Children
The early intervention and children’s program provides developmentally appropriate education, supports, and services to visually impaired and blind babies and children
Early Intervention Program (birth to 5)
Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches provides comprehensive developmental services for babies who are blind or visually impaired from birth to age five. Visually Impaired Babies do not learn about their world the same way as sighted children. Our trained staff work with babies, their parents, and caregivers to help them understand how these babies learn and prepare them for their future. This lost opportunity can cost the child dearly if services are not provided.
The Lighthouse offers this service to fill the gap, help nurture the child’s development and teach the parents and caregivers what to expect. Most importantly, when families connect with the Early Intervention Program at the Lighthouse, they establish a relationship that will provide services and support for their child through adulthood. The program creates a seamless continuum of services at the Lighthouse that is critical to the license, development, and enrichment of the individual through all stages of life.
The Lighthouse conducts free vision screenings for toddlers and children six months to 5 years of age at local preschools, daycare facilities, and community events. Children not treated early in life can develop permanent vision loss that can’t be corrected later in childhood or as adults. Catching a visual impairment early makes a world of difference. Even young children and babies can have eye problems that can and should be corrected. Children don’t know if what they see is typical or atypical. Many babies over the age of 6 months have refractive errors that are not caught until they get tested using an eye chart on their third birthday. This could be detected much earlier, allowing the child to see clearly from infancy. What can take minutes to complete can change their lives forever. Early detection and treatment are so important. Do not delay!
Children’s Program (5 to 13 years)
Lighthouse for the Blind's Children’s Program provides year-round activities, community exploration, mobility skills, independent living skills, technology training, and career exploration. Activities are incorporated into fun camps and activities.
The Children’s Program provides quality services for children in kindergarten through age 13 who are blind or visually impaired in our five-county area (Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties). The program offers instruction and fun, engaging, educational, and developmentally appropriate activities to help our young participants prepare for their future. Our enjoyable events and field trips address community exploration, mobility skills, independent living skills, technology training, career exploration, and much more!
The Lighthouse staff facilitates relevant, age-appropriate activities for the participants. The goal is for youth to enjoy themselves while learning skills to enhance their independence in many areas.
The children build friendships that last a lifetime!
