Resources

Core concepts and preferred practices for successful, high-quality intervention services. This series consists of seven handbooks focusing on core concepts and preferred practices gathered from an in-depth review of current literature, statutes, and regulations. The handbooks include: Handbook on Family Involvement, Handbook on Administration, Handbook on Transition and book on Assessment and Evaluation, Handbook on Developing Individualized Family Service Plans and Individualized Education Programs, Handbook on Developing and Implementing Programs and Services and Handbook on Developing and Evaluating Interagency Collaboration

The guidelines, revised in 2014, were developed cooperatively by teachers, parents and administrators to serve as a model for providing a quality, cost-effective education to visually impaired students that includes the requirements of state and federal laws.

All school districts and county school offices have formed consortiums in geographical regions to provide for all special education service needs of children residing within the region boundaries. Each region, Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), developed a local plan describing how it would provide special education services. SELPAs facilitate high quality educational programs and services for special needs students and training for parents and educators. The SELPA collaborates with county agencies and school districts to develop and maintain healthy and enriching environments in which special needs students and families can live and succeed.

IDEA is a federal civil rights law that addresses the educational needs of disabled children. It dictates how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities from birth to age 21. Congress intended that each child with a disability receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to prepare him or her for higher education, employment, and independent living. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also protects children covered by the IDEA.

Provides consultation and therapy for families whose child is challenged from a devastating illness. Our goal is to meet families soon after they receive the diagnosis, either in person or over the telephone. We provide nationwide assistance and understand the importance of reaching out to families during this difficult time, wherever they might be. In addition to the counseling services, we provide books and videos to families and healthcare professionals as an additional resource to assist them during the difficult days after diagnosis.
Institute for Families is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All of our services are provided at no cost to families and professionals, with funding provided by private donations. No federal funding is given.

FamilyConnect is an online, multimedia community created by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI). This site gives parents of visually impaired children a place to support each other, share stories and concerns, and link to local resources. The site also features a mom-authored blog, inspiring video testimonials from families, and articles authored by parents and experts in the field of blindness on multiple disabilities, technology, education, and more. From the personal to the professional, families will find all the resources they need to raise their children from birth to adulthood.

Family Resource Centers are part of the Early Start Program. Staffed by families of children with special needs, family resource centers offer parent-to-parent support and help parents, families, and children locate and use needed services. They offer support services and resources in many languages, which may include newsletters, resource libraries, websites, parent-to-parent groups, sibling support groups, warmlines, and information and referral for parents and professionals.

CVI(Cortical Visual Impairment) is a term used to describe visual impairment that occurs due to brain injury. CVI(Cortical Visual Impairment) differs from other types of visual impairment which are due to physical problems with the eyes. CVI(Cortical Visual Impairment) is caused by damage to the visual centers of the brain, which interferes with communication between the brain and the eyes. The eyes are able to see, but the brain is not interpreting what is being seen.

The National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI) is a non-profit organization of, by and for parents committed to providing support to the parents of children who have visual impairments. It enables parents to find information and resources for their children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities.

WonderBaby.org, a project sponsored by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with visual impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Here you'll find a database of articles written by parents who want to share with others what they've learned about playing with and teaching a blind child, as well as links to meaningful resources and ways to connect with other families.