Northwestern Health Unit - Kenora - Speech, Hearing and Vision Health

Blind Low Vision Program: Children 6 years of age and younger diagnosed as blind or having low vision

None

Tricia Wearne - Speech, Hearing and Vision Manager
twearne@nwhu.on.ca

English

Wheelchair Accessible

Coordinates programs and services designed to identify problem areas in hearing, speech and vision
Blind Low Vision Program

Provides family support to deal with the impact of a blind or low-vision diagnosis
Assists in accessing required services
Provides consultation services on behalf of family when child enters child care or early learning centre to train staff how to best work with and teach child

Provides in-home support and teaches parents various skills and techniques including:

Concept development (object identification, function, and characteristics)
Daily living skills such as eating, dressing and toileting
Development of motor skills (rolling, reaching, crawling, walking and use of hands to manipulate and explore objects)
How to make the most of residual vision
How to use all the senses to promote development
Intentional movement (orientation and mobility)
Language and communication development
Social and emotional development

North Words Infant Hearing Program

North Words Preschool Speech and Language Program

Provides speech and language assessment, intervention and supports for preschool children and their families
Provides the services in all communities throughout the Kenora and Rainy River Districts