New Start: Envision Dallas Opens ECDC to Support BVI Children and Families in North Texas

“This center feels like the start of something bigger—not just for the kids, but for families, for the staff and for the community,” said Pascha’ Oliver, Envision Child Development Center Supervisor. “We’re ready. The need is here, and now, so are we.” 

This fall, Envision is expanding its early childhood reach with the launch of the Cathy G. Hudson Envision Child Development Center (ECDC) in Dallas—an inclusive, vision-integrated facility designed with a special focus on children who are blind or visually impaired. Opening in Farmers Branch this September, the center mirrors the success of its Wichita counterpart while meeting the unique needs of families in North Texas. 

ECDC Dallas is open to children with and without vision loss and follows a non-district restrictive model, welcoming students from any school district as long as families can get them to the center. It serves children from birth through preschool, Monday through Friday, year-round. The goal is simple but profound: to give children who are blind or visually impaired access to high-quality care, early learning experiences and a community of support—right from the start. 

Accessibility is built into every detail. Classrooms feature braille and tactile labeling, visual contrast enhancements and wide-open layouts that allow for safe mobility with walkers, wheelchairs or canes. The playground has ADA-accessible turf that’s also safe for children who are visually impaired or use hearing devices. Indoors, a dedicated “sensory city” space allows for large-motor play regardless of weather, while adaptive tools like light boxes, braille writers, CCTV units and screen readers are integrated throughout the learning environment. 

"To me, it’s all about the kids. It’s always been about the kids,” said Cathy Hudson, longtime Envision donor and namesake of the Envision Child Development Center.  

“Supporting this center is about more than a building — it’s about giving North Texas families access to services they’ve needed for far too long,” she explained. “Expanding Envision’s early childhood programs into Dallas means children who are blind or visually impaired will now have the same opportunities to learn, grow and thrive close to home." 

Unlike many traditional centers, ECDC Dallas welcomes outside providers such as occupational, speech and physical therapists during the day and gives them access to adaptive equipment and classroom space. This model reduces logistical barriers for families and fosters stronger collaboration among care teams. 

The community response has already been inspiring. During an open house this summer, representatives from Irving ISD, the University of Saint Augustine, Region 10, Prevent Blindness Texas and the Warren Center visited the facility. Two families with BVI children enrolled that very night. 

“We see this as seed planting,” Oliver explained. “There are families who don’t even know we exist yet, but now they do. Word of mouth is everything in early childhood care, and we’re just getting started.” 

Christenson added, “This isn’t just a niche service. It’s a way to build community. Families feel seen, supported and connected. That’s what matters most.” 

The launch is personal for many Envision employees, too. Staff members have donated supplies and stepped in to help prepare classrooms—just another sign of how deeply the organization believes in this work.  

“We’re not just adding a program,” said Teresa Houston, Envision Child Development Center Director in Wichita. “We’re growing the Envision family.” 

Houston, who helped open the Wichita ECDC more than 15 years ago, says this moment is both a milestone and a promise. “If we can reach kids earlier, we can change outcomes. We know there are children with vision loss all across the country, and now, we’re one step closer to reaching more of them.” 

Enrollment is now open! For more information, visit Envisionchild.com