Our services and programmes

An introduction to BLENNZ services

The Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ (BLENNZ) is a school that is made up of a national network of educational services for ākonga who are blind, deafblind or have low vision in New Zealand.

Our vision is ‘Every BLENNZ learner is well prepared to achieve in life’.

Who can access BLENNZ services

• Ākonga who are blind, deafblind or have low vision, aged from birth to 21, or to the end of their schooling
• Parents and whānau
• Teachers, teacher aides, education support workers and others involved in the education of the child or young person

What services are offered

School and Residential Services

Homai Campus School

The Homai Campus School is a specialist school for children and young people who are blind, deaf blind or have low vision, including those with additional disabilities. Each learner has an individual educational plan with the BLENNZ Curriculum as the focus for learning.

The Satellite Class at James Cook High School

The James Cook Satellite Class is located at the James Cook High School, 5 minutes drive from the BLENNZ Homai Campus School. The blind and low vision students work on a varied and individualized programme and are taught by two teachers and supported by two teacher aides. The students work in mainstream classes, satellite group learning activities and intensive one to one instruction.

Transition Pathway Programme

The Transition Pathway Programme provides an opportunity for young adults who are blind or low vision to make the transition to tertiary, the workplace or independent living.  BLENNZ staff – including Resource Teachers Vision, Residential Youth Workers and support staff work closely with the students to support the development of individual goals and achievement.

BLENNZ Residential Services

Homai Residential Services provides residential placements for students who are blind or low vision and attend Homai Campus School (including the satellite class at James Cook High School) or Manurewa High School.

National Assessment and Teaching Services

BLENNZ Visual Resource Centres

Visual Resource Centres are the home base of the itinerant resource teachers of vision. BLENNZ regional teaching and support services are provided through Resource Teachers Vision (RTVs) and and Developmental Orientation and Mobility Specialists (DOMs) based in 14 Visual Resource Centres (VRCs) throughout the country.

Resource Teachers Vision and DOMs work in partnership with parents and whānau to provide local specialist education services to over 1400 children and young people who are blind, deafblind and low vision.  This specialist support may take place in homes, early childhood centres and schools.

BLENNZ Early Learning Services (BELS)

Learning and growing together: supporting early learning pedagogy and practice across BLENNZ Aotearoa.

BELS is the early learning staff mentoring and coaching provider of BLENNZ. We promote research based early intervention practices with a focus on whānau centred, active learning and routines-based approaches, using a coaching framework. The role of BELS is to ensure Resource Teachers Vision (RTV) are well prepared to help whānau and caregivers enhance the early learning and development of their infant or young child who is blind, deafblind or low vision.

National Assessment Service

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.

BLENNZ Counsellors

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)

“Kia ora and welcome to the BLENNZ Developmental Orientation & Mobility (DOM) page.  DOM is a Specialist Service – like OT and physio – that school students who have Vision Impairment may be able to access to support their 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.

Immersion courses

Immersion and residential services 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.

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