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ChildVision, Ireland’s national provider of vision specialist services, is pleased to announce the expansion of its services nationally with the support of Minister for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD.
This will enable ChildVision to offer specific vision training and comprehensive support to Children’s Disability Network Teams, Primary Care Teams, and Education Providers across the country. With this national remit, ChildVision aims to strengthen community-based services, ensuring that therapy and education can be delivered locally, within the child’s own community, through a shared caseload management approach.
Many children with visual impairments may also face additional challenges such as Autism, Dyslexia, or other learning difficulties. The team at ChildVision is equipped to provide specialised assessments and differential diagnoses, ensuring tailored support for children with a visual impairment. This specialised service is unique to ChildVision and enhances the care provided.
Speaking at the launch in Tuam, Co Galway, Minister Rabbitte said, “I am pleased to support the expansion of ChildVision’s national services, which marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the quality of life for children with visual impairments, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for their growth and development.”
“By expanding their reach, ChildVision is not only addressing the immediate needs of children with visual impairments but also laying the groundwork for a more integrated and accessible support system. This approach will empower local teams to deliver tailored interventions and educational support, ensuring that each child receives the care and resources they need to thrive.”
“I commend ChildVision for their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with visual impairments and for their innovative approach to service delivery. This expansion is a testament to their dedication and vision for a more inclusive society where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
This expansion is made possible through additional funding received under the Progressing Disabilities Services (PDS) model, allowing ChildVision to offer its services on a national scale.
ChildVision remains dedicated to supporting the therapy, educational, and developmental needs of children and young people with visual impairments throughout Ireland.
Provide ongoing specialist, dynamic assessment
Support Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs), Primary Care Teams (PCTs) and Visiting Teachers for the Visually Impaired (VTVI)
Are open to children with a visual impairment, aged 0-18 years, living in the Republic of Ireland.
To be eligible for assessment, the applicant must have either:
OR
1. Dynamic Multidisciplinary Team Assessments
The assessment team aims to provide ongoing, specialist, dynamic assessment for those aged 0-18 years with a diagnosis of optical or neurological visual impairments by profiling their individual needs so that they can be better supported at a local level within their community.
2. Adapted Psychology Assessments
The Psychology Service in ChildVision provides cognitive assessments for children who are blind or who have a visual impairment, where vision is their primary difficulty and where specialist equipment and adaptation are needed in order for them to access the testing material.
If the child is actively attending Psychology in the community or in a hospital setting, consultations can be arranged with their local Psychologist to determine if a specialist assessment is needed.
Children who have undergone a cognitive assessment should not be retested for a minimum of two years.
3. Autism Spectrum Disorder or Blindisms; A differential diagnosis assessment
The team, experienced in supporting those with optical or neurological visual impairments, have additional training in completing the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
The ADOS, considered the gold standard for assessing Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), will be used as an assessment tool, alongside the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADIR) and specialist clinical skills to ascertain if there is additional diagnosis of ASD alongside the child’s visual impairment.
4. Functional Vision Assessments
This assessment looks at how the child uses their vision skills and aims to make practical suggestions on how to maximise their visual abilities.
To make a referral, fill in our here. Referral Form
The team at ChildVision have developed essential modules on visual impairment to support those working with children and young people. Training is provided online through ChildVision’s learning platform with follow up tailored Q&A workshops from our team. To enquire for training for your team please contact referrals@childvision.ie
