What we do
The CVI Center
Every child with CVI has a right to life-changing access.
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The Perkins CVI Protocol Platform
A first-of-its-kind digital assessment tool based in scientific research and inclusive of all kids with CVI.
OUR MISSION
We’re urgently confronting the world’s leading cause of childhood blindness and low vision.
Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) is a hidden epidemic. Based in the brain, CVI is alarmingly underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Less than 20% of children with CVI have been diagnosed, according to research conducted by the CVI Center at Perkins with analysis from McKinsey & Company. One study shows that CVI may affect up to 1 in 30 children in mainstream elementary classrooms.
More than ever before, the time is now to confront CVI — because we know we can help children with CVI learn to access their world and define their success with timely diagnosis, targeted interventions, trained teachers, and effective services and education.
At Perkins, we are on a mission to boldly address the CVI crisis through education, innovation, and collaboration. Our approach is research-based and whole-child-focused. Join us. Every moment counts.
Our CVI services
We believe: Every child with CVI is teachable. Every child with CVI can learn. Every child with CVI has a right to a timely diagnosis and an accessible education. No matter how their CVI manifests, no matter their zip code. We are confronting the CVI crisis through groundbreaking tools, online learning, current and accurate resources, and collaboration with medical professionals, educators, families, and people with CVI.
CVI Now
Your go-to resource for trusted answers and resources about CVI, CVI Now fosters community and shared connection and empowers families with the CVI knowledge, guidance, and tools you and your child need to succeed.
CVI Learning
Perkins is a leader in online learning. Build your CVI knowledge from introductory workshops to master-level CVI courses. Scholarships are available.
The CVI Protocol Platform
Perkins is taking a bold step forward in urgently confronting the leading cause of blindness by creating a research-based, inclusive assessment protocol for individuals with CVI.
CVI for Medical Professionals
Visit our new CVI hub for medical professionals, stocked with the latest on CVI screening, diagnosis, and research. We’re in this together.
2024 CVI Conference: Building Meaningful Recognition
June 23–25, 2024 at Revere Hotel, Boston
Head to the conference site for information about registration, poster session applications, exhibiting and sponsorship!
There’s power in meaningful collaboration.
Together, we can change the world for people with CVI.
Meet our team
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Rachel Bennett
Director of CVI Now, Parent Advocacy and Support at the CVI Center at PerkinsMeet Rachel -
Mary Zatta
Director of CVI Training at the CVI Center at Perkins, Director of Israel ProgramsMeet Mary -
Sylvia Mangan, SLP
CVI Coordinator at the CVI Center at PerkinsSylvia Mangan is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who works at Perkins School for the Blind. She attended graduate school at Northwestern University, and worked in public schools, with a special interest in supporting students with Complex Communication Needs (CCN) and Alternative-Augmentative Communication (AAC). She joined the Perkins Lower School, which sparked a passion for supporting students and families with CCN and Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment, which constituted the majority of her caseload. After completing the CVI Certificate through the University of Massachusetts, Boston, Sylvia joined the CVI Center as a CVI Center Coordinator. She is enrolled in the TVI program at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.Meet Sylvia
We’re building a CVI community
Rachel Bennett CVI Now“Raising a child with a different normal means I am building a new world for my son every day. It’s incredible that my personal journey has brought me to Perkins as the Content and Community Manager for CVINow.org. We are building CVI Now into an essential website and a dynamic online community for CVI families.”
Stories & resources
Join us on our CVI learning journey.
Let’s learn and support each other on this journey. Have questions? Reach out to the CVI team at Perkins today!