WPSBC Annual Report 2024-2025 - Flipbook - Page 9
nearly every aspect of daily life. His world was full of obstacles
his parents weren’t sure he could overcome, from mobility and
balance to eating and communicating. But his family never stopped
searching for answers and opportunities.
Their journey led them to the VisAbilities Clinic at WPSBC, and for
the first time they felt truly seen and heard. During a comprehensive
developmental evaluation, our team focused on Rocco’s strengths
and how he experiences the world. From there, the team built a
personalized plan not just for education and therapy, but for
helping him learn to play, communicate, and connect with his
family. By building on what Rocco could do, we gave him tools
and skills to grow and succeed with his visual diagnosis. From that
very first visit, everything began to change.
“We walked in feeling overwhelmed, and we left with hope,” recalls
his mom, Chelsea. “For the first time, someone looked at Rocco
and focused on what he could do, not what he couldn’t. After the
evaluation, I just knew this is where I wanted him to be.” His dad,
Kevin, felt the same: “There are school districts that offer great
services, but none were sufficient enough for Rocco’s diagnosis.”
“We walked
in feeling
overwhelmed,
– Rocco’s mom, Chelsea
“Rocco has improved tremendously at Western Pennsylvania School
for Blind Children,” his dad says proudly. In less than two years at
the School, Rocco has learned to walk independently, feed himself,
use toys with purpose, and is now beginning to communicate using
pictures. Step by step, he continues to grow in confidence, ability,
and independence.
Rocco’s teacher, Miss Allison, proudly says about Rocco’s progress,
“When Rocco first came to the School his gross motor goal was to
walk 10 steps. Now, he walks all over campus!”
2024-2025 Annual Report
Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children
and we
left with
hope.”
At WPSBC, in addition to a Teacher of Students with Visual
Impairments (TVI), each student is supported by a dedicated team
of speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical
therapists, specialists in orientation and mobility, behavioral support,
nurses, and more. Together, they create a coordinated educational
plan that addresses each child’s visual needs as well
as their cognitive, physical, and communication challenges.
9
