NMSBVI Programs – Family-Infant-Toddler Program.
NMSBVI Vision Specialists List | NM Pediatric Ophthalmologists List | NM FIT Vision Screening Tool |
B6OMSI-RE (Research Edition) | Babies Count | NM FIT Vision Screening Tool General |
The New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NMSBVI) provides statewide direct services to families of young children who have a diagnosed visual impairment or who are considered to be at risk for receiving a VI diagnosis. Services are a partnership with NMSBVI, New Mexico’s Family, Infant, Toddler Program (FIT) and the Navajo Nation; all children are served by IFSP team decision. Services are delivered in the family home or in another community environment that supports the child and his/her family.
Anyone who has concerns about a child’s vision can, with the family’s permission, make a referral. Referrals can be made by calling 1-800-437-3505, extension 3066 or by calling the Developmental Vision Specialist responsible for an agency’s referrals. (Please see attached list of contacts by area of the state). List of specialists
Within 48 hours of receiving a referral, a developmental vision specialist from NMSBVI will contact the family. An initial functional vision evaluation will be completed; eligibility will be determined and, in conjunction with the family and the child’s team, services will be outlined if recommended.
NMSBVI is committed to providing a comprehensive program of developmental, educational, training and support services to infants and toddlers who are blind or visually impaired or those who are at risk for visual impairment. NMSBVI’s developmental vision specialists are trained as teachers of the visually impaired and/or as orientation and mobility specialists. They have specialized skills in the field of early childhood that encompass the developmental domains of young children. NMSBVI’s services do not replace, but supplement other specialized services in the community. Services are available state-wide; each child is served in his/her natural environment.
Family-Infant-Toddler Program Coordinator:
Julie Maner, Program Coordinator
Email: Julie Maner
505-859-0646
NMSBVI Early Childhood Programs
801 Stephen Moody St. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
(800) 437-3505, extension 3066
Fax: (505) 291-5456
Trainings
Vision training is provided to New Mexico Early Intervention agencies as well as other agencies serving children birth to three. Please contact the NMSBVI Developmental Vision Specialist serving your area or Julie Maner at 505-859-0646 for more information.