Meet Rinny the Tapir

Meet Rinny the Malayan Tapir

Rinny is a tapir that lives at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. When she was six years old, her zookeepers noticed she was bumping into things in her habitat at the Toyota Elephant Passage. With the help of an optometrist, they discovered she was nearly 60% blind.

The zookeepers became her “Teachers of the Visually Impaired” and helped her build a routine that keeps her happy, healthy, and independent. They modified her environment so she doesn’t get hurt (orientation & mobility), they use auditory cues and let her make her own choices when feeding her or doing other routines with her (basic strategies), and she even gets tummy rubs (sensory play).

Get to know Rinny HERE or visit the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance to meet all the animals. While many of the animals can't be touched, encourage your child to listen to any sounds they make and use narration when you describe to your child what the animals are doing.

An Egg-Cellent Adventure in Grand Junction

On March 30^th A Shared Vision families enjoyed an Easter adventure in Grand Junction sponsored by the Orchard Mesa and Fruita Lions Clubs, A Shared Vision, and the Center for Independence and Low Vision. The event included an accessible Easter egg hunt with beeping eggs, sensory craft activities, and horse and carriage rides. EI-TVI Kimala Rein trained the volunteers on how to engage with a child who is blind or has low vision.

Make Your Own Pizza

Any way you top it, pizza is always a family favorite. And it’s an easy recipe to make at home with your child who has low vision.

Making pizza together provides tons of sensory opportunities and helps build small motor skills. This recipe is even easier with pre-made pizza dough from your grocery store or local pizzeria, a jar of marinara sauce, and your favorite toppings. Try the recipe HERE.

My Child Is Blind -- Where Do I Start?

Finding out that your infant or toddler is blind or has low vision can be overwhelming, but there are lots of ways you can ensure that you and your child receive the support and resources you both need to thrive. Here are 10 tips to help you navigate this new journey.

Connect with a pediatric ophthalmologist, optometrist or low vision specialist who can explain your child’s visual impairment and recommend appropriate interventions.
Understand the diagnosis. Ask your providers and do your own research on what to expect in terms of your child’s development, challenges, and treatments.
Contact Early Intervention Colorado for free therapies and support services. That may include working with an Early Intervention Teacher of the Visually Impaired who can provide coaching and strategies to best support your child.
Begin to think about your child’s educational needs, both at home or in a center-based program.
Build your support system with other families going on the same journey.
Review your home environment so it’s safe and easy for your child to navigate.
Promote your child’s independence by allowing them to explore and participate in activities with your support and supervision.
Access resources available through other organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with blindness or low vision.
Consider using technology, specialized apps, and adaptive books and toys to enhance your child’s development.
Stay current as your child’s needs may change over time.

You can find more detailed resources in A Shared Vision’s website HERE. Remember, you’re not alone. Along with an EI-TVI, there are many people available to support you and your child.

Sign Up for 2025 Vision Screening Training

We are excited to announce the 2025 release of our highly successful Vision Screening Protocol© for early intervention professionals.

This update incorporates feedback from Colorado’s top pediatric ophthalmologists and optometrists, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of the tool with more specific recommendations for caregivers. Additionally, we have integrated a HIPAA-compliant cloud-based platform to greatly streamline the administration of the protocol. Caregivers can take the Vision Screening Questionnaire© on ANY device, and there are no PDFs to download or print. Sign up for training in June and July HERE.

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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