BCVDDP Services Available to Children and Families may Include: (continued) Toys and assistive technology to
promote development
What Other Families Say About BCVDDP:
hope hope and inspiration
Onsite educational educational observation and assistance,
consultation with teachers and other education consultation professionals with other educational support
Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program
“The Division for the Blind has given our family hope and inspiration”.
“This agency has opened doors that otherwise could not have been opened, due to their vast resources of information”.
for your family “... They are always there with open, caring arms, ready to help you with anything and everything. They are a wonderful support system”.
Discovery and Development Program
Support group connections for children,
parents and siblings
Referrals to other resources
Literature and training materials
“Since my daughter has been in the program, her self-esteem has been great. There is also a lot of warmth and caring from everyone”.
development
Mentoring with peers and adults
Career exploration
“They have helped me deal with my son’s blindness by introducing me to blind people who are very successful in the work field. They have given my son a chance to see he is not the only one in the world who is blind. They are always someone who I can count on to encourage me and my family. Thanks DBS”.
discovery
Hobbies, leisure activities and sports
Discovery Discovery and Development and Development Program Program
resources Division for Blind Services
For more information, or to find the nearest DBS office:
A Helping Hand for Your Family
DARS Inquiries
1-800-628-5115 (V/TTY)
a brighter future...
www.dars.state.tx.us
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Division for Blind Services
#02400 DBS 7/05
DiscoveryDivision Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program Development Program
for Blind Services
discover
Children who are blind or visually impaired have brighter futures today than at any time in history! Advances in technology make it possible for
them to live, learn and play alongside their peers.
Powerful laws protect their rights to education,
access to their communities and other important civil rights.
There are many excellent resources to help
children who are blind achieve their fullest potential.
Each year, hundreds of Texas families turn to the Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program (BCVDDP) for information and support to help their children grow and thrive. A Blind Children’s Program Specialist works with each child and family to create a service plan tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
BCVDDP: Building a Foundation of Confidence
BCVDDP offers a wide range of services associated with six major skill areas. We think of them as stepping stones to an independent, productive and satisfying life. Adjustment to Blindness: BCVDDP specialists familiarize families with diagnostic procedures, medical treatments and other things they need to know to support their child. Other services are designed to equip the child with coping and self-advocacy skills to boost confidence and self-esteem as he or she adjusts to living with a vision impairment.
Support Systems: BCVDDP helps children and families connect with a wide range of community support systems such as peer, parent and sibling support groups; advocacy organizations and educational support groups.
Discovery and Development Program Vocational Discovery and Development: For a child born with a vision disability, vocational discovery begins at a very early age and involves the whole family. Children who will grow into independent and productive adults learn problem solving and organizational skills. They learn how to explore career paths in keeping with their likes, dislikes, skills and abilities.
BCVDDP Services Available to Children and Families may Include:
Ongoing evaluations to determine changes
in vision and/or service needs
develope
Discovery and Development Program
The specialist may also work with extended family members, school personnel, doctors, therapists and others in the community who provide assistance, services and/or support to the child.
BCVDDP promotes development of a variety of skills including reading, writing and using Braille and other techniques, using assistive technology and accessing information.
Independent Living (IL) Skills: IL services promote independence and self-sufficiency as the child grows and matures. The family and children’s specialist identify services that support the child in being as independent as possible in everyday life — at home, in school and at play. Travel: Children who are blind or have a vision impairment must develop orientation and mobility skills to safely navigate and explore the world around them.
Communication: With strong communication skills, children who are blind or have a vision impairment can thrive at home, in school and in the community.
Counseling and
guidance
Diagnostic evalu-
ations (referrals)
Individual or group
training for children and families (e.g., Braille, social/behavior skills, using technology, accessing information, blindness simulation, sighted guide techniques, advocacy skills) skills
ery a wonderful support system...
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