CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES

• Determine the child’s visual functioning level
• Recommend appropriate rehabilitation with CVI’s pediatric occupational therapists and/or assistive devices to enhance functional vision
• Educate family, caregivers, and teachers about child’s visual needs, including:
  • Assistive technology or other adaptations the child will use
  • How, when, and why to use assistive devices
  • Prepare for transition into daycare and kindergarten
  • If necessary, create an individual education plan to provide the child with accommodations at school

CVI welcomes Dr. Sarah Lee. See her bio below.

Low visions exams are available the first Wednesday each quarter and may be scheduled with Client Services at 404-875-9011.

• Development of gross and fine motor skills for manipulation
• Spatial awareness
• Daily activities such as feeding, dressing, personal care and engaging in play
• Sensory integration and exploration

CVI’s occupational therapists offer ‘toddler and me’ group classes as well as one-on-one rehabilitation. They work with the pediatric low vision optometrist and other caregivers and health providers to ensure that children are able to achieve developmental progress and to promote their independence at home.

Occupational therapy appointments are available on demand and may be scheduled with Client Services at 404-875-9011.

Children with visual impairment do not learn in the same way as those with sight, and must compensate by using listening skills, tactile approaches, and multi-sensory input in place of visual experiences. Our occupational therapists will provide an individualized program that targets the areas most needed for your child. Sessions are one hour and based on the individualized evaluation and treatment plan developed with the OT.

Contact Client Services at 404-875-9011 to schedule.

CVI accepts insurance for many services and offers services on a sliding fee scale with financial assistance available for eligible families. Client Services can provide more information and walk you through the application process.

CVI’s low vision optometrist and occupational therapist provide counsel and recommendations for appropriate vision aids, devices and techniques that meet the specific needs of each child.

Achieving independence begins with learning how to master activities of daily living. Instruction includes organizing your room, prepare snacks and meals, clean, do laundry, and perform self-care tasks safely and effectively. Training classes can be customized to address areas most needed.

Being able to navigate your home, school, and community safely and with confidence is the goal of this training. We offer orientation skills and white cane instruction so beginners can develop safe travel skills and more advanced learners can focus on deepening their confidence and agility.

Making the most of technology is a must for a person with vision loss. This training can help identify the tools and skills that best fit the students’ needs and their strengths and goals. We provide instruction in smartphone use, keyboarding, computer use, and more.

CVI’s credentialed staff provide parents with coaching and consultation to understand their child’s IEP and how to navigate services available through school systems.

Braille skills lay the foundation for literacy and lifelong learning for students with a vision disability. CVI instructors offer tutoring to support continued learning and skill development.

• Low Vision Exams
• Certain items in the VisAbility Store (check with store for details on qualifying items)
• Orientation and Mobility, Independent Living Skills, Braille, Assistive Technology, and other Vision Rehabilitation Services
• Functional Vision Assessments for preschoolers, and school age children
• Educational, social and enrichment programs for school age children

Your insurance policy may cover all or part of the cost of a low vision exam for individuals ages five and up. Your insurance may NOT cover rehabilitation services or training related to blindness or low vision. You may fund the cost of these services yourself or apply for financial assistance.

Fee reductions are based on a sliding scale. To be eligible, you must first supply documentation showing your individual and/or household gross income for the most recent tax year. For consideration, you must provide the following documentation to CVI:

• The first page of your federal tax return showing all gross income and household dependents for the most recent tax year if before April 15 or the current tax year if after April 15.
• For clients 17 and younger whose family does not file taxes, the parent/guardian must submit a letter from the IRS confirming a status of non-filing along with documentation of income (such as a Social Security benefit letter) in order for the family to be considered for financial assistance.
• For adult clients who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and who do not file income taxes, you must submit a benefit verification letter from the Social Security Administration for the year in which the fee reduction is being requested. If you have active Medicaid coverage, this will also serve as proof of income and will be approved for financial assistance (please provide CVI with your Medicaid member ID during the intake process so your policy can be verified).

Applicants can obtain required income verification documents from the IRS or Social Security Administration at the following websites or by calling the numbers below:

Internal Revenue Service (IRS):

Online:  https://www.irs.gov/individuals/transcript-types-and-ways-to-order-them

By Phone: 1-844-545-5640 or for automated ordering of tax documents 1-800-908-9946. If you are unable to complete the IRS transcript request form, you can make an appointment to visit a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center to obtain any required tax document(s) (such as a Proof of Non-Filing Status letter).

Social Security Administration (SSA):

Online: www.ssa.gov/myaccount/proof-of-benefits.html

By Phone: 1-800-772-1213.

Income documentation must be presented to CVI and verified before any fee discounts will be approved. CVI will accept all documents via email or they may be dropped off at the CVI building located at 739 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308 (if dropping off documents, please write the applicant’s name on the envelope). Also, please mark out all Social Security number(s) on tax or Social Security documentation. These numbers are not required for proof of income, only the applicant’s full name is needed to be listed on documents.

The documentation from clients to CVI for consideration for a fee reduction must accurately reflect the client and/or their family’s current financial situation at the time of the fee reduction request. Any attempt to mislead or conceal your true financial situation may result in the inability to apply for such discounts in the future. These requirements are intended to ensure that precious financial assistance funds go to as many clients as possible who qualify for fee reductions.

Once income verification is complete, your approved discount will be applied, and you will be contacted to schedule the initial evaluation and any subsequent training.

Payment for services must be made before an evaluation and/or training can begin. Clients may pay with cash, credit card or debit card. Clients may pay prior to their service in the VisAbility Store or inside the Florence Maxwell Low Vision Clinic at the check-in window.

If you are interested in financial assistance, please contact Client Services at 404-875-9011 or email Barbara Williams at bwilliams@cviga.org.