Florida Dept, of Education
600 8th Ave. West suite 302
Palmetto, Florida 34221

Phone: 941-721-2917
Extension:
Toll Free Phone:
Fax: 941-721-2918
TDD Phone:

Website: dbs.myflorida.com/Babies/

Program Description

The Blind Babies Program was established by the Florida Legislature in 2000 to provide community-based early intervention education for children from birth through five years of age who are blind or visually impaired, and for their parents, families, and caregivers. The program promotes early development with a special emphasis on vision skills to minimize developmental delays. This education lays the groundwork for future learning by helping a child progress through normal developmental stages. It teaches children to discover and to make the best use of their skills for future success in school. The program helps ensure that visually impaired and blind children enter school as ready to learn as their sighted classmates. It also links children and their families to other available resources that could assist these families in the future. Early intervention services offered through the Blind Babies Program are delivered by community-based provider organizations.

Services Available Through This Program

Child Developmental Milestones/School Readiness , Special Needs/Disabilities and other related services

Hours of Operation

Eligibility Requirements and Important Information

There are only two criteria for eligibility: The child must have the presence of a bilateral visual impairment which, with best correction for that individual, constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to the childs ability to learn, or function independently, or to become employed; and A reasonable expectation that services may benefit the child and family in terms of education, independence, and transition. It is preferred the child have a Social Security Number, legal status in the United States, and Florida residency at least six months of the year.

Availability and Fees

Current Wait List:	NO
Handicapped Access:	NO
Accepts Medicaid:	NO
Accepts Private Insurance:	NO
Financial Assistance Available?:	NO
Sliding Scale:	NO

Other Fee Information

Points of Interest

Specific services from birth through age two include: Family involvement Attachment, communication, and social skills Childcare routines Motor, orientation and mobility Sensory development, touch and hearing (compensatory skills) Interaction with objects (play, cognition and concept development) Early literacy experiences Specific services from age three through five include: Interaction with people (language, social skills and play, behavior and mannerisms) Early literacy experiences and learning media Self-care and independence Orientation and mobility Cognition and concept development Assessment, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), program planning and transitioning