Participants will have the opportunity to examine the advocacy efforts undertaken by a group of stakeholders and families in collaboration with Government, resulting in the development of a provincial Blind, Low-Vision Early Intervention Program.  This program has been established to provide child and family centered services, accessible across the province of Ontario, to support the optimal healthy development of children born with low vision or blindness. At a time when many educational programs are turning to “generic models,” this program offers an example of true collaboration and commitment to specialized services.

 Key components of the new program that will be presented will include: family support and counselling, specialized intervention and education services, and professional and parent education. To date, In-service training has begun in the province to prepare at least sixty Early Childhood Educators in the area of blindness and low vision to take on the role of Early Childhood Vision Consultants throughout the province. This training is conducted through both on-site and distance education opportunities with a mentoring practicum, utilizing the materials produced by the Early Intervention Training Center for Infants and Toddlers with Visual Impairments at the FPG Child Development Institute.  Information will be shared specific to “lessons learned” and advice for state or provincial training of early childhood personnel working with young children who are blind/visually impaired.