I was recently at the American Printing House for the Blind Annual Meeting and had a discussion with educators about the role of parents in helping others understand our kids. I was sharing my opinion (as usual) about how parents have to take the lead on this to make others understand our children outside of … Continued
I have written many times about the benefit of recreation for our son, Eddie, and for kids like him. I’ve talked about exposure to activities so he can simply learn how to have fun. Recently, we went on a family bike ride with our close friends, and the benefits were even more than we expected. … Continued
As a parent of a child who is blind with additional disabilities, I feel like apologizing a lot. I’m telling strangers "I’m sorry" because my son might touch them or their things in passing. I might apologize if he calls out or sings loudly in quiet settings. I might even apologize to family and friends … Continued
Eddie was able to briefly attend a camp for kids who are blind this summer. The camp is meant to teach independence, recreation, social skills, and other parts of the expanded core curriculum, which is specific to children who are blind or visually impaired. Although his involvement was limited due to some health factors, it … Continued
Recently, I became an aunt again. My sister added an adorable little fella to her growing family. Being a sister to the pregnant lady, I spent much of her labor hanging out in the waiting room at our local hospital’s maternity ward. Although my sister was in the delivery room the day Eddie was born, … Continued
I’d wager that almost every child with a visual impairment ends up in physical, occupational, speech, etc. therapy at some point in their life. When our kiddos are very little, it seems every therapist in our zip code wants to visit or be on our child’s team. When Eddie was diagnosed at four months old, … Continued
Last night, when we went into Eddie’s room to say goodnight, we found him sitting on the edge of his bed with his lower lip sticking out and giant tears quietly sliding down his face. We sat down on either side of him, but his continued silence and steady crying gave us no answers. Eddie … Continued
I just returned home from a unique opportunity for educators and especially unique when considering teaching children who are blind. It’s called “American Wilderness Leadership School” offered through Safari Club International. The purpose of the camp is to offer curriculum and perspective to teachers surrounding conservation of wildlife and resources. I attended to find new … Continued
Having a child in special education can feel like they are in “No Man’s Land,” especially if they spend a lot of time away from their peers as Eddie does. His unique needs due to autism and blindness make it hard for us to know where he specifically belongs. Because of this, we find ourselves … Continued
Having a child in special education can feel like they are in “No Man’s Land,” especially if they spend a lot of time away from their peers as Eddie does. His unique needs due to autism and blindness make it hard for us to know where he specifically belongs. Because of this, we find ourselves … Continued