statewide resources
 

Birth to Age 3
 

M.I.C.E. Program
Multi-Sensory Intervention through Consultation and Education
151 A Manchester St., Suite 51
P. O. Box 2274
Concord, N H 03302 - 2274
(603) 228-1028
Fax: (603) 228-3400
TTY: (603) 228-5755

Any child suspected of having a visual or hearing impairment may be referred to the MICE Program. Each child will then be referred to the local Area Agency to do an intake assessment and set up a developmental evaluation. The local early supports and services program will do an assessment to determine eligibility. A child must be found eligible for early supports and services prior to their eligibility for MICE Program services. Children with diagnosed vision and hearing impairments are eligible for early supports and services under an established condition but must have the developmental evaluation as part of the eligibility process.
Services: Developmental evaluation (in conjunction with early supports and services staff) with the emphasis on the impact of a visual/hearing impairment on learning and development, consultation and technical assistance provided to early supports and service teams, direct services to children and families. The program serves children (age's birth to three) for whom there is a concern relative to vision and/or hearing. It is administered by the Parent Information Center in cooperation with the Bureau of Developmental Services.

Age 3 to 21 (or high school graduation)
 

ASSETT
Assistive Services to Schools for Education, Technology, & Training
117 Pleasant St.
Dolloff Bldg.
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 226-2900

ASSETT is a statewide program which provides supplemental services to schools in the areas of vision, hearing, and augmentative communication, in order to maximize the ability of the school teams to support all students and to help them achieve success in their home and school communities. The child’s school team is responsible for making the initial referrals to ASSETT and they are responsible for completing all necessary paperwork for each referral.

Services: Consultation to local school teams for curriculum modification, program development, and appropriate use of assistive technology materials; media center to provide loans of specialized equipment and materials, including braille and large print; technical support to school teams; training opportunities for parents and professionals; and information regarding funding, curriculum materials, websites of interest; and publish a quarterly newsletter.

Age 14 and Older
 

Services for Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI)
78 Regional Drive, Suite B
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3537

The Office of Services for Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) is within the Department of Education’s Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation. SBVI provides statewide services to adults who are blind and visually impaired. The primary emphasis of SBVI is on employment and the rehabilitation services and training necessary to become employed. The individual, with the support of a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, develops an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE). By age 16 a student’s Individual Education Plan should have a component for transition beyond school.

For Parents
 

NH Chapter of the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI)

NAPVI enables parents worldwide to find information and resources for their children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities. NAPVI provides leadership, support and training to assist parents in helping their children reach their potential. NAPVI is dedicated to giving emotional support, initiating outreach programs, networking, and advocating for educational needs and the welfare of children who are blind or visually impaired.

NH Chapter of the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)

NOAH is a nonprofit corporation organized to provide information and support to individuals and families with albinism and hypopigmentation; provide community outreach, enhance public awareness, and educate professionals about these conditions; and encourage research and funding of projects that will improve the diagnosis and management of albinism.

Other Resources
 

Library Services to Persons with Disabilities - As part of the state library system, the Library Services to Persons with Disabilities is available for individuals throughout New Hampshire who cannot use regular printed books because of a visual or physical disability. Books are available on tape (Talking books) and descriptive videos (DVD) for loan. There is no minimum age requirement and a simple application process is all that is required. Contact the New Hampshire State Library, Services to Persons with Disabilities, 117 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301. 1-800-491-4200

Family Resource Connection - Provides resources for families with young children through the state library system. This library service has a collection of materials on disabilities, child development, parenting young children with disabilities, benefits planning, medical issues, etc. They have several books and videos specific to visual impairments that are available for loan. Books and materials may be borrowed for up to one month. For more information call the Family Resource Connection at 1-800-298-4321.

NHBVI.com - a website that contains general information, website links, agency information, the NH Agenda for the Education of Students who are Blind and Visually Impaired, and information on parent groups and resources. This is a comprehensive NH resource list for services and information relative to blindness and visual impairments.

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of NH - A membership organization of people who are blind and visually impaired whose primary mission is to provide information, support, and advocacy.