Early Intervention
Training Center
for Infants and Toddlers With
Visual Impairments
Module:
Family-Centered Practices
for Infants and Toddlers With Visual Impairments
Session 3: Support-Based Early Intervention
and Developing Ecomaps
Handout A
Ecomap for Austin’s Family
EIVI Training Center. (2003). Ecomap for Austin’s family. Chapel Hill, NC: Early
Intervention Training Center for Infants and Toddlers With Visual Impairments,
FPG Child Development Institute, UNC-CH.
This ecomap is a graphic portrayal of the informal, formal, and intermediate supports
for Austin and his parents. Their names are in a rectangle in the center of the
ecomap. Above this rectangle is a row of rectangles that represent the informal
supports of the family. Rectangles below the immediate family’s rectangle represent
formal supports, while rectangles on either side of the immediate family represent
intermediate supports.
FCP Module 9/22/04
EIVI-FPG Child Development Institute
UNC-CH
Session 3 Handout A
Page 1 of 2
Early Intervention
Training Center
for Infants and Toddlers With
Visual Impairments
The first two informal supports depicted at the top are maternal and paternal
grandparents, with bold lines connecting them to the immediate family. The bold
lines represent strong, supportive relationships. A rectangle depicting the mother’s
siblings is joined to the immediate family’s rectangle with a medium line,
representing a supportive relationship.
Below the immediate family’s rectangle are rectangles that represent the family’s
formal supports. Dotted lines connect the rectangle for the endocrinologist, who is
seen every 3 months, suggesting a stressful relationship. The pediatric neuroophthlamologist, who is seen every 6 months, is connected to the family with both
medium and dotted lines, suggesting both a supportive and a stressful relationship.
Medium lines suggesting supportive relationships are used to connect rectangles for
the pediatrician, seen every 3 to 5 months, and the TVI, who is the case manager.
The physical therapist and occupational therapist provide weekly support, and their
rectangles are connected to the immediate family with medium lines, suggesting
supportive relationships.
The mother’s work colleagues are depicted in a rectangle to the right of the
immediate family with a medium line, representing a supportive relationship.
FCP Module 9/22/04
EIVI-FPG Child Development Institute
UNC-CH
Session 3 Handout A
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