Hi, homeschooling families!
I have heard from many a family who has a child who is blind or visually impaired and who is researching homeschooling. And so I come to you, homeschooling families, asking you to share your experiences and advice. We’d love to glean from you and hear what it’s like to homeschool a child who is blind or visually impaired, empowering parents to recognize homeschooling as an option, in addition to traditional school placement options.
A Few Questions for Homeschooling Families
If you’re willing, please share your experience in the comment section below, and consider answering any or all of the following common questions:
When did you begin your homeschooling journey, and what led you to the decision?
Do you recommend a particular, multi-sensory curriculum?
Have you been able to utilize a teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) and an orientation and mobility specialist? How did you advocate for and receive these services?
How did you learn the skills, tools, and assistive technology your child benefits from, such as use of a screen magnifier and/or mastering braille?
Do you recommend additional resources or a specific support group?
What have been the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of homeschooling your child with a visual impairment?
Thank you for taking the time to share and educate our community of families.
Related Blogs for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
I want to provide those of you who are considering homeschooling your child who is blind or visually impaired with a compilation of blogs on the topic.
- A FamilyConnect mom gives homeschooling advice in the post, "Homeschooling a Blind Child: A Day Off"
- A WonderBaby reader articulates Six Reasons to Homeschool Your Blind Child
- A National Federation of the Blind (NFB) member reflects on Homeschooling the Blind, Multi-handicapped Child
- Another NFB member shares how she advocated for special education services in her state of New York in the piece, "You Can Homeschool Your Blind Child, and the School Can Help!"
- The Special Needs Homeschooling resource shares how to learn if your state will provide special education services, or simply an evaluation or assessment, to a homeschooling child.
- FamilyConnect shares information on school placement options for children who are visually impaired, including information for parents second-guessing their child’s school placement, advice for choosing the best school environment for a child, and handling early intervention services at home.
I hope this information proves helpful for you. If you’d like to add additional resources, please share in the comment section.