BLENNZ, also known as Blind and Low Vision Education Network New Zealand, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and young people with blindness, low vision, or vision impairment in New Zealand. BLENZ NZ aims to provide these individuals with the necessary resources, skills, and educational support to empower them to succeed in their learning and overall development.

BLENNZ NZ offers a wide range of specialised services to meet the unique needs of students with visual impairments. Some of the services provided include:

1. Resource Centers: BLENNZ NZ operates resource centers that provide access to a wealth of educational materials and assistive technologies. These centers are designed to support students, teachers, and families in their journey of learning and understanding visual impairment.

2. Educational Support: BLENNZ NZ works closely with students, schools, and educators to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) that cater to the specific needs of each student. They provide guidance on the best approaches and strategies to enhance learning and participation in the classroom.

3. Braille Instruction: For students with visual impairments who use Braille as their primary means of literacy, BLENNZ NZ offers Braille instruction and support.

4. Orientation and Mobility Training: BLENNZ NZ provides training in orientation and mobility skills to help students navigate their environment independently and safely.

5. Technology Support: The organization assists students in utilizing assistive technology devices and software that can enhance their learning and everyday life.

School and Residential Services:

• Homai Campus School

• Kickstart Transition Programme

• Residential Services

Assessment and Teaching Services:

• Regional Visual Resource Centres

• Homai Early Childhood Centre

• National Assessment Service

• Immersion Courses

• Developmental Orientation & Mobility Services

Blind Foundation BLINK Library (Homai Campus)

1. Children and Young People with Visual Impairments: BLENNZ primary focus is on supporting students who have visual impairments, including those who are blind or have low vision. These individuals may require specialised educational resources, assistive technologies, and support to enhance their learning experience.

2. Parents and Caregivers: BLENNZ often collaborates closely with parents and caregivers of children with visual impairments. They provide resources, workshops, and guidance to help parents better understand and meet the needs of their visually impaired children.

3. Educational Professionals: BLENNZ works in partnership with teachers, schools, and educational institutions to develop and implement individualised education plans (IEPs) for students with visual impairments. They offer guidance, training, and resources to help educators effectively support these students in mainstream educational settings.

4. Schools and Educational Institutions: BLENNZ collaborates with schools to ensure that students with visual impairments have access to appropriate accommodations, resources, and support within the classroom environment. They work to create inclusive learning environments that cater to the needs of all students.

5. Special Education Coordinators: Professionals responsible for coordinating and overseeing special education services within schools may work with BLENNZ to ensure that students with visual impairments receive the necessary support and accommodations.

6. Community and Support Groups: BLENNZ may also engage with community organisations, support groups, and other entities that focus on blindness and visual impairment to promote networking, awareness, and collaboration.

BLENNZ recognises the importance of involving families in the education and support process. They offer resources, workshops, and support for parents and caregivers to better understand and meet the needs of their visually impaired children.

BLENNZ collaborates with mainstream schools and educational institutions to promote inclusive learning environments for students with visual impairments. They work together with teachers and school staff to ensure that students receive appropriate accommodations and support.

BLENNZ collaborates with mainstream schools and educational institutions to promote inclusive learning environments for students with visual impairments. They work together with teachers and school staff to ensure that students receive appropriate accommodations and support.

To access the services provided by BLENNZ, individuals can reach out to their local BLENNZ centre or get in touch with their school’s special education coordinator. The organisation works closely with schools and educational professionals to assess each student’s needs and develop a personalised plan for support.