Cortical Visual Impairment: How to Find Services

When Draven was around 2 years old, he had to see an eye specialist. The specialist told us that Draven would need glasses, but other than that, he should be good.

As Draven got older and tried to walk, we noticed he ran into things. He was terrified of steps or a change in flooring. He also had trouble with colors. We were beginning to think he might be colorblind.

At the time, I had a friend who told me he should be checked for CVI or Cortical Visual Impairment. CVI would make him legally blind. She told me to contact what was then Department of Aging and Rehabilitation services (DARS).

DARS is now part of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and their Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery & Development Program (BCVDDP) still provides great services. It offers assistance with Draven’s vision problems.

BCVDDP assigned us a caseworker who was amazing and helped us navigate the unknown. She informed us what we would need to do and how to do it. One of the first things we did was see a specialist in the Dallas area at the Low Vision Clinic. He confirmed that Draven did have CVI.

Our caseworker helped with the Admission Review Dismissal (ARD) meetings at school. And she helped us get the services Draven needed from the school.

Draven needed several different things at home. Some of the items BCVDDP assisted in getting for Draven are magnifying glasses, an iPad, and a bike. These are only a few of the many items. They have helped us with travel and paid for his eye exam at the Low Vision Clinic in Dallas.

They offered conferences and camps for children who are blind or severally visually impaired. They also help with education for parents. My husband and I have been able to take classes, go to conferences, and learn how to help Draven succeed.

Assistive technology and adaptive equipment can also provide benefits to children with visual impairments. If your child has vision issues, check out the BCVDDP.