National Services Ratonga ā-Motu

Do you sometimes wish you knew just how well your child was using their vision? How well are they developing? What can they see? What are their overall needs and what type of resource would be appropriate to meet those needs? If so, you may find that the National Assessment Service at Homai Campus can help you in many ways.

Assessment Service

In recognition of the range of powerful feelings experienced by parents and the unique circumstances encountered by families when coming to terms with a child’s vision impairment, BLENNZ (Blind and Low vision Education Network NZ) provides support for parents by employing suitably experienced and qualified staff known as Counsellors. The BLENNZ Counsellors are qualified counsellors who provide specialised counselling, guidance and support to ākonga and whānau receiving BLENNZ services. This can be face to face or phone or online meetings. As well as providing counselling, the counsellors can provide information about other relevant services that might be of help, as well as supporting access to these services. If you need more information please contact Jillian Applegate who is our Lead Counsellor.

BLENNZ Developmental Orientation & Mobility (DOM) is a Specialist Service — like OT and physio — that school students who have Vision Impairment may be able to access to support the ongoing development of their motivation to move and engage their world. The end goal of DOM is to support the student, their team and family to achieve their desired potential as a pedestrian or traveller in their community. This service is offered to students who have vision impairment because sometimes not being able to see well can impact on a student’s confidence to engage and move in their environment.

Developmental Orientation & Mobility (DOM)

Immersion and courses are available at the Homai campus and may also be available off-site. These cater for ākonga and whānau/family from birth to 21 years. Immersion Courses provide opportunities for intensive programmes, mentoring and peer support. Learners may also attend the Homai Campus School when it is identified through the IEP process as the most appropriate educational placement.

Immersion courses