On April 1, Blind Children's Learning Center launched a 100% virtual service model to meet the needs of our children and families amid COVID-19. Online classrooms and tele-health services are presently engaging hundreds of BCLC families until we can serve those families in person again. We look forward to that day and will continue to adhere to the best guidance and practices from the CDC, California Department of Public Health, Orange County Department of Education, and local governments in which BCLC serves and operates. Our top priority is the health and safety of our children, families, staff, volunteers, and the community at large.
Based on strict guidance and careful attention to the fact that BCLC provides critical services to a vulnerable population, we have implemented the following to play our role in maintaining public health.
To families receiving services, thank you for transitioning to virtual services with us. We feel privileged to play a part in your child's development and success. BCLC remains committed to providing essential early intervention in order to promote healthy development and adaptive skills. The temporary period of virtual service will come to an end, and while we don't yet know exactly when, the services provided now mean milestones can still be reached, goals can be met, and all kids will be prepared to succeed the moment we resume in-person services. Please continue to look out for updates from BCLC and your service provider(s) directly.
To supporters, we encourage you to take precautions to protect your own health and the health of others. Thank you for continuing to support our children and families. Essential services at BCLC support the health and education of children at severe risk of delays. We are working diligently to make sure those we serve continue reaching important milestones. If you are able, please consider sending a donation today to support this critical effort.
This unprecedented time calls for us to think adaptively and work together. While our physical offices are closed for the time being, BCLC will remain a place of support to our families. Our decisions will continue to be informed by guidance from the CDC, public health agencies, and collaborative partners like Orange County Department of Education and Regional Center of Orange County. To our families, staff, volunteers, and supporters, we will remain in regular contact to keep you informed about important developments.
Thank you for your support and well wishes during this time. Together, we can all get through this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Telehealth? The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines telehealth as the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support and promote long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration. Technologies include videoconferencing, the internet, store-and-forward imaging, streaming media, and terrestrial and wireless communications. Until further notice, ALL programming and services from BCLC will be delivered via Telehealth and online learning.
When will students return to BCLC's school-based program? Until further notice, on-site programming will be suspended. This is in accordance to prohibitions against gatherings of any size and the closure of schools throughout Orange County and beyond.
Will children with visual impairments still receive care during this time? Yes. Early intervention and therapeutic services are continuing via "Telehealth." The families of classroom students in our Bright Visions program (ages 6 months through second grade) are participating in daily online classrooms with additional schedules, activity plans, and tactile materials sent home to enrich learning all day long. We hope this is an opportunity to further educate parents in how they can support their child's journey to overcome obstacles created by visual impairments and other disabilities.
Where can I find the most up-to-date BCLC information in regards to COVID-19? Continue to check this webpage for the most current information. As always, we recommend following guidance from the CDC to inform your personal safety practices. BCLC will continue to keep families informed through direct communication.
My child receives in-home services. How will our family be impacted? To sustain your child's health and progress during a critical period of development, all in-home services will continue through a HIPAA-compliant tele-health platform as recommended by Regional Center of Orange County. Please continue to check for updates about the path to safety resuming in-person services.
Why is BCLC not providing on-site classroom services? The contain the spread of COVID-19, Blind Children's Learning Center is operating In accordance to what the Orange County Department of Education has suggested, our school will not be providing on-site services for preventative measures.
If schools are closed, how will the service time be made up? We are working with each individual school district to create and implement their individual virtual learning plan according to the goals and milestones set in each child's Individual Education Plan (IEP). The Site Supervisor of Bright Visions, a program of BCLC, is in regular contact with families. We will ensure equity of access to quality education for our population, which includes reasonable accommodations for the needs of children with visual impairments and other disabilities.
Where can I find out more information about COVID-19? Please continue to monitor the World Health Organization and CDC websites.
Will COVID-19 impact the 16th Annual Destination Independence 5K Walk? Yes. Though we will not be holding an in-person event, this year's event will carry on as a virtual event. Details and registration here.
For additional questions, please send us an email at [email protected].
