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The Early Intervention Outreach (EIO) Program provides specialized services to children ages birth to five who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or living with additional disabilities and their families throughout Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties. We encourage these children to explore their environments through play and functional activities. We also provide parent and caregiver coaching to empower families with the knowledge and resources needed to be advocates for their children.
Birth to age three services are typically provided in the home and community. Children 3-5 years of age in Philadelphia County may also receive off-campus services in their home, pre-school or day care setting. In addition, Overbrook offers pre-school services on our campus for children 3-5 years of age from Philadelphia and its collar counties.
Connecting and Supporting Families
In addition to in-home and community-based services, our vision teachers and orientation and mobility instructors provide services in various settings to help families better understand their child’s needs in a community setting. Additionally, group outings are designed so that families can socialize with each and form supportive relationships with others in the program. Through a focus on family, social interaction and supplying important resources, EIO supports the needs of students and their families and sets the foundation for success.
Eligibility, IFSPs, Evaluation and Measuring Achievement
Early Intervention services are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Through grants to each state from the federal government, children who qualify receive services free of charge. A functional vision evaluation will confirm whether your child is eligible.
All families involved with the Early Intervention Services Program have an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that designates goals for the child, outlines strategies to achieve the goals, and tracks ongoing progress. The IFSP, a family-driven, state document, is tailored to each family’s needs. An IFSP is both a process and a document and is provided if your child is found eligible for early intervention services.
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