Services for Children

Finding the right support for children with visual impairment or blindness isn’t always easy. Our Child Development Program lightens your load so you can focus on your child, and they can focus on being a kid.

Take advantage of a free consultation, our free braille books, support groups and so much more.

Child Development Gift Guide

Ideas for the perfect gifts for your blind or visually impaired child.
Cover of the Child Development Gift Guide

The Child Development Program

We know that parents and caregivers need help too, which is why we created the Child Development Program. Think of us as your support system. We take a white-glove approach to personally helping you find resources, information and more to make the right decisions for your family.

Feeling overwhelmed with information? Can’t find the right services and resources? That’s where we step in. Our specialized team members listen to your specific needs and provide guidance through the uncertainties you’re facing. They have extended education in areas such as Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairments, behavior, sleep, safety and much more. 

Young girl touching the sensory wall at Braille Institute.

What to Expect

Our Child Development Program does more than just give you pamphlets. Your family will have a dedicated team member who will provide:

  • 1:1 Consultation
  • Free cutomized welcome kit after your first consultation
  • Connection with resources in your community
  • Consulting with infant and preschool programs
  • Exploration of social experiences with your child outside of the home
  • Answers to your questions
Male child explores a box of various textured blocks.

How to Join

The Child Development Program is for any child up to six years of age regardless of their visual impairment. We provide services to families throughout the United States and internationally.

If you reside in central or southern California, you can schedule a visit with us at one of our seven centers.

To refer your child or a family in need, just fill out the form below or call us at 323-906-3112 or 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553).

Join the Child Development Program

Supporting the Support System

Aria’s children Berkley and Aubrey, both visually impaired, have worked with Braille Institute to surpass the expectations that some teachers thought. If someone says you can’t — we’re here to help you make it a “can.”

Aria D.
Parent

“I’m so excited, I can’t express it […] I have all the ‘can’ts’ from our journey […] this is proof right here. This has been made possible from the support I’ve received from Braille Institute.”

Did You Know?

The Braille Challenge is the only event of its kind in North America and is for kids in 1st – 12th grade.

Community Parent Groups

Connect with other families and caregivers to socialize and broaden your support network.

Email childdevelopment@brailleinstitute.org to sign up today.

 

Group of people standing at the beach.

Additional Opportunities

We also have a number of other resources for parents and caregivers to get together with educators, medical experts, and each other.

 

Monthly Guest Speaker

Our monthly educational series features specialists and pediatric optometrists. We cover a wide range of topics including eye exams, encouraging visual stimulation, and more. We also offer tips on ophthalmologist visits and visual simulation exercises.
Graphic of everyday items.

Free Braille Books

Dots for Tots is a program designed to increase braille literacy and foster a love of reading. Through the program, you receive FREE braille books and storybook kits throughout the year.

Any visually impaired child who is living in the United States or Canada is eligible to receive books. VI teachers or educators may also subscribe to Dots for Tots through our program, Partners in Literacy.

Braille Books with hands running over them.

The Braille Institute Library

Become a Library patron to gain access to thousands of titles on various formats. Or visit our Los Angeles location and explore our Children’s Library and Sensory Mural. Designed for young minds, this tactile cityscape of L.A. includes everything from textiles to musical instruments.

Additionally, our library is open to anyone with a reading disability.

Our Library
Young girl in pigtails reading a braille book.

Youth Program

Continue your child’s progress through the Youth Program (ages 7-18). Our enrichment program emphasizes activities that reinforce your child’s understanding in the nine areas within the Expanded Core Curriculum.
Explore the Youth Program
A young group of Braille Students.

Virtual Resources that Spark Imagination

Our Make-At-Home Activity video series provides fun, creative ways to engage with your child at home. Access our series for free on YouTube.

Refer a Child

A parent/caregiver can refer a child/family to Braille Institute Child Development Services by entering their information below:

Age-Level of Interest/Referral(Required)
Select Your Role(Required)

Your Contact Information

Name(Required)
Address
Child/Youth Name *(Required)
Primary Language

A Partner in Your Vision Loss Journey

A man smiling and sitting at a table with art supplies. A woman stands next to him, in conversation.