National Volunteer Month is a special opportunity to thank selfless individuals who make every day an opportunity for children with visual impairments.

The Board of Directors, committee members, classroom interns and volunteers, and community groups provide invaluable support in all aspects of the organization.

From Blind Children's Learning Center, we thank each and every individual who gives their time empowering children who are blind and visually impaired to succeed.

On April 20, we celebrated the significant impact that classroom volunteers and college interns make in the classrooms at Blind Children's Learning Center.

The Hollywood Nights theme made interns the stars of the evening.

Interns gain important career readiness skills while fulfilling college requirements. Some go on to work at BCLC as employees, and all improve the lives of our children.

Anahiem Ducks Foundation enhances literacy efforts by Brailling materials for the classrooms.

Delta Gammas assist in childcare weekly and make sure special events go off without a hitch.

Flour employees lend a hand to Destination Independence 5k Walk participants.

Deloitte makes an impact on Impact Day! Volunteers have build storage, added shade to our playground, installed garden irrigation, and more!

Experian volunteers enrich the learning experience of children with visual impairments by brailling and assembling adaptive learning materials.

National Charity League thorughout Orange County support special events and create special bonds with children during summer camp.

Pacific Life Good Guys are loyal supporters of children with visual impairments. They give their time creating sensory learning activities and serving lunch to over 500 walkers each May.

The PIMCO Foundation intern class learns that service is part of the job by supporting our classrooms and helping us prepare for our annual graduation ceremony.

Teletrac Navman keep limited resources focused on the kids by organized mailings about our incredible children!

Local UPS employees roll up their sleeves to increase wheelchair accessibility to playground features.

​Blind author and motivational speaker Jake Olson electrified a sold out crowd when he proclaimed:

"I may not have my sight, but I have vision."

Held at Andrei's Conscious Cuisine on February 22, 2018, the dining in the dark experience put guests in the shoes of children who are blind and visually impaired.

Blind Children's Learning Center has many people to thank. The evening's sponsors and donors for their generous support of children with visual impairments. Jake Olson and Master of Ceremonies Ed Blatchford for inspiring us all. A phenomenal planning committee and Board of Directors who made the entire evening possible.

To all, we thank you for creating a vision beyond sight. 

​
​The Center gave Danyelle her educational foundation as a young child. She is a graduate from University of Arizona, has mentored young students at BCLC, and remains a role model.

She — like you — is building the future.

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.

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.

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.

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. ​

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.

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.”

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!

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.

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.