Family Infant-Toddler Services - Kansas State School for the Blind

The KSSB Family Infant-Toddler (FIT) program, in partnership with the Kansas Early Childhood Developmental Services, offers high-quality vision services for Kansas children who are blind or visually impaired, ages birth to three, at no cost. Our collaboration allows us to provide comprehensive support and ensure that every child and their families receive the specialized care they need during these crucial early years.

MARITES ALTUNA

Director of Family Infant-Toddler Services
(913) 645-5645
maltuna@kssdb.org

TERI CHANEY

TSVI
North Central Kansas
Serving: 12, 15, 17, 22, 23, 31, 32
Cell: (913) 558 –6294
tchaney@kssdb.org

BRANDI SMITH

TSVI
North Central & Northeast Kansas
Serving: 5, 12, 17, 28, 33, 38
Cell: 913-415-0678
bsmith@kssdb.org

DE MCDOUGALD

COMS
Eastern KS
Serving: 16, 21, 30, 33
Cell: (913) 558-9342
dmcdougald@kssdb.org

ANGIE HILT

TSVI
South Central Kansas
Serving: 2, 30, 32, 35
Cell: 913-415-8598
ahilt@kssdb.org

Map of Kansas showing all counties split into color-coded regions. Numbers throughout the map indicate the area providers.

About FIT

WE ARE COMMITTED to breaking down barriers and ensuring infants and toddlers who are blind or visually impaired receive the support they deserve.

WE BELIEVE every family facing blindness and visual impairment has the resources and guidance needed to thrive.

WE ARE PASSIONATE about supporting families during the critical early years of their child’s development.

OUR TEAM of certified vision teachers and orientation and mobility specialists brings extensive experience working with children with visual impairments and is licensed to serve children from birth to age 21.

OUR SERVICES are free to Kansas families and local infant-toddler providers (Part C).

Services We Provide

Comprehensive Support

Early intervention is essential for a child’s success. Our vision providers work closely with families and their local infant-toddler service providers to address developmental concerns, enhance sensory skills, and offer strategies and accommodations tailored to each child.
In addition, FIT offers the following services:
- Joint home visits as part of the collaborative teaming with the local infant-toddler service providers
- Functional vision evaluations and other assessments
- Participation in IFSP and other team meetings
- Orientation and mobility evaluations and services
- Participate in transition meetings from infant-toddler Services to preschool programs.
- Provide professional development training about vision-related topics.
- Collaborate with local programs to support family engagement activities related to vision.

Strengthening Family Connections

Families play a vital role in their child’s development. To assist them on this incredible journey, we provide educational resources, workshops, and support groups to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to nurture their child’s growth.
We facilitate opportunities for families to connect and share experiences through networking events and community engagement activities.
Building a solid support network can be incredibly valuable, and we strive to create a sense of community for families supported by the FIT program.
Who should be referred to the FIT services? Any child from birth to three years old with:
- Confirmed vision impairment diagnosis.
- Family or team concerns regarding any aspect of the child’s vision.
- A pre-existing condition that increases the likelihood of vision impairment may include but is not limited to prematurity, syndromes, a family history of visual issues, or traumatic events like oxygen deprivation, meningitis, or shaken baby syndrome.
- Outcomes on the Kansas Vision Screening Tool suggest a referral is necessary.
Who can make a referral to the FIT Services?
- Local Infant-Toddlers Programs
- Medical providers, with the family’s permission
- Parents who have concerns about their child’s vision