The Ontario Foundation for Visually Impaired Children

About Us

In 1975, I. Norma Kelly, in conjunction with a small group of concerned parents, had a vision to establish a training program that would support the development of young children who where blind or visually impaired.  They lobbied for and obtained a grant to open the High Park School for children age 2-5 years old. The preschool provided the appropriate learning environment, which recognized the unique learning styles of the child who is blind or visually impaired.

Over the next several years as the school became better known, there were more and more requests from parents with infants who were recently diagnosed.  In 1984, the Infant Development Service was formally added to meet the needs of these parents.  This outreach program offered parents the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to support their child’s development.

The Infant Development Service (now referred to as the Family and Community Resource Program) has grown and expanded to more regions around Toronto.  From the early beginnings with only 2 staff, OFVIC has grown to a dedicated staff of 15 professionals plus outside consultants as required and offers service to children from infancy to kindergarten age.  Today OFVIC through the Family and Community Resource Program, and the High Park PreSchool provide service to over 200 children and their families annually.

Approximately 80% of the costs to operate these services are provided through grants from the Ministry of Community and Social Services and Municipalities. The remaining 20% must be raised through the generosity of community supporters and OFVIC fundraising activities.

Board of Directors and Annual Report