A Shared Vision's 2021 Impact Report
This 2021 Impact Report is dedicated to the 215 families in Colorado whom we supported last year. While our operating model flexed, these families were our constant, our raison d’etre. We held to our mission of educating, inspiring, and empowering families to nurture the development of their very young children who are blind or visually impaired so all children may discover their brightest future.
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Shaylee has cortical visual impairment (CVI). “Our teacher from A Shared Vision recognized Shaylee would benefit from a light box. We put toys on it and Shaylee started exploring right away. Her attention was right on it,” explains her grandmother Kimberly. Her teacher also taught her how to read Shaylee’s cues and allow her to lead. “I wasn’t allowing Shaylee to make her own choices,” said Kimberly.
Because of her teacher, Kimberly became more curious and empowered as a caregiver, and Shaylee is reaching her developmental milestones more quickly. As Kimberly explained, “Once you become more knowledgeable, you can trust the process of your child’s development.” Like many other families we support, Kimberly found hope. |
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This Impact Report also recognizes our teachers. With Master's degrees specializing in visual impairments, our team of 16 licensed, highly qualified Early Intervention Teachers of the Visually Impaired provided services in families’ homes or via telehealth in 55 Colorado counties. As one parent commented, “Our teacher is in our corner cheering us on and providing the tools and techniques for our child’s success.” In 2021 we continued our efforts to ensure appropriate compensation for our teachers, including funding unreimbursed travel expenses and the development of unique, teacher-led programs such as our Learning Experiences.
Through the updated vision screening protocol and training continued during 2021, we expanded the community of providers capable of identifying children in need of vision services. The success of this collaboration is proven by data recently obtained from Early Intervention Colorado, which reported a 49% growth in vision occurrence for children in early intervention from calendar year 2019 through 2021. It is the most significant growth of any service type statewide.
With our unique and flexible operating model, we continued our efforts to attract and support a highly skilled workforce, build partnerships throughout the state, and provide a breadth of programming that grows the capability and capacity of all early intervention providers to serve these families. While we are very pleased with the growing number of children we supported in 2021, we are carefully watching the number of education visits which has continued to decline during the pandemic. This past year, we provided 1,655 education home visits, down 23% from the prior year. Along with our Community Centered Board partners, we believe the decline is due to the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as teacher availability. We are partnering with EI Colorado and our CCBs to review data to understand the causes and adjust our model, as needed. None of the programs we provide could have been possible without the friendship and generous support of the foundations and individual donors who recognize the value early intervention brings to families who raise very young children with blindness or visual impairments. We are so grateful for your continued partnership! With gratitude,
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We educate, inspire, and empower families to nurture the development of their very young children who are blind or visually impaired so that all children may discover their brightest future. Because of your support, we are Colorado's leading provider of early intervention vision services and the ONLY organization dedicated to serving these families throughout the state.
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For every family, our teachers provide a portfolio of services curated to their unique needs and the needs of their child with blindness or a visual impairment. The goal is kindergarten readiness and a positive trajectory for cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development for each child.
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Mary, Nathan, and Leland“Once we started seeing our teacher from A Shared Vision, we started to get more information on his vision diagnosis, and we were filled with hope," said Mary. Their teacher taught Mary and Nathan how to set up Leland’s environment, how to read his cues, and how to adapt the “hand under hand” strategy to “hand under foot” because his hands were so sensitive. “Obviously, we didn’t plan on having a kid with such significant needs, but we cannot imagine our life without Leland now. These kids will teach you more about life and resilience than you know is possible,” said Mary.
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Bree, Solvi, and Lucky the HorseWhen Bree got the results of Solvi’s genetic test after her first seizure, “Everything changed on how I navigated life,” explained Bree. “If Solvi didn’t get the early intervention services as soon as possible, it would set her back even further.” Their teacher taught Bree how to use vision strategies while playing with Solvi. Solvi’s other “therapist” is her horse, Lucky. “Horses are magical. Lucky has taught Solvi how to be strong, how to use her balance, and engage all her senses. And Lucky makes her laugh!” explained Bree.
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Shelly, Kreigh, Ella, and Namni“Our teacher taught us that being hands-on is very important, and every minute counts when your child is learning with a disability," explained Shelly. Namni’s teacher also taught her how to understand her feelings. Her teacher and another provider created a self-soothing strategy for Namni called “smelling the flower and blowing out the candle” because Namni loves flowers and birthdays. Now when Namni gets angry or frustrated, she’ll say to herself, “Do you want to close your eyes and breathe?,” and she calms down. Being empathetic will help Namni build new friendships when she starts preschool in her Grand Junction, CO, school district in 2022.
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Parent Reflections from 2021Maggie joined my daughter's care team at a very pivotal time in our family's journey. She facilitates fun and engaging activities, she is also a wealth of knowledge, and she provides us with great resources and advice for my daughter's future. We are so thankful for Maggie!” Our teacher from A Shared Vision listens and works with my child. I've seen huge improvement from the beginning 'til now! Magic it really is! Thank you so much for all your help." Our teacher is the absolute best! She has helped our son through so many hurdles! We have been so lucky to have her. Thank you!" |
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Going on an Easter Egg Hunt!
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That's How I Roll!
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Sensory Cookbook (First Edition) |
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In December 2021 we published our first cookbook of sensory recipes for families of children with blindness and visual impairments. The idea for this collection of sensory recipes came from one of our teachers, who made pumpkin pie play dough with one of her families.
We developed 12 recipes for the cookbook. With each step, we provide sensory suggestions and strategies for the ingredients, utensils, and techniques you can hear, touch, smell, taste, and see in the recipe. |
Mystery PartiesVirtual events are often easier for our families to attend. In the fall of 2021 we piloted our first “CVI Mystery Party” hosted by our teachers to support and educate parents of children with cortical visual impairment. The Mystery Parties will be expanded during 2022.
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We actively invest to create a community of skilled and collaborative professionals so that all families of children with visual impairments have access to and receive essential early intervention services.
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Our TeamOur teachers are the cornerstone of the community that supports families with very young children who are blind or visually impaired. With Master's degrees in visual impairment, our team of 16 licensed Early Intervention Teachers of the Visually Impaired are uniquely qualified to meet the needs of families. As one parent commented, “Our teacher is in our corner cheering us on and providing the tools and techniques for our child’s success.”
Click on a picture below to learn more about each of our team members.
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Janet Anderson
EI-TVI, COMS |
Kerry Auld
EI-TVI, COMS |
Suzan Barlow
EI-TVI, COMS |
Sally Burch
EI-TVI, COMS |
Lorraine Chevarria
EI-TVI, COMS |
Stephanie Crosen
EI-TVI, COMS |
Morgan Fitzpatrick
EI-TVI, COMS |
Caitlin Geoffrion
EI-TVI, COMS |
Stefanie Hamilton
EI-TVI, COMS, Founder |
Paula Landry
EI-TVI, Founder |
Katie Lindauer
Communications Manager |
Janis Mountford
EI-TVI, COMS |
Kimala Rein
EI-TVI, COMS, Infant Massage |
Leonor Rosser
EI-TVI |
Edie Smith
EI-TVI, COMS |
Wendy Stoltman
EI-TVI, COMS |
Maggie Tutt
EI-TVI |
Liz Wieder
EI-TVI, COMS |
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Our PartnersMeeting our families' needs throughout a diverse state is only possible through teaming and collaboration. “A Shared Vision creates relationships that are impacting the work we do and impart knowledge to do our jobs well. We are fortunate to have them to lead and support early intervention vision services at Community Options,” commented Margaret Davey, Assistant Director and EI Coordinator.
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A Shared Vision services are provided at no cost to families. Unlike center-based programs, we do not charge tuition or other fees to the families we support. Our home vision services are paid in part by Colorado’s Community Centered Boards leveraging federal IDEA Part C and other state funds.
We are a nimble, virtual organization with very little overhead. None of our expenses include brick-and-mortar structures or other capital investments as early intervention vision services are best provided in families’ homes - the ideal model for delivery which is substantiated through years of research. Our financial position continues to strengthen. The financials are a snapshot in time and include a $54,200 Paycheck Protection Program grant we received as part of the US Government response to COVID-19. Statement of Financial Position
Statement of Activity
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The individuals and organizations who give to A Shared Vision deserve all the credit. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many children and families in Colorado. The following donors helped make our programs possible.
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