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C’s Services Program

BUREAU OF BLINDNESS AND VISUAL SERVICES (BBVS). C’s Services Program. CHILDREN’S SERVICES PROGRAM.

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C’s Services Program

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  1. BUREAU OF BLINDNESS AND VISUAL SERVICES (BBVS) C’s Services Program CHILDREN’S SERVICES PROGRAM

  2. The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services Children’s Services Program assists Pennsylvania children who are blind and visually impaired gain the necessary skills to function as independently as possible within their homes, school, and communities. MISSION STATEMENT

  3. CHILDREN’S SERVICES PROVIDER TEAM: • Child • 2. Parent/Guardian • 3. BBVS Social Worker • 4. BBVS Vision Rehabilitation Therapist • 5. BBVS Orientation and Mobility Specialist • 6. BBVS Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor • beginning when the child is age 14 BBVS Children’s Services Provider Team

  4. VISUAL ELIGIBILITY IS BASED ON ONE OR MORE OF THESE FOUR FACTORS: • A corrected visual acuity of 20/70 or worse in the better eye • A visual field loss of 20 degrees or worse • A diagnosis of a progressive sight threatening disease with a documented significant functional limitation from vision loss • A documented significant functional limitation from vision loss Eligibility Requirements

  5. ASSESSMENT OF NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES The need for comprehensive services must exist before a Service Plan is developed. The BBVS Social Worker will complete an assessment of need for services in conjunction with eligibility factors. The assessment identifies significant functional limitations in completing daily living tasks that result from vision loss. The assessment also determines what services the child needs to successfully function within their home, at school, and within the community. Eligibility Requirements (Continued)

  6. 3. FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY The implementation of the Financial Needs Test for the Specialized Services Programs will be completed. The Financial Needs Test (FNT) is based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines that are published annually. Certain services are subject to the FNT but many services are not guided by the FNT. The BBVS Social Worker will discuss that information with the parent/guardian and determine eligibility. 4. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS For purposes of satisfying eligibility criteria, the following applicants who are either United States citizens or lawfully admitted aliens are considered Pennsylvania residents:   Individuals whose parent/guardian declares a place of residence or is located within the Commonwealth. Eligibility Requirements (Continued)

  7. Provide information regarding BBVS Children’s Services Program • Manage/coordinate BBVS services • Encourage proper eye care for children • Educate parent/guardian and the child (if appropriate) regarding types of vision examinations available, including Low Vision Examinations and Functional Vision evaluations • Authorize payment of appropriate eye examinations • Authorize purchasing of recommended devices from vision examinations, as appropriate • Provide counseling and guidance to the child and parent/guardian • Provide outreach services ROLE OF THE BBVS SOCIAL WORKER

  8. Provide resource information and updates to parent/guardian regarding policies/laws affecting their child’s disability and available services • Provide advocacy for the child by attending IFSP/IEP/ and Transition meetings • Provide referrals for BBVS VRT/OM/VR services, when appropriate • Foster inclusion of the child in school and community activities • Provide information regarding additional appropriate community resources • Partner with the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to insure a smooth transition of the child from school to post-secondary education or employment • Conduct/participate in public relations events to educate the public regarding BBVS Children’s Services Program ROLE OF THE SOCIAL WORKER (cont.)

  9. Provision of Services not subject to FNT • Information and Referral • This service is the direct provision of information about the services provided by BBVS • Assessments are completed to identify and make appropriate referrals to community resources in order to meet the child’s needs

  10. Provision of Services not subject to FNT • Counseling and Guidance • Provide support for the parents/guardians and child • Provide education regarding the child’s visual impairment • Promote independence within the home, school and community • Educate the parents/guardian and child on the importance of self advocacy skills

  11. Provision of Services not subject to FNT • Adjustment to Blindness Counseling • Provide referral to a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) to assist in the adjustment process when a need is identified • Counseling sessions maybe funded based on the recommendations of the LPC

  12. Provision of Services not subject to FNT • Advocacy • Actively pursuing, supporting or recommending a course of action regarding the attainment of services from outside resources • The BBVS Social Worker will empower and promote self advocacy • Provide direct advocacy services when necessary

  13. Provision of Services not subject to FNT Diagnostic Services: Comprehensive assessment of visual health are is used to determine eligibility and to create an appropriate plan for services. • Diagnostic Services can include: • Opthomological exam • Low Vision Evaluation • Functional Vision Exam

  14. Provision of Services not subject to FNT Diagnostic Services can include: • Opthomological exam: Evaluates ocular health and refractive error • Low Vision Evaluation: Evaluates and prescribes optical and non optical aids that assist the child in maximizing the use of his/her residual vision • Functional Vision Exam: Evaluates ocular health and refractive error for a child who is unable to participate in the conventional opthomological exam. This exam also provides recommendations to assist in furthering visual development

  15. Provision of Services not subject to FNT Referral for Instructional Services and recommended equipment: • Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): • Individualized instruction in activities of daily living to ensure safety within the home, school and community which may include: • Personal home management skills • Communication and social skills • Assistive Technology instruction • Visual efficiency skills

  16. Provision of Services not subject to FNT • Orientation and Mobility: • Individualized instruction in travel techniques to ensure safety within the home and community. Works collaboratively with Orientation and Mobility Instructors within the school system. Instruction may include: • Concept and sensory development • Fine and gross motor skills • Visual efficiency skills • Adaptive equipment instruction

  17. Provision of Services not subject to FNT • Interpreter Services: available and provided by a Certified interpreter to insure planned services are met.

  18. Provision of Services not subject to FNT • Vocational Rehabilitation Services • Social Workers will refer children to the vocational rehabilitation program at the age of 14. • Social Workers and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors work collaboratively with the parents/guardians and child to ensure that the appropriate services are provided as part of the Individualized Transition Plan.

  19. Provision of Services subject to FNT Low Vision Aids are provided as part of a recommendation by a Certified Low Vision Specialist. • Examples of low vision devices can include: • High-Powered glasses • Magnifiers • Telescopic devices • Electronic devices • Closed Circuit Television • Glare filters • Customized lighting

  20. Provision of Services subject to FNT Eye Glasses and Contact Lenses: • One pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses per year may be provided as recommended by the Low Vision Evaluation, Functional Vision Evaluation, or other appropriate optometric or ophthalmologic assessment.

  21. Provision of Services subject to FNT Hearing Aids: • The goal of providing a hearing aid is to reduce isolation by enabling verbal communication or to enable the child to remain independent • Recommendation for hearing aids must be made by a Licensed Audiologist

  22. Provision of Services subject to FNT Access Technology may be provided when a demonstrated need related to achieving independence is identified. • Examples of technology include: • Screen readers • Screen enhancement software • Accessible hardware • Scanning technology

  23. Provision of Services subject to FNT Developmental Adaptive Equipment may be provided based on the recommendations from a Functional Vision Evaluation and/or an Early Intervention Vision Processional or Teacher of the Visually Impaired equipment can be purchased. Examples include: • Vision Stimulation equipment • Educational toys

  24. For further assistance or questions, please contact your local BBVS office or: Shelly Faust-Jones Special Programs Supervisor Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services PA Department of Labor and Industry 1521 N. 6th Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 Phone: 717-787-5735/ Fax:717-787-3210 sfaustjone@pa.gov CONTACT INFORMATION

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