National Assessment Services

Do you sometimes wish you knew just how well your child was using their vision?  How well are they developing?  What can they see?  What are their overall needs and what type of resource would be appropriate to meet those needs?  If so, you may find that the National Education Assessment Service at Homai Campus can help you in many ways.

What is the National Educational Assessment Service?

The service offers a comprehensive assessment of your child’s current developmental status.  You and your child will meet with each member of a team of educational and health professionals who have training and experience in the field of vision impairment as well as in additional special needs.  The aim is to provide families and teaching teams with accurate, up-to-date information to support educational planning and school placement.

This service is available for children of all ages (from birth to 21 years) from all parts of New Zealand.  Parents are provided with a detailed report and recommendations following the assessment.

Where does the assessment take place?

Most assessments take place at BLENNZ Homai Campus in Auckland.  However, the Assessment Team also makes visits to other regions throughout NZ  where the members work alongside local professionals.

Who are the Educational Assessment Team?

The Ophthalmologist (Eye Doctor)    

The ophthalmologist undertakes a comprehensive examination of your child's eyes  and offers information and advice to families, caregivers and teaching teams.

The Optometrist

The optometrist assesses the need for glasses or low vision aids and offers advice and information to parents, caregivers and teachers.

The Speech Language Therapist

The speech language therapist works in the area of communication, feeding, planning, programming, and problem solving.

The Paediatrician

The paediatrician undertakes a comprehensive medical check of your child, offering advice to parents and caregivers, and when necessary, an opinion on diagnosis and treatment.

The Psychologist

The psychologist provides advice and information on a variety of topics such as behaviour management, and access to special education services.

The Functional Vision Assessor

The functional vision assessor will assess how your child is using their vision during everyday activities, and how they are processing visual information. Suggestions for appropriate visual stimulation programmes, environmental adaptations, appropriate equipment and special format materials will be given.

The Occupational Therapist

The occupational therapist will assess your child on motor and learning skills for self care, leisure and daily living skills, and will suggest programme activities to further develop these, encouraging independence and safety.

The Technology Teacher

The technology teacher will help you to explore a range of options from simple “low tech” toys and  materials, through to specialised low vision and Braille electronic devices.

The Physiotherapist

The physiotherapist will guide parents and caregivers in suitable handling, positioning and movement techniques and advise on equipment and ways to increase the strength and independence of your child.

The Orientation & Mobility Specialist (O&M)

The O&M specialist looks at how learners are relating to objects in their environment and provides advice about safe and independent movement and travel.

The Teachers: Classroom & Early Childhood

A class teacher or early childhood teacher in collaboration with your Resource Teacher of Vision, will assess your child’s social, developmental and learning needs.

The Music Therapist

Sound and music will be used to assess your child's functional, emotional, musical and creative abilities and needs.  

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Assessment take?

Families usually arrive by midday Monday and return home midday Friday.  Assessments are timetabled and take place throughout the week.  

Who should attend the Assessment?

Parents/caregivers are invited to attend and to accompany their child to each assessment.  The child’s classroom teacher, teacher aide, Resource Teacher Vision, a social worker or someone else chosen by the parents to advocate for their child’s needs may attend.  If one parent is unable to attend they may bring a friend or family member for support.

How do we get there?

We will arrange your travel bookings.

What should parents bring?

Meals and accommodation are provided at the Homai Campus.  Linen is provided and there are laundry facilities available.  Parents are welcome to use the Centre’s facilities including the heated indoor pool.  Please include the child’s favourite toys and any special seating or standing equipment if possible.  You will be sent a DVD showing the Assessment Process and the Centre’s facilities

Who may apply to the Service?

Any person who is close to the learner may apply.
This may be:

•    A parent or family member
•    Resource Teacher Vision
•    Teacher or Principal of your child’s school
•    A social worker or advisor from the R.N. Z.F.B.
•    An ophthalmologist or paediatrician.

Who pays for the assessment?

Currently there is no cost for this service.  Travel and accommodation, (5 days, 4 nights), is provided free of charge for families (1 adult and 1 child) travelling from out of Auckland. It is usually possible to gain funding for a second adult to also attend.  Meals during the assessment week are provided for all families and special dietary requirements are provided by arrangement.


For further information or a referral form for a full week national educational assessment please contact:

The Manager
Assessment Services
BLENNZ, Homai Campus
Private Bag 75-801
Manurewa, Manukau 2102
Auckland
Tel: (09) 266 7109 Fax: (09) 267 4496
Email: assessment@blennz.school.nz