The Division of Blind Services piloted the Blind Babies Program between 1996-97 and 1999-2000. In 2000, the Legislature implemented the program statewide. 1/ The program provides community-based, early-intervention education to visually impaired or blind children from birth through five years of age and to their parents, families, and caregivers. Our examination found that the division
- had not developed an adequate accountability system;
- did not effectively use the pilot project for program development; and
- failed to achieve statewide implementation.
Because of these failures, we cannot recommend that the Legislature continue funding the program. We are unable to assure the Legislature that the program is not duplicating existing programs, is having the desired impacts, or is cost-effective. If funding were discontinued, 185 children and 364 family members would no longer receive the program's services, but the effectiveness of these services is not conclusive.
However, if the Legislature wishes to continue funding the program, we recommend that the division improve client identification as well as referral and coordination of services with other early intervention programs, increase program utilization, ensure cost-effective distribution of program funds, and establish a valid accountability system by the end of Fiscal Year 2001-02.