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Referral and Intake Process

To qualify for Anchor Center for Blind Children services:
  • Child must have vision impairment or dual sensory loss of vision and hearing.
  • A medical report from an ophthalmologist or neurologist verifying vision impairment is required.
Referrals:
  • Referrals can be made to Anchor Center by pediatric ophthalmologists, neurologists, early intervention specialists, service coordinators and family members.
  • A child with a determined vision loss, whether a known diagnosis or not, should be referred to Kivanc Ozer-Afsar, Family Specialist, by completing an online referral form
  • Kivanc will process all the information necessary (including an ophthalmology or neurology report).
  • If a parent has concerns about their child's visual development, Anchor Center for Blind Children recommends they see a pediatric ophthalmologist prior to beginning the referral process.
  • We see children in area hospitals.
Intake Process:
  • After an appropriate referral is made to Anchor Center for Blind Children, a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) will conduct a Functional Vision Assessment (FVA):
    • An FVA looks at how a child's vision relates to his/her learning style and development;
    • An FVA provides suggestions on maximizing use of the child's vision, touch and hearing;
    • An FVA also emphasizes development of safe and independent orientation and mobility.
  • Eligibility for the infant or toddler program will be determined depending on the severity of the vision loss and its impact on the child's development and access to learning.
  • Monthly home visits may be appropriate in situations where the child is too medically involved to go to the center or there are transportation/work challenges for the parent(s).
  • Parents are encouraged to attend either the infant (9:30 - 11:00) program or toddler (11:45 - 1:30) program on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the school year.
  • A commitment to attending class on a regular basis benefits not only the child with vision loss but the parents as they meet other parents facing similar challenges (See Parent Resources).
  • Requirements for a child age three to five years of age are handled on an individual basis in conjunction with local school district.

Anchor Center for Blind Children
2550 Roslyn Street
Denver, Colorado 80238
Phone: 303-377-9732
Fax: 303-377-9744
(Hablamos Español)