Pediatric Programs
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There are more than 90,000 school-age children in the U.S. who are blind or low vision, including more than 6,500 Kansas students. Because of an increase in premature births, nearly 14,000 infants are born each year with retinopathy of prematurity, a potentially blinding eye disease. Envision offers several pediatric programs in order to ensure that children who are blind or low vision learn the skills necessary to lead independent lives.
Kids Clubs
The Envision Route 3-12 and LOL groups offer support services for children ages 3-12 and teenagers ages 13-21. The groups are a collaborative effort between the Envision Vision Rehabilitation Center and the women of the Delta Gamma Fraternity at Wichita State University. Delta Gamma members act as mentors for the support group members, as well as serve as volunteers.
Monthly activities let kids be kids, while also allowing Envision Vision Rehabilitation staff to monitor the progress and needs of each individual child or teen. Support group meetings have a major developmental impact -- assisting children and their caregivers to adjust to vision loss, helping them remain independent in their homes, schools and communities.
Assistive Technology Camp
Envision Assistive Technology Camp is a week-long educational experience for middle school and high school students with vision impairments. The camp includes computer training, career development, experiential learning, and mentoring with professionals who use assistive technology in their fields. Throughout the week, students learn more about interacting in social settings, business etiquette and study skills. Upon graduation at the end of the week, students are given the assistive technology software specific to their individual vision needs.
Homework Club
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Envision Vision Rehabilitation Center offers an afterschool Homework Club during the regular school year. Children and teens with vision impairments can study and complete school assignments with the help of volunteer mentors and appropriate technology.