Then another friend reached out. This friend had also heard about a young girl in China who was blind and needed a home. Each friend was talking about Hope. That’s when the Phillips family reached out to Bethel China. By fall of 2008, Hope was three years old, in the United States, and enrolled at Blind Children’s Learning Center.
Hope's success is just one reason why our collaboration with Bethel China means so much. |
| As a baby, Hope lived in one of Bethel China's five foster care projects for orphans who are blind throughout China. The pieces all came together for BCLC’s Outreach Director, Irene Takahashi, and Deaf-Blind Intervener, Tricia Houlihan, to “go global” with early intervention. At the invitation of former BCLC employee Christy Allen—now an education consultant for Bethel China—Irene and Tricia travelled to present at a three-day conference near Beijing, China. Sharing early intervention and tactile communication strategies, BCLC joined Bethel China’s efforts to spread best practices throughout China. | |
The conference’s ultimate goal was to educate society and show parents that disability doesn’t need to be a taboo. Irene presented techniques and possibilities that greatly comforted families:
“Parents came up to us in tears after presentations, realizing for the first time that their children could have independent lives.”
“Parents came up to us in tears after presentations, realizing for the first time that their children could have independent lives.”
| Combatting a significant cultural stigma towards disability, early intervention increases the chance that children will be adopted and receive an education. “Our cultures may differ, but I found a shared belief in the abilities and potential of the children we interact with daily,” conveys BCLC Deaf-Blind Intevener, Tricia. She continues, “I felt a connection with the audience when sharing effective communication techniques.” Collaboration between BCLC and Bethel China began in the Fall of 2016 when the Bethel China team toured the Center’s unique and inclusive facility. Blind Children’s Learning Center is thrilled to help Bethel China increase independence and dignity amongst children with visual impairments in China. The Center thanks Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Todd & Kristen Jackson, and Bethel China for underwriting travel expenses. |  Tricia uses tactile communication with a child fostered by Bethel China. |
| Familiar tactile greetings, such as Deaf-Blind Intervener Tricia's bracelet, make it possible for Deaf-Blind children distinguish between individuals. This child now knows they have arrived to school. | A child's transition from the school bus to the child's classroom should be consistent. In doing so, they can navigate more independently and be better prepared to learn upon arriving to class. |
| Tactile symbols are part of a "Total Communication System" that allows children to make transitions throughout the day without relying on sight. | Therapeutic services help children compensate for specific areas affected by a visual impairment and other disabilities. Here, Physical Therapy helps a child achieve the major milestone of standing with minimal assistance. |
| Switches are a form of adaptive technology that allows children to communicate nonverbally and make choices. For a nonverbal child, this fundamentally alters how they can interact with peers and adults. | Name cues, along with other tactile symbols representing activities such as "play" and "lunch," create a reliable schedule for children with visual impairments to follow. |
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Johnson & Johnson Visions Supports Unique In-Home Program for Babies with Visual Impairments
8/28/2017
| Dozens of Orange County preschoolers with visual impairments marked the start of the 2017 school year with a celebratory luncheon at the Blind Children’s Learning Center (BCLC) today. Highlighting the day’s events was the presentation of a $10,000 check from Johnson & Johnson Vision to support BCLC’s Global Infant Development program, which provides in-home services to children who are blind or have visual impairments, and their families. “We are grateful for this new charitable contribution from Johnson & Johnson Vision,” said Colleen O’Higgins Roach, President and Executive Director of the nonprofit BCLC. |  Johnson & Johnson Vision employees present a $10,000 charitable gift to Blind Children's Learning Center on August 29, 2017. |
Visual impairments place children at severe risk of delayed development in almost all aspects of their life -- including physical, social, emotional, adaptive, cognitive and communications areas -- which is why program provides critical interventions from the very earliest phases of a child’s life.
“Johnson & Johnson recognizes that sight is a precious sense, and that’s what motivates us to help improve and restore sight for more patients around the globe,” said Raymond Kong, Regional Vice President, Commercial Americas, Surgical, Johnson & Johnson Vision. “We are so pleased to support this program, as we have seen first-hand the incredible impact the Center can have through the experiences of one of our own employees, whose daughter is a student at the Center.” Johnson & Johnson Vision will deliver support to the BCLC’s Global Infant Development Program through its surgical vision operating company, Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
“Johnson & Johnson recognizes that sight is a precious sense, and that’s what motivates us to help improve and restore sight for more patients around the globe,” said Raymond Kong, Regional Vice President, Commercial Americas, Surgical, Johnson & Johnson Vision. “We are so pleased to support this program, as we have seen first-hand the incredible impact the Center can have through the experiences of one of our own employees, whose daughter is a student at the Center.” Johnson & Johnson Vision will deliver support to the BCLC’s Global Infant Development Program through its surgical vision operating company, Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
Children Receive Customized Support
| BCLC’s Global Infant Development program provides customized therapeutic services to address each individual child’s needs, whether they are blind, visually impaired, or deaf and blind. And, because infants with visual impairment often experience other concurrent health conditions or may otherwise be medically fragile, BCLC’s Infant Vision Stimulation Specialists are dispatched to make “house calls” directly to each child’s home. The Infant Vision Stimulation Specialist works directly with the child and their family members, introducing adaptive methods and various tools intended to encourage the child’s development, maximize their vision potential and effectively compensate for their lack of vision. Educational resources also are provided for family members who want to support their child’s unique development needs. Each child’s care is coordinated by a team of specialists, including licensed Occupational Therapists (OTs), speech and language pathologists (SLPs), Physical Therapists (PTs), and marriage and family therapists (MFTs). When the child is ready, they may transition to the Bright Visions Early Childhood Center, located on BCLC’s campus in North Tustin, California. |  Raymond Kong, Regional Vice President, Commercial Americas, Surgical of Johnson & Johnson Vision observes a session of Occupational Theray. |
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the cost of raising a child with special needs is approximately four times greater than a typically developing child, making it important to provide services to at-need children and their families at low to no cost. Nearly all of the Center’s students are from low- to moderate-income families.
“The generous charitable contribution from Johnson & Johnson Vision will enable us to support an estimated 70 children and their families through our Global Infant Development Program, allowing us to extend our essential early intervention services to even more local infants and toddlers,” said Irene Takahashi, BCLC’s Director of Outreach.
“The generous charitable contribution from Johnson & Johnson Vision will enable us to support an estimated 70 children and their families through our Global Infant Development Program, allowing us to extend our essential early intervention services to even more local infants and toddlers,” said Irene Takahashi, BCLC’s Director of Outreach.
| About BCLC Blind Children’s Learning Center, a non-profit agency, provides services for children with visual impairments. Founded in 1962 by adults who were blind, the organization was originally called “Services for the Blind, Inc.” The founders quickly discovered the key to helping a person with visual impairments was to start working with them at a very early age. Today the agency serves children and their families through the Global Infant Development Program, Bright Visions Early Childhood Center (an onsite preschool – 2nd grade) and Youth Outreach Services with the mission to prepare children with visual impairments for a life of independence through early intervention, education and family support. For more information, please visit www.blindkids.org | Vision Therapy helps infants and toddlers with visual impairments maximize their vision potential. |
About Johnson & Johnson Vision
Johnson & Johnson Vision is committed to improving and restoring sight for patients worldwide. Since debuting the world's first disposable soft contact lens in 1987, it has been helping patients see better through the world-leading ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses portfolio. In 2017, Johnson & Johnson invested further in eye health by expanding into cataract surgery, laser refractive surgery (LASIK) and consumer eye health. Serving more than 60 million patients a day across 103 countries, Johnson & Johnson Vision is committed to helping more people in more places improve or restore their sight. Dual headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and Santa Ana, California, Johnson & Johnson Vision has more than 8,400 employees worldwide.
Johnson & Johnson Vision is committed to improving and restoring sight for patients worldwide. Since debuting the world's first disposable soft contact lens in 1987, it has been helping patients see better through the world-leading ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses portfolio. In 2017, Johnson & Johnson invested further in eye health by expanding into cataract surgery, laser refractive surgery (LASIK) and consumer eye health. Serving more than 60 million patients a day across 103 countries, Johnson & Johnson Vision is committed to helping more people in more places improve or restore their sight. Dual headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and Santa Ana, California, Johnson & Johnson Vision has more than 8,400 employees worldwide.
| In just one week, Ethan and his friends begin the new school year at Blind Children’s Learning Center. Will you help us prepare for children like Ethan? When Ethan and his twin brother Tyler were born at 34 weeks, there was no indication of complications. Both babies were placed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Within three weeks, Tyler gained enough weight to be discharged, but Ethan was still underweight. A CT scan revealed that Ethan had Septo Optic Dysplasia, a rare congenital disorder that causes underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the optic nerves. The syndrome affects both eyes, allowing him to only see shadow and light. |  |
“When we first got the diagnosis, the doctor told us not to save for college,” said Eleazar, the twin’s father.
To receive such a devastating prognosis was disheartening, but Ethan’s parents found hope at Blind Children’s Learning Center.
To receive such a devastating prognosis was disheartening, but Ethan’s parents found hope at Blind Children’s Learning Center.
| The Center’s infant development specialists began serving four-month-old Ethan and his parents in their home. After just three months, Ethan successfully transitioned into the on-site Bright Visions Early Childhood Center where he received occupational therapy, physical therapy, orientation & mobility, speech, and specialized education to meet his needs. “Since Ethan has been at the Center, he has become more social and curious,” said Eleazar. “For us, the goal is for Ethan to be independent, and the Center is the best place for him to develop his independence.” |  |
Ethan returns to Blind Children's Learning Center in just one week, along with other children with visual impairments. Program fees cover only 40% of the actual cost to provide specialized services critically needed for these children to reach their full potential.
Please help us provide our students with the tools and resources necessary to overcome their challenges and make a donation today.
Please help us provide our students with the tools and resources necessary to overcome their challenges and make a donation today.
| Graduation & Promotion Ceremony This year's graduation on July 14 celebrated the accomplishments and perseverance of children with visual impairments. Their strides towards literacy, academic success, and healthy development create hope for tomorrow. Plus, any day with yummy ice cream provided by the Chino Valley Lions Club is a success! |  |
| Dr. Frank Villalobos Fall Golf Classic: Mon, Nov 6, 2017 Early Bird Rate valid through Sept 15, 2017! Register as an Individual or Foursome Today South County Lexus is our Hole in One Sponsor. You can win a two year lease of the 2017 Lexus IS 250! |  |
We Love Our Volunteers!
 Volunteers from National Charity League made Summer Camp possible. We are so grateful for their dedication and the time they spent training! Thank you to the following chapters: Orange/Villa Park, Monarch Beach, Irvine/Vista, and North Tustin.  Wescom Credit Union WeCare Foundation provided much needed assistance streamlining equipment and supply storage. Plus, they crafted tools to teach mathematics to children who are blind or visually impaired! |  The new intern class at PIMCO Foundation rolled up their sleeves to help prepare for graduation, make adaptive learning tools, organize curriculum materials, and beautifying our campus. We loved hosting 68 volunteers for great volunteer day and blindfold lunch!  The Hwarang Leo Club began volunteering monthly this spring. In addition to keeping classrooms hygienic, they also buddied up with children during the summer camp field trip to Makapo Aquatics Project! |
| This year's Mary Anne White Summer Camp, a program of Blind Children's Learning Center, was full of joy, new experiences, and maximizing independence. Hands on lessons motivated children with visual impairments to find fun while building self-sufficiency and confidence. Children ages 3-12 used real power tools (under close supervision), made real food, handled real money, and much more to expand their practical knowledge through adaptive means. | |
Children flexed their literacy skills, creating stories and practicing rhyming words with tactile letters and Braille. One student Brailled an imaginative story about an amusement park that comes to life. Her Braille-proficient friends loved it so much she had to keep typing to continue the story!
Summer Camp culminated to an exciting day of paddling in canoes and swimming with the Makapo Aquatics Project. Campers had a blast participating in a sport that is completely accessible to people who are sighted, visually impaired, or blind!
Summer Camp culminated to an exciting day of paddling in canoes and swimming with the Makapo Aquatics Project. Campers had a blast participating in a sport that is completely accessible to people who are sighted, visually impaired, or blind!
| We are grateful to partner with volunteers from the community and the following National Charity League Chapters: Orange/Villa Park, Monarch Beach, Irvine/Vista, and North Tustin. Each volunteer acted as 1-on-1 buddies after attending a training to learn the techniques for steering children with visual impairments and other disabilities towards independence. Their dedication and compassion helped children learn in a safe, supporting environment. |  |  |
| Summer camp is in memory of a very special child, Mary Anne White. Mary Anne passed away at 15 months old and received home-based services through Blind Children's Learning Center for most of her life. We thank Mary Anne's family for the privilege of honoring her memory and the support they have given to so many children throughout the years. _________ |  |  |
| Pre-Kindergarten students at Blind Children's Learning Center graduated on Friday, July 14, 2017. Family, friends, and supporters gathered to celebrate their many accomplishments and stories of perseverance. Teachers had a chance to honor each child's unique gifts and the obstacles they have overcome. Brooklyn is Brailling many letters and has become a true social butterfly. Taya, who is affectionate to all, loves the Technology lab and is reading and writing more words in Braille every day. Ryan, who is a deeply empathetic sighted peer, is a true friend in learning alongside his classmates. Independence is truly within reach. |  |
Many children will continue building a strong foundation for independence at Blind Children's Learning Center in the fall. Children can now attend Blind Children's Learning Center through second grade thanks to the recent expansion of the on-site Bright Visions Early Childhood Center program. Other children will transition to public school classrooms, where credentialed Teachers of the Visually Impaired and an Orientation & Mobility specialist will continue to support their education and navigation needs.
View the full gallery of photos taken by Debbie Lefever HERE.
View the full gallery of photos taken by Debbie Lefever HERE.
Blind Children's Learning Center thanks the following groups and individuals for making graduation extra special this year:
| It is with great pride that I take on the role of President & Executive Director at Blind Children's Learning Center. I was incredibly moved at the 13th Annual Destination Independence 5K Walk in May, where I met many of the children and families served by BCLC. The sense of family, strength and community inspired me. Prior to joining BCLC, my non-profit career focused on fund development and organizational growth. I served as Executive Director for the Los Angeles and San Francisco chapters of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Orange County chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and as Director of Development and Corporate Relations at the University of California, Irvine. |  |
I am dedicating my first week at BCLC to speaking with staff and learning from both their experience and passion. I have come to better understand how our Center provides a sense of comfort and direction for families in need, while at the same time providing our children with the essential services to guide them towards independence. It is this understanding, along with witnessing the milestones they conquer, that will better prepare me to serve this special organization.
I want to thank this compassionate community of supporters, volunteers, collaborative partners, and community leaders for helping sustain the essential programs of BCLC. With your help, I look forward to extending both the reach and funding of Blind Children's Learning Center, while protecting the very qualities that make it so special. Together we will prepare children with visual impairments for a healthy, happy and independent future.
Sincerely,
Colleen
I want to thank this compassionate community of supporters, volunteers, collaborative partners, and community leaders for helping sustain the essential programs of BCLC. With your help, I look forward to extending both the reach and funding of Blind Children's Learning Center, while protecting the very qualities that make it so special. Together we will prepare children with visual impairments for a healthy, happy and independent future.
Sincerely,
Colleen
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