Many parents of children who are blind end up becoming teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) or orientation and mobility specialists. As our children grow, we acquire greater insight into the complexity of their needs, and become intrigued by the work of their experts. I became a TVI when Eddie was six years old and … Continued
Earlier this summer, I was invited back to the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind (MSDB). All of our children were born in Montana. It was the state where we learned how to parent, how to love unconditionally, and how to raise a child who is blind. Our first trip to MSDB happened when … Continued
If you’re the parent of a child with special needs, you’ve likely heard the statement “You look tired” many times. Maybe it’s at the end of the work day, or perhaps right when you walk through the door. Although you may have received the best night of sleep in weeks, you still can come across … Continued
Imagine with me you’re looking into the future of your son (or daughter) who is blind or visually impaired. He’s in his early twenties and nearing the completion of his first year of employment. It isn’t his dream job, but hey, one must start somewhere. He lives downtown in an up-and-coming area, about two blocks … Continued
Hearing shrieks of laughter and commotion outside, Jane peeked through the blinds. Ah, the neighborhood kids are playing soccer on the Biggs’ front yard. New to the street, she didn’t yet know the ages of all the children, but they looked to be between five and eight years old, similar in age to her Theo. … Continued
You + your child’s ophthalmologist + the pediatrician + any necessary therapists + medical specialists who manage any chronic or acute problems = your child’s robust medical professional team. You are a key member. Yet, it isn’t uncommon for parents to feel void of expertise and, therefore, to take a passive role or back seat … Continued
You + your child’s ophthalmologist + the pediatrician + any necessary therapists + medical specialists who manage any chronic or acute problems = your child’s robust medical professional team. You are a key member. Yet, it isn’t uncommon for parents to feel void of expertise and, therefore, to take a passive role or back seat … Continued
Families who have a child who is blind or visually impaired spend much time and energy teaching concepts which would otherwise be learned incidentally, demonstrating self-care and home management skills, addressing accessibility concerns, visiting specialists, attending educational planning meetings, and responding to questions of passersby and family members. Siblings can feel forgotten. Siblings can feel … Continued
We welcome April with open arms, for not only is it one month closer to warmth (finally), but it’s also Autism Awareness Month. Many of you have children who are blind or visually impaired who have been diagnosed with autism, and many others have children who are blind or visually impaired whom you question if … Continued
If you take a walk down memory lane to recollect your most treasured Easter celebration as a child, what comes to mind? I think about visiting my grandparent’s home in Tampa, Florida, wearing a new-to-me fancy dress that could twirl just so, searching diligently through the grass for plastic (coin-filled) and previously hand painted hard-boiled … Continued