

“At BCC, Blindness Awareness Month is a time to celebrate children breaking barriers and reimagining what is possible,” said A college-aged woman who is visually impaired puts her arm around a kindergarten boy with glasses, who smiles at his iPad in his classroomChief Executive Officer Sarah Orth. “We hope this month inspires people to learn and recognize the importance of creating a more inclusive world for children of all abilities.”

For BCC alumna Karen Arcos, who earned a doctorate degree in cognitive neuroscience, that supportive community helped build skills she has used throughout her education and career. Karen began attending BCC at just 6 months old, developing pre-braille literacy skills and strengthening her spatial awareness through orientation and mobility training.

“BCC taught me how to confidently interact with both blind and sighted people and communicate what I need,” Karen said. “Those skills have helped me advocate for myself and educate others about blindness.”

Throughout October, learn more about BCC’s approach to inclusive education and hear from its community by following the center on Facebook and Instagram @blindchildrenscenter. For more information about BCC and its services, visit BlindChildrensCenter.org

Anna Rinon with child at BCC

From BCC to Cal State LA: Anna Rinon’s Path to Orientation and Mobility

/in /by

When Anna Rinon first began working at the Blind Children’s Center (BCC), she had never heard of Orientation and Mobility (O&M). Four years later, she has helped many children who are blind or visually impaired build confidence and independence. This fall, she will embark on a new journey at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), where she will pursue a graduate degree in O&M and help expand opportunities for people with vision loss.

During her time at BCC, Anna served as an associate teacher in the preschool program, bringing a background of child development to her work in the classroom. As an associate teacher, she saw firsthand how specialized support can help children in their everyday lives.

“Watching my students find joy and overcome challenges was one of the most rewarding parts of my work,” said Anna.

She recalls the moment a student, who once needed help navigating the classroom, rode a bike independently. With support anAnna Rinon with child at BCCd encouragement, milestones that once seemed out of reach became possible.

Anna began learning more about the specialized professionals who help children reach these milestones. Through conversations with colleagues and mentors, including her lead teacher and BCC staff, she became interested in the O&M field.

O&M specialists teach people who are blind or visually impaired how to safely navigate their surroundings. Orientation focuses on understanding where a person is in relation to their environment, while mobility focuses on moving safely from one place to another. These skills can include navigating a classroom, crossing a street or traveling independently in the community.

As Anna learned more about the profession, she also became aware of a broader challenge: 

Agencies struggle to hire qualified O&M specialists and Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, leaving too few professionals to meet the growing demand for services.

Anna’s next step builds on her experience at BCC while preparing her to help meet the growing need for O&M specialists. At Cal State LA, her training will include hands-on exercises that allow her to experience the techniques she will eventually teach, including completing activities while blindfolded.

“Anna brings heart and dedication to her work with children, and it has been wonderful to watch her grow over the last four years at BCC,” said Bianca Ciebrant, Program Director of BCC. “We are proud to see Anna take this next step in her career and continue helping people who are blind or visually impaired thrive.”

Her experience at BCC has centered on young children, and Anna is excited to use her O&M degree to serve people across different ages and settings. After earning her degree, she plans to remain in the Los Angeles area and is interested in working at a school, nonprofit organization or with adults who are blind or visually impaired.

“BCC introduced me to a profession I once knew nothing about and showed me the impact these specialized services can have,” said Anna. “The children, teachers and specialists I’ve worked with inspired me to take this next step in my education.”

For more information about BCC and its services, visit https://www.blindchildrenscenter.org

Blind Children’s Center Partners with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to Expand Care for Children With CVI

/in /by

Blind Children’s Center (BCC) is a partner in Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles’ (CHLA) recently launched Cerebral / Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) Multidisciplinary Clinic, providing functional vision assessments, early intervention services and other educational support to children with CVI and their parents. CVI is the leading cause of childhood blindness and low vision. The CVI Multidisciplinary Clinic is the first of its kind on the West Coast and is designed to help children and their parents better understand and navigate a CVI diagnosis.

CVI is a visual impairment caused by damage to the brain’s visual processing areas, rather than the eyes themselves. Most often, this damage occurs before or during birth due to lack of oxygen; it can also result from premature birth, genetic conditions or traumatic brain injury. Because a child’s eye may appear to be fully functional, CVI can be difficult to detect and is often misunderstood.

BCC board member and CHLA pediatric neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Melinda Chang first shared her vision for the clinic with BCC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth during a tour of BCC’s programs. Dr. Chang, a leading CVI researcher, recognized the need for a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to CVI care.  

“It is the doctor’s role to concentrate on the medical diagnosis and treatment, but families need far more than clinical answers,” said Sarah. “That’s where BCC comes in, helping each family navigate their own unique journey.”

BCC Vision Services Coordinator Brenda Perla leads the clinic’s case management efforts, helping parents connect to essential resources and understand the next steps that follow the assessment results. “Our goal is to build bridges beyond vision loss,” said Brenda, emphasizing the need for long-term education, medical and community support for families.

BCC and CHLA staff have been trained by Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy, developer of the CVI Range Assessment and director of the CVI support program at The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh. In the clinic’s early months, she has provided guidance and feedback on the clinic’s functional vision assessments and adaptations for children with CVI.

“Our partnership with Blind Children’s Center allows us to extend care beyond the hospital walls,” said Dr. Chang, who co-chairs the National Institutes of Health CVI Registry Expert Panel. “By working together, we can combine medical expertise with ongoing educational guidance and family support, ensuring children with CVI and their parents have a complete network of care.”

Together, the clinic brings medical providers, vision specialists and family support services into one collaborative model, strengthening care for children with CVI and expanding access to meaningful, long-term support. For more information about the clinic, please contact Brenda Perla at BrendaP@BlindChildrensCenter.org.

Blind Children’s Center Lisa D. Hansen Medical Research Grant Helps Transform CVI Awareness

/in /by

Blind Children’s Center (BCC) is proud to recognize Dr. Melinda Chang, a member of BCC’s board of directors, for advancing research that is transforming the way children with cerebral/cortical visual impairment (CVI) are diagnosed and supported. Through their partnership, BCC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), where Dr. Chang practices, are creating the first dedicated CVI clinic of its kind on the West Coast, expanding access to specialized care for children and families.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) working definition — which Dr. Chang helped develop — CVI is a brain-based condition that affects how the brain develops and processes visual information. It is one of the leading causes of pediatric visual impairment in the United States and other industrialized nations. Children with CVI often have other neurodevelopmental conditions, and the disorder may go unrecognized until later in childhood. Early identification and reliable assessment are critical to guiding appropriate care and interventions.

The new clinic will help address that need by bringing together specialized clinical expertise, research and individualized support for children with CVI and their families. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment between BCC and CHLA to improve outcomes through earlier diagnosis, coordinated care and continued research.

Dr. Chang has dedicated her career to improving care for children with neurologic and developmental conditions that affect vision. She is an Associate Professor Ophthalmology, Clinical Scholar, at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and a dual fellowship-trained pediatric and neuro-ophthalmologist. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in neuroscience and kinesiology from USC before receiving her medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Chang completed her ophthalmology residency and fellowship training at UCLA’s Stein and Doheny Eye Institutes, where she specialized in pediatric and neuro-ophthalmology.

Her clinical work inspired her research into CVI, where clinicians have long faced challenges in diagnosing and measuring the condition. Dr. Chang developed several techniques to assess vision in children with diagnosed or suspected CVI, including Saliency Analysis of Eye Tracking in CVI (SET-CVI), which combines high-resolution eye tracking with artificial intelligence. By recording how a child looks at images on a computer screen, researchers gain valuable insights into visual function and providers can notice visual challenges early on.

The technology has the potential to transform the way providers care for children with CVI by offering a reliable and objective method to assess multiple aspects of vision and visual attention, determine the severity of visual impairment, and facilitate early diagnosis. 

“This research continues to evolve as we explore new ways to better understand and assess CVI,” said Dr. Chang. “Our goal is to develop tools that provide more accurate assessments and ultimately help guide individualized care for children with visual impairments.”

After receiving the Lisa D. Hansen Medical Research Grant from BCC, Dr. Chang expanded her research by collaborating with Dr. Mark Borchert (CHLA) and Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy, the author of the widely used CVI Range functional vision assessment, to develop and test a standardized version of the assessment, the CVI Range for Clinical Research (CVI Range-CR). The CVI Range-CR evaluates how children with CVI use their vision in everyday settings. The grant also helped launch her research program at CHLA, generating the preliminary data needed to obtain additional funding. Recently, she co-chaired a NIH workshop that established the first U.S. consensus definition of CVI, providing an important framework for researchers nationwide.

“The BCC grant was instrumental in helping me establish my research program in cerebral/cortical visual impairment,” said Dr. Chang, who also leveraged an investment from the NIH in her research. Now, her work continues to pave the way for others across the world. “It allowed me to generate the preliminary data that was critical to securing long-term funding for my research.”

With the support of BCC’s funding, Dr. Chang continues to study how eye tracking can identify and characterize CVI in children with specific neurogenetic syndromes, where visual disorders and specifically CVI are often overlooked. Her research aims to determine if treatment of visual disorders can improve the symptoms of neurodevelopmental conditions (including autism) and neurogenetic syndromes.

“Dr. Chang’s research reflects the profound influence of investing in innovation,” said BCC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth. “As we work together to establish the first dedicated CVI clinic of its kind on the West Coast, we are expanding opportunities for children with visual impairments and helping families access earlier diagnoses and care.”

Stories like Dr. Chang’s illustrate how critical funding can transform vision care for generations to come. For more than two decades, BCC has identified and supported bold, forward-thinking research that can transform the lives of children with visual impairments. BCC’s $25,000 research grants, now named the Lisa D. Hansen Medical Research Grants in honor of longtime board member Lisa D. Hansen, fuel this initiative by funding studies that push the boundaries of pediatric vision science. As part of its new “Where is the Research Now?” series, BCC will continue to share how past grant recipients are advancing research, improving care and creating brighter futures for children who are blind or visually impaired. For more information about the Lisa D. Hansen Medical Research Grant, visit BlindChildrensCenter.org/Medical-Research. 

Three children outside on playground together

California Blindness Organizations Call for Sustainable Funding as Demand Grows

/in /by

Blind Children’s Center joins service providers across the state in calling attention to funding challenges that threaten specialized support for Californians who are blind or visually impaired.

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

Helen Keller’s words still resonate for organizations serving Californians who are blind or visually impaired. Across the state, specialized nonprofit organizations help people build the skills and confidence to learn, work, live independently and stay connected to their communities.

Blind Children’s Center (BCC) has joined organizations throughout California to call attention to funding challenges that threaten service providers at a time when demand is increasing.

For members of the California Agencies for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CAABVI), the next several months are critical. Beginning in October 2026, many California organizations expect significant reductions in the grants they receive through the federal Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) program. Sixteen agencies currently receive OIB funding to help adults age 55 and older maintain their independence while living with vision loss.

California receives approximately $3 million annually in federal OIB funding. Providers say that funding has remained flat since the 1990s and has not kept pace with population growth, rising costs or the increasing number of older adults experiencing vision loss.

This significant reduction stems from the loss of supplemental state funding. Over the past two years, this funding helped offset the gap between the federal OIB allocation and the cost of providing services.

At Society for the Blind, which serves 27 counties throughout Northern California, the effects of the expected reductions are already becoming clear. 

“We’re seeing more people who need services, not fewer,” said Shari Roeseler, executive director of Society for the Blind and immediate past president and board member of CAABVI. “This funding crisis will reduce Society for the Blind’s OIB grant from $520,000 to $258,000, even as demand for services continues to grow. In 2025 alone, we enrolled 570 new seniors in our programs.”

OIB funding helps Society for the Blind provide assistive technology, white-cane and mobility training, independent-living skills and Braille instruction, as well as transportation and in-home training for those living in rural communities. 

Without restored funding, Shari expects longer waits for services and fewer resources to purchase assistive devices, many of which are not covered by insurance. Society for the Blind also distributes “Safe at Home” kits containing tools such as medication-management devices and liquid-level indicators. These modest resources can help prevent falls, medication errors and other emergencies, allowing older adults to remain independent longer and reducing additional caregiving responsibilities for their families.

The effects of the expected reductions will extend to other providers, including Valley Center for the Blind, which helps people who are blind or have low vision live and work independently. According to the organization, it expects to lose approximately 60% of its OIB funding beginning in October.

“Blindness organizations are among the only disability service providers that do not receive consistent state grant funding,” said Shellena Heber, executive director of Valley Center for the Blind and chair of CAABVI’s Advocacy Committee.

Shellena has seen the effect of specialized services firsthand. She recalled a client who initially relied on a parent’s arm to navigate the halls of Valley Center for the Blind. With training and support, the client developed the skills and confidence to travel independently, first across the building and eventually across the country.

The OIB reductions are only one part of a broader resource challenge affecting disability services in California. The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) implemented an Order of Selection for vocational rehabilitation services on Aug. 31, after determining that available resources were insufficient to serve all eligible applicants. Under this process, DOR places applicants into categories that prioritize people who have the most significant disabilities and waitlist others. 

DOR data illustrates the growing pressure on the system. According to the California State Rehabilitation Council meeting, the department received 103% more vocational rehabilitation referrals in 2024 than in 2019, while applications increased by 49% during the same period. In fiscal year 2024–25, DOR served 176,815 people, a 76.8% increase over the past decade. For federal fiscal year 2027, DOR projects $440 million in available funding and $568 million in costs without an Order of Selection, creating a $128 million shortfall.

Vocational rehabilitation is a significant part of Valley Center for the Blind’s work. More than 75% of its staff members are blind or have low vision, and the organization provides vocational assessments, job placement and retention services that help clients enter and remain in the workforce. The increasing demand for these services underscores the importance of a strong network of specialized providers with the capacity to serve people when they need assistance.

That network begins with early intervention. Blind Children’s Center helps children who are blind or visually impaired develop foundational skills while providing families with the resources and guidance needed to support their growth. Early access to specialized services can influence a child’s education, confidence and independence for years to come. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Head Start provides partial funding for BCC’s programs. Recently, the Office of Head Start proposed changes to the Head Start program that would significantly reduce services for children with disabilities.

BCC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth said the organizations responding to these challenges bring different areas of expertise but share a common purpose.

“Our organizations may serve people at different ages and stages of life, but we are united in wanting every person who is blind or visually impaired to have the opportunity to learn, work, participate in their community and live as independently as possible,” said Sarah, who serves on CAABVI’s Board of Directors with Shellena, Shari and other agency leaders across the state.  “Protecting that opportunity requires us to listen to the people most affected, learn from one another and advocate together.”

CAABVI members are pushing for a long-term goal to establish permanent, sustainable state funding for specialized blindness services.

“We recognize that advocates in the blindness community have not always had the loudest voice in policy discussions, and we are doing everything we can to change that,” said Shellena. “Balancing a budget by sacrificing the only services available to those who are blind is something we cannot accept.”

The issue reaches far beyond people currently receiving services. Vision loss can happen at any stage of life through aging, genetic conditions, accidents or other medical conditions. When someone experiences vision loss, timely access to specialized training and support can help determine whether they can return to work, navigate their community, complete everyday tasks or remain in their home.

From helping a young child build a foundation for independence to supporting an older adult adjusting to vision loss, California’s blindness service providers play an essential role throughout a person’s life. As Helen Keller’s words suggest, sustaining those services will require providers, families, advocates and policymakers to work together, and California to treat specialized blindness resources as a long-term investment rather than a temporary expense.

For more information about BCC and its services, visit https://www.blindchildrenscenter.org

Blind Children’s Center Urges Protection of Head Start Services for LA Families & Children with Disabilities

/in /by

The federal Administration for Children and Families has proposed changes to Head Start regulations that would rollback requirements for health and developmental screenings, services for children with disabilities and support for dual language learners. The proposal would remove specific timelines for developmental, vision and hearing screenings, as well as certain requirements related to disability services and inclusive participation. It would also eliminate standards for supporting a child’s home language alongside English, including requirements for assessments and family engagement services in a family’s preferred language.

These changes could have a significant impact in Los Angeles, where an estimated 36% of the population speaks Spanish. Blind Children’s Center (BCC) is a Head Start delegate of the Los Angeles County Office of Education, which serves more than 7,000 children across the county.

At the end of September, I will travel to Washington, D.C. with Head Start leaders from all over the country, to meet with representatives, emphasize the importance of Head Start for children with disabilities and urge policymakers to reject the proposed changes.

Every day, we work alongside families who are doing everything they can to make sure their children have the support and opportunities they deserve. Navigating services for a child with a disability can already be overwhelming, and Head Start helps families connect with critical care and resources. These proposed changes could create even more barriers for families as they support their child during early development.

I look forward to bringing the voices of our families to Washington, D.C., and advocating for Head Start services and the protections their children need to thrive.

Sincerely,

Sarah Orth, CEO, Blind Children’s Center

Blind Children’s Center Highlights Partnership with A Golden State for Kids

/in /by

During Learning Disability Week in June, Blind Children’s Center (BCC) partnered with A Golden State for Kids, a statewide movement advocating for access to inclusive and high-quality early education. As part of the campaign, BCC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth served as a spokesperson to help raise awareness about the importance of inclusive child care and early learning.

For almost a century, BCC has worked to break down barriers for children who are blind, visually impaired or have multiple disabilities by creating an environment where every child can learn, play and grow together. 

“BCC welcomes children with vision loss, autism, cognitive delays and physical disabilities,” said Sarah. “We know that all children, through inclusion, develop empathy and compassion — skills that we need as adults.”

At BCC, inclusion extends beyond the classroom. Children build meaningful friendships, develop confidence and discover new skills through hands-on experiences, while families build connections through support groups and shared experiences. 

“Every family deserves quality early learning and child care programs,” continued Sarah. “We believe the real magic happens when children are given the opportunity to reach their full potential, and parents get to witness that journey every step of the way.”

The partnership with A Golden State for Kids reflects BCC’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to inclusive early education and helping create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of a diagnosis. For more information about BCC and its services, visit https://www.blindchildrenscenter.org.

photo of father with two young toddlers

Blind Children’s Center Encourages Fathers to Play an Active Role in Their Children’s Education

/in /by

Blind Children’s Center (BCC) values family participation in each child’s growth and development. This Father’s Day, BCC is proud to celebrate the wonderful fathers and father figures who stay involved well beyond school drop-off and pick-up.

Research continues to highlight the need for familial engagement in early childhood education. According to a Southwest Educational Development Laboratory study, “programs and interventions that engage families in supporting their children’s learning at home are linked to higher student achievement”. Similarly, researchers at the National Center for Education Statistics found that children are more likely to succeed in school when their fathers are actively involved in their education. These findings reinforce the meaningful impact that father involvement can have on a child’s growth and development.

BCC intentionally creates opportunities for fathers and father figures to engage in their children’s education, build parent-teacher relationships and connect with other families. Through programs such as Coffee Club, Baby and Me, Early Head Start and Raising Dads, BCC encourages fathers to be active participants in their children’s development both in and out of the classroom.

For preschool teacher Saul Valdivia, that commitment to inclusivity was evident from the moment he joined the team three years ago. With more than a decade of teaching experience and firsthand experience navigating a disability, Saul believes BCC stands out for its intentional approach to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

“BCC works to remove the stigma that fathers don’t need to be included in the classroom,” said Saul. “Families benefit when dads are engaged in their children’s learning and development.”

As the only male early childhood educator at BCC, Saul appreciates the role he plays both in the classroom and as an example for the fathers who participate in BCC Center’s programs. “I am grateful that BCC has given me 

photo of father with two young toddlers

the opportunity to be a positive male figure in my students’ lives,” he said.

That welcoming environment is something Daniel Iniguez experienced firsthand after enrolling his son at BCC. He recalls it as a “blessing” to find a program that welcomed his family and offered resources that would help his son grow and thrive, keep him informed about his son’s  progress and impart strategies he can use at home. Daniel participates in BCC’s monthly fathers’ meetings, which he describes as “life changing.”

“The meetings allow me to discuss the challenges I face, while also listening to others share their experiences,” said Daniel. “Beyond the meetings, BCC provides informational pamphlets, and each staff member is always willing to answer any question I might have.”

The relationships formed through these programs extend beyond the classroom. Daniel values the chance to connect with other fathers through BCC activities and events. He recently attended BCC’s spring celebration, where he enjoyed the afternoon outside with his children and other families. For him, staying involved is about making the most of every opportunity to support his son.

“Time goes by so fast, and in the blink of an eye, they will be older and doing their own things,” he said. “That’s why I do everything I can to spend quality time with my son, stay involved at school, maintain communication with his teachers and find ways to improve his school experience.” 

By creating welcoming spaces and supporting families every step of the way, BCC continues to show that fathers are not just welcome in early childhood education — they are an important part of it. 

For more information about BCC and its services, visit BlindChildrensCenter.org/Our-Family-Services. 

Building Community and Wellness at the Blind Children’s Center

/in /by

Supporting mental health and well-being is at the heart of Blind Children’s Center (BCC), and during Mental Health Awareness Month, BCC is proud to highlight its holistic, family-centered approach to helping children, parents and caregivers.

At BCC, wellness extends far beyond the classroom. From support groups and parent walks to dental clinics and nutrition workshops, the Center cares for the whole family and empowers parents and caregivers with the tools and resources they need to support their children. 

For Liz Aguirre, assistant director of family services, and Stephanie Vanegas, health and nutrition coordinator, that service begins with trust, connection and community.

“It takes a village,” said Liz. “Parenting is not meant to be done alone.”

For the past four years, Liz has worked closely with families to create spaces where parents and caregivers can connect over shared experiences and challenges. Stephanie, who joined the Center in 2023, educates families on incorporating health and nutrition into their daily routines while providing access to essential healthcare services.

The Center offers several support groups to help families build connection and community. BCC’s monthly Coffee Club, held after school drop-off, is about much more than a cup of joe. 

“Coffee Club is a time for parents to relax and enjoy themselves,” said Liz. “They can sit in silence, socialize with other parents or even take a to-go cup — whatever their need is, BCC will always be there to help fuel their day.” 

Building on positive feedback from Coffee Club participants, parents organized the Move and Thrive Group, which allows caregivers to discuss the unique experiences of raising children with disabilities while walking together. Fathers and male caregivers can support one another monthly through the Raising Dads support group. Led by preschool teacher Saul Valdivia and parent Jason Ano, the program creates opportunities to build community while reinforcing the Center’s commitment to normalizing vulnerability and emotional support. 

“Blind Children’s Center has been a blessing for the community,” said Jason. “There’s not a lot of resources that can compare in terms of the genuine connections here. BCC has been a second home to us.”

Programs like Coffee Club, Move and Thrive and Raising Dads reflect BCC’s broader approach to supporting the entire family.

“If parents are healthy and supported, then that same energy will be passed on to their children,” said Liz. 

As part of its commitment to wellness, BCC hosts nutrition workshops led by a registered dietitian, where parents can ask questions and learn about healthy eating habits and meal planning. Following one workshop, the Center provided groceries and recipes so families could recreate healthy meals at home.

“We want families to feel confident continuing healthy habits outside of school because parents will always be their child’s first teacher,” said Stephanie.

BCC also supports families with other essential health services, including dental, vision and hearing care, regardless of insurance status. Every six months, a dental clinic visits the Center to care for the children, helping remove a major financial burden for some families. Staff members also act as liaisons between parents and nurses to ensure children receive the care they need. Regular vision and hearing screenings are part of BCC’s routine health services, helping families identify potential concerns early and advocate for additional care if needed. The Center offers consultations with mental health specialists upon request and is working to bring immunization services to families in the near future.

No matter what may be happening in the outside world, BCC remains committed to being a safe, inclusive space for Los Angeles families.  

“We believe our families shouldn’t have to navigate these challenges alone,” said BCC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth. “That’s why we work to create a community where families feel supported, connected and cared for every step of the way.”

At the Blind Children’s Center, a community is built one conversation, one support group and sometimes one cup of coffee at a time. For more information about the Center and its services, visit BlindChildrensCenter.org/Our-Family-Services. 

More Than Volunteers: The Lake Family’s Generational Legacy at the Blind Children’s Center

/in /by

In the wake of Volunteer Awareness Month, the Blind Children’s Center (BCC) reflects with gratitude on the many individuals, families and organizations who support its mission in both big and small ways. Among them is the Lake family, whose multigenerational connection to BCC spans nearly five decades. While their story is extraordinary, it also reflects a simple truth: there are many ways to give back.

What began in 1981 with Janis and Ralph Lake bringing a small petting zoo to the Center’s spring festival has grown into a beloved tradition carried forward by their children and grandchildren. Today, the Lake family’s presence continues to bring joy and hands-on learning to students year after year.

“It’s truly a passion of ours,” said Janis Lake, a retired school nurse, Delta Gamma alumna and longtime volunteer. “Coming back to the Blind Children’s Center feels like returning to family.”

Janis’ connection to children who are blind or visually impaired began long before she ever set foot on campus. As a school nurse, Janis taught elementary students — particularly those hesitant to wear glasses — to better understand and care for their eyes. When her family moved to Los Angeles, she joined a local Delta Gamma alumnae chapter. This deepened her involvement with Service-for-Sight aligned organizations, including BCC, where she donated her time teaching American Red Cross CPR and first aid classes to parents, teachers and administrators. Ralph also taught the CPR and first aid courses with Janis.

Her most visible contribution remains the spring festival petting zoo, a hands-on experience that highlights the importance of sensory play for the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. From baby chicks, chickens and ducks to baby bunnies, baby goats and a macaw, the animals have created tactile experiences and lasting memories for generations of children.

One standout creature, a pony named Patches, provided not only tactile but also auditory encounters: “He’d whine loudly, which the kids loved because they could hear him even if they couldn’t see him,” said Jennifer, Janis’ daughter.

“The Lake family’s commitment to our children and our mission is truly remarkable,” said BCC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth. “For more than four decades, Janis and her family have shown up to bring joy, laughter and unforgettable sensory experiences to our students.”

Janis’s four children, Jennifer, Michael, Heather and Jonathan, grew up attending BCC events, often volunteering alongside their mother. They learned invaluable lessons in empathy. Janis recalls Jonathan, then in elementary school, sat with a child who was blind on a school bus when no one else would; he later told his friends the boy was just like them, only with much sharper hearing. Teachers were stunned when Jennifer, as a young child, coaxed a timid little girl down a playground slide. “We had never been able to get her on a slide before, and suddenly she didn’t want to get off,” Janis said.

Today, the legacy and stories continue with the next generation. Jennifer’s children, Ryan and Lillian, now help with the petting zoo, eagerly participating and forming their own connections to BCC. This past spring, although Lillian had a school performance that conflicted, Ryan insisted on making the trip. “He told me, ‘No, Mom, we have to go. I want to be there,'” Jennifer said. “My kids just adore being at the Center.”

While the Lake family’s story reflects a deep, long-term commitment, Janis believes that support looks different for everyone. “Meaningful contributions come in many forms,” she said. Whether sharing time, offering a specific skill or donating, each act plays a role in supporting BCC’s work.

Delta Gamma alumnae and other interested volunteers are encouraged to connect with Community Relations Manager Jasmin Joya, at Jasmin@BlindChildrensCenter.org, to learn more about getting involved. The Center’s wishlist also offers a simple, yet impactful, way to support students and programs.

“Sponsoring a child is the simplest way in,” said Janis. “From there, you can find what feels right for you. Everyone has something to offer.”

To learn more about supporting the Blind Children’s Center, including volunteer opportunities and a current wishlist, please visit BlindChildrensCenter.org/Volunteer.