At The Maryland School for the Blind, we recognize that family support is essential for the early intervention and education of children who are blind, have low vision, or have additional disabilities. Our Family Support Services program provides guidance, resources, and connections to help families across Maryland navigate their child’s journey.

We offer families and professionals information on a wide range of services available for children with visual impairments and other disabilities. Through Family Support Services, we help families by:

• Connecting them with others who have had similar experiences
• Providing opportunities to attend specialized workshops and seminars
• Offering resources to support children with visual impairments
• Educating families about their rights under IDEA and the IFSP/IEP process
• Building family-to-family support networks within local communities

Support Programs

Our Parent Coordinators provide specialized support and training through the following programs:

• Family Support Network (FSN) – For families of children receiving Early Intervention services
• Preschool Partners (PP) – For families of children ages three to five receiving services through an Extended IFSP or an IEP
• Partners for Success (PFS) – For families of children with disabilities receiving services through an IEP, offering support throughout their child’s academic career and into adulthood

For more information about Family Support Services and other resources for children who are blind or have low vision, contact:

📞Jamen King
📧 jamenk@mdschblind.org