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Make a Splash This Summer!

Nothing is more refreshing than cooling off in a pool of water on a hot summer day. While very young children might not be jumping in the swimming pool quite yet, the concepts of water, bathing, and water play for infants and toddlers with visual impairments can still be introduced in a fun, accessible way.


Grab a brush and a bowl of water and try painting the sidewalk with your child. If your child prefers to play in a supported position, fill a sensory bin with water and bath toys or a rimmed cookie sheet with water and bath cubes to explore.


HERE are more ways you can cool off this summer with a “splish, splash” of water.

Sip a Smoothie

Smoothies are a healthy and delicious snack for the whole family, and a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. This new sensory recipe from Healthy Family Project is made with fresh or frozen strawberries, pre-cut watermelon, and vanilla Greek yogurt.


Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of making a smoothie. There are still plenty of opportunities for sensory learning as you prep and measure each ingredient into separate bowls, whirling them up in the blender, and enjoying this refreshing treat. Find the recipe HERE.

What Is the Difference Between an EI-TVI and a Vision Therapist?

A family with a child who is blind or visually impaired may be receiving early intervention services from therapists in many different fields. PT, OT, SLP. No wonder the semantics can get confusing for parents. When an EI-TVI from A Shared Vision is added to the plan, they are often labeled “therapists” too. Let’s set this misnomer straight. Early Intervention Teachers of the Visually Impaired are NOT vision therapists. Here’s the difference.

 

Early Intervention Teachers of the Visually Impaired are licensed special educators with advanced degrees focused on children with blindness and visual impairment. They provide education and strategies for caregivers of children (birth to age three) with blindness or visual impairment to help children learn to use all their senses to maximize overall development during their critical years.

 

Vision therapy involves doctor-supervised eye exercises to correct sensorimotor and/or visual-perceptual problems. The goal is to train the brain to process visual information more efficiently. It is not an early intervention service supported by IDEA Part C; however, it may be covered by private insurance and/or Medicaid.

 

When we occasionally receive a referral for vision therapy, we talk to the family first about how their child uses their vision and if the family has met with a pediatric ophthalmologist for a diagnosis. “I do my best to help families understand the differences between EI-TVI and vision therapy services so they can make an informed decision on what would be most beneficial for them,” explains Paula Landry, an EI-TVI and co-founder of A Shared Vision.

 

Learn more about the differences HERE.


The Denver Foundation Invests in

 A Shared Vision

We are so grateful for The Denver Foundation who just awarded A Shared Vision $20,000 from their Care Fund which supports the well-being of people with disabilities, blindness, and visual impairment. This is the first time A Shared Vision's mission has been supported by this prestigious foundation, and we look forward to a lasting relationship with them.

A Shared Vision is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the leading provider of in-home and community early intervention vision services in Colorado. We inspire and empower families to nurture the development of their very young children who are blind or visually impaired so that all children may discover their brightest future.
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