2024 Early Childhood Conference

This session will explore the foundational concepts of Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), focusing on how visual processing in the brain impacts a learner’s ability to access information. Through interactive exercises, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of visual behavior, the anatomy of the brain related to vision, and how these elements shape the experiences of individuals with CVI. Using engaging metaphors and real-life examples, we will examine the development of vision, the brain’s visual pathways, and the common causes and characteristics of CVI. Educators and professionals will leave with practical strategies to assess and support learners, ensuring visually accessible environments tailored to individual needs.
Objective(s):

• Understand what cortical/cerebral visual impairment is, including the key factors associated with each visual behavior and their impact on a learner’s ability to access information.

This workshop will guide participants through the fundamental characteristics of Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), a leading cause of pediatric visual impairment. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of CVI's impact on visual processing and how to identify the characteristics/visual manifestations associated with CVI. Through this session, attendees will explore visual behaviors like color preference, difficulty with visual complexity, and the need for light, gaining practical insights into supporting individuals with CVI. By the end, participants will be equipped to recognize and respond to these characteristics in learners with CVI. Additionally, participants will explore how to use baseline data to analyze pre-made CVI activities, review student profiles, and determine which activities best meet learners’ needs, and learn how to modify or create new activities when pre-made options are unavailable, equipping them with practical tools to support individuals with CVI.
Objective(s):

• Participants will be able to identify the characteristics of CVI.
• When given an activity, participants will identify what CVI Phase it is most appropriate for. 
• When given an activity within each CVI phase and a student profile, participants will identify which activities are most appropriate for a warm-up and for access to the curriculum.
• When given an IEP goal, with a visual learning modality, participants identify factors to consider when creating visual targets.

This session will explore approaches and research in supporting babies with Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), focusing on early diagnosis, intervention strategies, and collaboration with medical professionals. Presenters will discuss the NAVEG Project, a European initiative used to screen premature infants for potential neurological visual impairments, and how it is being applied in the U.S. by programs like the Anchor Center. Participants will gain insights into the importance of early visual development, practical strategies for working with families, and the emotional challenges parents may face. Tools and resources will be shared, including CVI strategies, early intervention ideas, and ways to foster parent-baby connections. This session offers valuable information for educators and providers working with infants with CVI, highlighting actionable takeaways and resources that may not be widely known.
Objective(s):

• Share information about ways babies with CVI are being served and information from resources you may not be aware of.