Blind-Low Vision (0-6)
Children’s emotional, social, and physical development has a direct effect on their overall development throughout their lives. The ability to communicate and understand the world around them is a big part of infant’s and children’s early experiences. Focusing on development in the early years of children’s lives is the best way to ensure their future success.
Northwestern Health Unit is the lead agency for the Ontario Blind-Low Vision Program in the Kenora Rainy River District. This program provides services with funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) at no additional cost to families.
Les clients préférant un service offert en français peuvent y faire demande en composant le 807-934-2236.
What we do
Some of our vision services include:
Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program
Your baby should have their first eye exam between the age of six and nine months. This will help to make sure your baby’s eyes are healthy and are developing normally.
Our Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program works to give children who are born blind or with low vision the best possible start in life. We give parents the information and support that they need to encourage the healthy development of their children. Parents learn to help their children develop the skills that they need for daily activities at home, daycare or care settings, and at school. Support is also available for early childhood educators and service providers working with blind and low vision children.
The program accepts new referrals through the Preschool Speech and Language central intake number at 1-877-553-7122.
An Early Childhood Vision Consultant (ECVC) is available to provide family support, intervention, and consultation services in the area of:
- Intentional movement (orientation and mobility)
- Development of motor skills.
- Daily living skills
- Concept development
- Social and emotional development
- Language and communication development
- Use of residual vision
- Use of the senses to promote development
The Early Childhood Vision Consultant (ECVC) will also work with early childhood professionals and service providers to provide support and education when working with blind or low vision children.
Referrals to the Blind-Low Vision program can be made by completing and submitting our online referral form or by calling the North Words central intake line at 1-877-553-7122.
For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services’ Blindness and low vision page.