"How do you explain to a blind person what a cloud is or the moon? How do you go about describing this As a parent? this is the almost impossible piece because you need the immediate early intervention."

-Maxen's Dad

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Testing confirmed Sabrina had a thin corpus callosum in her brain, which led to the diagnoses of Cortical Visual Impairment and cerebral palsy.

Sabrina began early intervention services in February at 10-months. From in-person services, to virtual services, and then back to on-site learning, she has leaped forward every step of the way.

Parents Chris and Claudia share that
"Sabrina has made so much progress since she began receiving services. She can now roll left and right, reaches out and grasps for objects with accuracy, pushes herself upright after learning forward, and lefts her arms up higher. We can tell that her vision is improving"


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“Maddie was missing all her milestones. What services would she need?” remembers her mom, Michelle. “Has anyone else gone through this? What are all these acronyms? Who can help us?”

Maddie, has received services at BCLC since she was a toddler. She learned the entire Braille alphabet during quarantine, but what her mom celebrates most is, “Maddie is comfortable with who she is. She understands her limitations but has learned to focus on what she can do. When possible, she loves to help her friends.”

Michelle also share that “Having this community has really helped. It really helps to have a community of parents who also have kids with special needs. Teachers and administrative staff are so turned in with what parents must be feeling. I know I’m bringing my kid to an environment with people who really care.
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Charlie has Cortical Visual Impairment and Hunter's Syndrome, a condition where his body doesn't break down complex sugar molecules, causing buildup in his organs.This condition affects Charlie's speech development

Relief washed over Kristin when BCLC specialists sat down and listened to her articulate Charlie’s needs before developing a care plan.


“Other places didn’t give me the chance to share that. I went from being
terrified he would be left behind, to knowing Charlie would be included in everything.”

Charlie’s development is advancing after enrolling in his toddler classroom and speech therapy in August. Kristin remarks, “He finally said, ‘Mama’, three weeks into class.

"When Katie was a baby, we knew something was different. She was so delayed. When the doctor shined a light in her eyes, there was no reaction. 

She was diagnosed with Cortical Visual Impairment at five months, and Blind Children's Learning Center intervened right away. They presented objects in a way she could process. She lit up and became motivated. I cried with joy. She has grown so much since then.

​Without early intervention and everyone rallying around her, I'm certain Katie wouldn't be where she is now."

​- Grace, mother of Katie, age 4​​​.

Danyelle was born blind and began receiving services from Blind Children's Learning Center at age 3. As a graduate of the University of Arizona with a degree in Linguistics and Spanish, Danyelle has accomplished so much.

She has mentored younger students who are visually impaired, teaching them independent living skills, such as how to wash dishes, make orange juice, or fold their clothes. "I grew up at the Center, and I want to give back to what they poured into me," said Danyelle.


She has grown to be a strong and confident young woman with a clear message: "My wish is that the sighted community would understand individuals with visual impairments and stop perceiving us with limited capabilities. We can accomplish so many things. Just give us the opportunities."

Andrew has been blind since he was 2 months old. At age 4, there was one piece of playground equipment he feared – the slide. Andrew’s Orientation and Mobility (O & M) Specialist used his fear as a challenge. Andrew shared, “She wouldn’t give up and kept telling me I could go down the slide. She even held my hand the first time I went down. I did it.”

Andrew's spirit for independence has only grown since. Andrew has flown planes, participated in the Makapo outrigger paddling team, and competed in high school wrestling.

Bridget, Andrew's mother, credits BCLC for giving Andrew a strong educational and developmental foundation that played a key role in his success.

Today, Andrew continues to give back as a volunteer and mentor to children at BCLC, instilling within them the same sense of independence that guides his every move.