See how HelpKidzLearn revolutionized The Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) by providing personalised learning experiences, improving communication skills, and empowering visually impaired children to thrive.
The Children's Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) in Kansas USA, has empowered visually impaired children and their families for over 70 years. Their mission goes beyond education; it's about adopting a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. This case study delves into CCVI's transformative journey. Sarah Smith (Teacher of the Visually Impaired), Pam Shatto (Speech and Language Pathologist), Delaney Rezek (Teaching Assistance Supervisor), and Abbey O'Neil (Occupational Therapist) share their story. They'll share why CCVI embraced HelpKidzLearn's ChooseIt Maker software and the remarkable impact it's had on their students and staff. Discover how the software personalises learning, ignites a love of learning, and advances communication and independence in students. We'll also see how educators can now effectively track progress and celebrate milestones, all thanks to HelpKidzLearn. This story exemplifies the power of technology to create a truly inclusive learning environment, where every child with a visual impairment can reach their full potential.
Since its inception in 1952, CCVI has been a steadfast support system for visually impaired children and their families. What started as a passionate endeavour by a group of parents has blossomed into a nurturing community where every child's journey is honoured and supported. At CCVI, family support isn't just a part of the mission, it's the essence of everything they do. From organising fundraisers to providing educational programs, CCVI ensures that families have the tools and resources they need to help their children thrive. With an average enrolment of 50 children, CCVI continues to be a lifeline for families, empowering children to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
Before integrating HelpKidzLearn activities, CCVI faced significant challenges in providing visually accessible and engaging learning experiences for its students. Pam Shatto, a Speech and Language Pathologist commented “We really struggled to find suitable materials that were visually accessible and could be simplified to make high contrast.” “We wanted something that offered versatility. That could adjust to different learning needs and skills – enabling us to be able to personalise learning for each child. And with that, it needed to work with a variety of access methods, including touch screens, single switches, two switches, iPads, and adapted keyboards”.
At CCVI, teachers are all about keeping track of how their students are doing. They want to see how their hard work translates into real progress for each child. Enter HelpKidzLearn's ChooseIt Maker! Pam loves how it helps her monitor progress. "The information at the end of each activity lets me see how the children are improving over time," she explains. This allows teachers to adjust their approach and celebrate every milestone with their students. Delaney Rezek, a Teaching Assistance Supervisor, shared another great way they track progress: video! They capture footage of children using eye-gaze activities, then share it with colleagues for analysis and review.
Pam emphasises HelpKidzLearn’s role in communication: “It's not just requests; they get to comment and make choices.” It provides a safe space for them to practice communication skills in a fun, pressure-free environment. For instance, children are given the opportunity to choose between a game or a song – Once they have made their choice, they are further prompted to select a specific song or activity, thereby enabling them to respond, make choices, and cultivate a sense of independence. On top of the software itself, CCVI teachers often add other sensory elements to their lessons. This multi-sensory approach makes learning even more engaging and helps communication flourish. It's all about creating a supportive and empowering environment where children can truly thrive.
Pam also shared some of the communication strategies they use during activities, like yes-no switches and other communication systems. These tools empower children to express their preferences and feelings while using HelpKidzLearn, making the whole experience even more enjoyable and engaging.
Sarah Smith, a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, shared a heartwarming story about a family who visited the center and saw their child using HelpKidzLearn with switches. The parents were amazed! Sarah says they often hear comments like, "Wow, I never knew they could do that!" These moments are pure magic. HelpKidzLearn not only empowers children, but it also allows parents to see their child's true potential. Pam also shared a delightful anecdote about a little girl who loves using the Soundboard activity with eye-gaze. When she finds a shape and it triggers a funny sound, her face lights up! Pam says, "It just cracks her up! It's so much fun, and it motivates her to keep using it." HelpKidzLearn isn't just about learning – it's about promoting a love of exploration and play, and that's something we can all celebrate.
Starting at a new school can be nerve-wracking for any child, but for visually impaired children, it can be even more challenging. Abbey, an Occupational Therapist, shared how HelpKidzLearn helps ease the transition. For example, a 2-year-old boy who was used to using HelpKidzLearn’s Big Bang App (perfect for CVI users) activities at home found comfort in using them at school too. Familiar activities create a sense of security and belonging, making the adjustment to a new environment much smoother. Abbey emphasises the importance of introducing HelpKidzLearn to families at home as well. This familiarity not only strengthens family bonds but also encourages interactive play and keeps children engaged with the software.
One of the things the fantastic teachers at CCVI love most about HelpKidzLearn's ChooseIt Maker is how adaptable it is. Think touchscreens, single switches, two switches – you name it! The kids at CCVI can access these activities in all sorts of ways. Delaney even shared some cool tactile adaptation tricks they use to make things even easier, like adding texture to keyboards so kids can find the spacebar. But it's not all about working independently. Abbey noticed how much fun the children have working together on two-switch activities in HelpKidzLearn. "The kids love using the switches," she said. "They think it's fun!" This playful approach not only helps them learn but also creates a sense of friendship and teamwork among the children. Since bringing HelpKidzLearn on board in 2013, CCVI has seen amazing results. Teachers like Pam and Sarah have discovered a treasure trove of engaging activities, from Big Bang adventures to catchy counting songs within HelpKidzLearn’s Games & Activities. These resources, along with ChooseIt Maker's adaptability, have empowered teachers to create personalised learning experiences that truly meet the needs of each child. Overall, HelpKidzLearn has transformed the learning landscape at The Children's Center for the Visually Impaired, empowering children with visual impairments to reach their fullest potential and equipping staff with the resources needed to support their journey towards success. Through its intuitive interface and diverse range of activities, HelpKidzLearn continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves, promoting inclusion, engagement, and growth.
