Specail Needs


	VISUALLY IMPAIRED PRESCHOOL SERVICES (VIPS) 161 Burt Road, Suite #4 Lexington, KY 40503	T: (888) 254-8477 www.vips.org
	VIPS offers a way to improve school readiness by making sure children with vision loss learn necessary skills prior to entering preschool/kindergarten. Through VIPS, parents also learn how they can meet their child's special needs, share their concerns, and ultimately form new hopes and dreams for the future. The majority of the VIPS mission occurs in one-on-one interaction in the home. Their home-based program is the key to helping blind babies explore their world. They also enhance the child's experience by offering playgroups and family events. These activities work together to foster the independence necessary to for school readiness. Highly trained teachers also work with children over the age of 3, especially when they need specialized services like Orientation and Mobility or O&M. VIPS currently holds the Franklin County School contract to help children with vision loss travel safely in school and surrounding locations. Eligibility: Children who are referred to VIPS through First Steps have a diagnosed visual impairment from a pediatric ophthalmologist. Family members and friends can refer directly to VIPS, but currently all children served must qualify for services through First Steps. VIPS never turns away any child who needs their services and there is never a waiting list for services. Cost: VIPS does not charge families for direct intervention services, which the is bulk of their mission. Families enrolled in the two-year old program in the Louisville preschool pay a nominal fee of $50 per week. Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday (8:00am - 4:00pm) Friday (8:00am - 12:00pm) Director (Central Kentucky): Mary Moore Yohon marym@vips.org Executive Director: Diane Nelson
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