INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Education Foundation of Indian River County, in partnership with the Learning Alliance, would like to thank the Minotty Family Foundation for a gift of $15,000 to provide vision examinations and glasses for 215 children in need.
The effort is part of the Education Foundation and Learning Alliance collaborative partnership called, “Vision for Reading.” The program provides vision screening with the support of the School District’s Health Services Department.
If a child fails the screening, the parents are notified and provided a list of local vision resources. Health aides at each school follow up every 30, 60 and 90 days to make sure the family has met the needs of their student.
If a family cannot afford a follow up screening and glasses, then the child is referred to receive the assistance through the services of a mobile vision unit administered by Florida’s Vision Quest.
This leadership gift will enable the students to prepare for their future as leaders of the 21st century.
“If students do not have their basic health needs met, such as proper vision, they are often unable to fully benefit from classroom instruction,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fran Adams. “Support given to our students through these grants helps ensure that our students are healthy, while also engaging them in current teaching practices.”
“I feel it’s important to support our entire community but the visual needs of our local youth are vital to our future,” said Dr. Minotty of why this initiative is important to him.
The Florida’s Vision Quest mobile unit recently served more than 70 children from the elementary schools in Indian River County. Additional middle and high school students will also receive program services in the coming months.
To learn more about this program or to make a donation, contact Cynthia Falardeau of the Education Foundation: director@edfoundationirc.org or Barbara Hammond of the Learning Alliance: barbarariefler@aol.com.