What We Do

Empowering Independence for All Individuals Impacted by Vision Loss

Early Childhood and Family ServicesEarly Childhood and Family Services
Pre K-12 Educational ServicesPre K-12 Educational Services
Youth Development ServicesYouth Development Services
Adult and Senior ProgramsAdult and Senior Programs
Statewide Support and ResourcesStatewide Support and Resources

Early Childhood and Family Services

Early Intervention Program

Our Early Intervention program offers developmental support and guidance to families with infants and toddlers who have visual impairments. Trained vision professionals—who are also experts in early childhood development— make home visits and work closely with families to understand each child’s unique needs, strengths, and challenges. These visits focus on family goals, developmental milestones, and the use of tools or assistive devices. Assessments are conducted to evaluate how a child’s vision affects learning and daily activities, ensuring tailored support that promotes engagement and growth.

If you have concerns about your child’s vision or development, we are here to help. Call or text us to learn how our Early Intervention program can support your family.

Contact for more information

Roxanne Zaad
Director Early Intervention
Phone: (602) 331-7902
Email: rzaad@seeitourway.org

Contact for more information

Claudia Alvarado
Family Navigator
Phone: (602) 337-8235
Email: calvarado@seeitourway.org

Family Education and Support Program

Our Family Education and Support program empowers loved ones of individuals with vision loss across all stages of life. We offer facilitated events focused on education, emotional and practical support, and community connections. A dedicated program is also available for parents raising children with visual impairments, providing specialized guidance and resources tailored to their unique journey.

If you’re looking for support, connection, or guidance, we are here for you. Call or text us today to learn how our Family Education and Support program can make a difference in your family’s life.


Pre K-12 Educational Services

Preschool and Elementary

Our center-based preschool classes are tailored to support children with visual impairments by providing focused instruction that builds early academic skills. The curriculum emphasizes pre-academic learning and environmental access. Our classroom teams work on establishing a strong foundation for kindergarten readiness by teaching pre-Braille and reading skills, while engaging students in play-based center activities aligned with the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) and Arizona Early Childhood Standards.

Our Elementary program offers educational services for children with vision loss from kindergarten through fourth grade. The FBC School Based team believes every child can and will learn. Each classroom provides curriculum-based center learning aligned with the Arizona State Standards and the Expanded Core Curriculum, adapted to meet the needs of each child.

Preschool families can choose from flexible scheduling options, including a full-day (5-hour) or partial-day (3-hour) program, 4 days per week, to best meet their child’s needs. Students in our elementary program attend full-day classes 5 days per week.

Our school-based setting offers a comprehensive approach, integrating occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, and physical therapy into each classroom based on each child’s unique needs. Students also benefit from enriching extracurricular activities, including weekly music and pet therapy sessions

Contact for more information

Joy Calles
Sr Director Pre-K-12 Education Services
Phone: (602) 331-7904
Email: jcalles@seeitourway.org

Contact for more information

Fred Hall
Director – Itinerant and Transition Services
Phone: (602) 331-7917
Email: fhall@seeitourway.org

Itinerant

Our Itinerant team partners with schools across Arizona to ensure students with vision loss receive the support they need to succeed in inclusive educational settings. Certified Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments and Orientation and Mobility Specialists are available to conduct comprehensive evaluations and assessments, helping teams identify appropriate services and accommodations.

In addition to partnering with schools, FBC’s Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) and Orientation & Mobility Specialists (O&Ms) can also support students who are homeschooled or learning in a parent-led educational setting. If a family is using Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funding, our providers can help address vision-specific goals right at home or in the community.

Partner with us to ensure every student with vision loss has the tools and support they need to thrive—contact us today to learn more!


Recreation and Empowerment

Offers students with visual impairments opportunities to explore the world beyond the classroom through Saturday activities and summer camp. From rock climbing to cooking, students try new things, build confidence, and develop lifelong interests. Activities are designed to foster social connections, life skills, creativity, and resilience, all while having fun. With age-appropriate, adaptive options including competitive sports like Goalball, this program grows with each student, supporting their journey into adulthood.

Want your child to build confidence, friendships, and independence in a supportive environment? Call or text us today to learn more about enrolling in our SHARP weekend and summer programs!

Contact for more information

Fred Hall
Director – Itinerant and Transition Services
Phone: (602) 331-7917
Email: fhall@seeitourway.org

Youth Development Programs

Contact for more information

Melanie Zehnder
Manager – Transition Services
Phone: (602) 331-7928
Email: mzehnder@seeitourway.org

Independence, Career, and College Readiness Programs

Our year-round programming supports teens and young adults with visual impairments in building essential skills for life after high school. Through summer residential experiences and weekend workshops, participants learn to live independently, explore careers, and prepare for college. The program includes hands-on training in daily living, job readiness, and postsecondary planning, while also fostering leadership, self-advocacy, and confidence through mentorship and group activities

Help your teen take the next step toward independence and a successful future through one of our many program options, including Teen to Work, College Prep, SOAR and Trailblazers

Call or text us today to learn how these programs prepare students to reach their life goals! If you are a student or parent, you can fill out an interest form here to get connected.


Adult and Senior Programs

Adult Comprehensive Training Program

Our Adult Comprehensive Training program empowers individuals with vision loss to live independently, re-enter the workforce, and thrive in daily life. Participants receive personalized instruction in essential skills such as home management, assistive technology, and job readiness. Orientation and mobility training builds confidence in navigating the community, while guided support and peer connections help adults adjust to vision loss, advocate for themselves, and embrace greater independence with pride.

Ready to take the next step toward greater independence and confidence? Call or text us today to learn how our Adult Comprehensive Training program can support your journey.

Contact for more information

Zane Cobb
Director – Adult Transition Services
Phone: (602) 337-8181
Email: zcobb@seeitourway.org

Contact for more information

Connie Leblond
Vision Rehabilitation Specialist
Phone: (602) 337-8252
Email: cleblond@seeitourway.org

New Horizons

Our older adults program helps retirees with vision loss continue living safely and comfortably at home. Through hands-on training in daily tasks and the use of assistive tools, participants gain practical skills for independent living. The program also fosters a sense of community, offering peer connection, family education, and emotional support to help older adults and their loved ones adjust to vision loss with confidence and dignity.

If you or a loved one is facing vision loss, we’re here to help. Call or text us today to learn how our program can support independence, safety, and connection at home and beyond.


Statewide Support and Resources

Arizona Instructional Resource Center (AIRC)

The AIRC is a trusted national leader in accessible educational materials, serving Arizonans and clients across 39 states and Canada. Home to the nation’s largest prison braille program where we train incarcerated individuals to become certified transcribers producing high-quality braille—covering subjects from preschool to college-level STEM. Our Braille on Demand service delivers custom materials in just 48 hours, while our full range of accessible formats includes large print and digital files. As a Federal Quota Program administrator , we ensure students with vision loss in Arizona have the tools they need to succeed.

Need accessible educational materials you can count on? Call or text us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your students, school, or organization.

Braille and Large Print Resource Center

Contact for more information

Brian Voeller
Director – Accessible Learning Services
Phone: (602) 337-8225
Email: bvoeller@seeitourway.org

Contact for more information

Nora Nevarez
Administrative Assistant
Phone: (602) 337-8259
Email: nnevarez@seeitourway.org

Low Vision Clinic

Hosted by the Foundation for Blind Children (FBC), the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Low Vision Clinic is a specialized optometry program dedicated to serving individuals of all ages experiencing vision loss. In partnership with Dr. Carlos Grandela and the ViewFinder Low Vision Resource Center, the clinic offers comprehensive, personalized low vision services. These include access to prescriptive and pre-made magnification devices, daily living aids, and expert assessments. When surgical or medical treatments are no longer effective, the clinic empowers clients to make the most of their remaining vision and maintain independence in daily life.

Call or text us today to schedule a low vision evaluation and discover tools and strategies to enhance your everyday life.


Research Department

Our Research Department is dedicated to advancing the field of visual impairment through research that is both evidence-based and deeply grounded in real-world family and educational needs. We partner with families, educators, and professionals to better understand what helps individuals with visual impairments—and those who support them. We work to strengthen services across Arizona and contribute meaningful knowledge to the broader vision community.

Interested in learning more, accessing our provider toolkits, or exploring research collaboration opportunities? Contact us today—we’d love to connect.

Click Here to View FBC Research Paper: “Helping Parents Thrive: Implementing a Family Education and Support Program”

 

Contact for more information

Julie Oliver
Vice President of Programs
Phone: (602) 337-8180
Email: joliver@seeitourway.org