Parents Gain a New Perspective on Their Son’s Albinism at NOAH Conference

When Brian and Danielle Ford learned their son, Benjamin, had albinism, they didn’t quite know where to begin. Brian shared his experience with APH FamilyConnect, writing about the diagnosis and the pursuit of getting Benjamin all the resources he needed. One of those resources was Melisa Matthews, a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) who … Continued

You Can Touch the Elf on the Shelf: A Letter from Santa Claus

Editor’s note: Santa gives permission to children who are blind or low vision to touch their “Elf on the Shelf.” We hope you utilize this updated post from parent Holly Bonner of of Blind Motherhood to make the holidays meaningful and accessible for your child! If You Are Blind or Low Vision, You Can Touch The Elf … Continued

Sensory Play: Mom Shares Ideas for Babies and Children

My name is Dovile, and I am a mother of two incredible boys, Jacob (6) and Dominic (1). Jacob is our music lover; he fills our house with music and can’t imagine his day without the keyboard. Dominic is our explorer; he loves toys, books, and all sensory play! They both were born with LCA … Continued

What’s It Like to Get a Dog Guide? One Young Woman Shares Her Story

A guide dog is more than man’s – or woman’s – best friend. For people who are blind or low vision, a guide dog is a loyal companion that makes navigating the world easier. Emily Nelson, a 17-year-old high school senior from Indiana, can’t wait to get her dog guide. She’s doing her best to … Continued

Behind the Scenes: Mom Creates CVI-Friendly YouTube Videos

Editor’s note: Alissa DeSousa shares memories of her son receiving multiple medical diagnoses, both in utero and in early childhood, including cerebral/ cortical visual impairment (CVI). She also shares how she recognized a need for CVI-friendly videos and proceeded to meet the need. Behind the Scenes: Mom Creates CVI-Friendly YouTube Videos When my pregnancy was … Continued

Transitions: Meet Daryl Walker: Three-Time Goalball Paralympian 

Editor’s note: Melissa Schenkel, Turnstone’s Chair of Marketing, interviewed Daryl Walker, three-time goalball Paralympian representing Team USA in order to introduce him to the APH FamilyConnect community. Daryl shares the impact of his team, personal challenges he has overcome, and words of advice for others who are blind or low vision.  _________________________    Meet Daryl Walker: … Continued

Water Play for Your Preschooler – It’s Not Just Fun & Games! 

Editor’s note: Swimming/ water play isn’t just a refreshing pastime for the hot summer months; it’s a great way to encourage learning and skill development that both you and your kiddo who is blind or low vision will enjoy! Amanda Bernath, Early Intervention Specialist and Orientation and Mobility Specialist, shares how to make the most … Continued

Making Stories Sparkle! An Invitation to an Interactive Story Time 

Hello, I’m Gwynnie-Gwyn-Gwyn, the storyteller and creator of the Story Time Show, a show that is inclusive of the whole family or class. It’s a show that has children with complex learning needs and their families at its heart. It’s a show that aims to have FUN!  Can you imagine the joy of your family … Continued

Get in the Dirt: Reducing Stress This Season  

Being a parent of a child with unique needs has its share of stressors. You know this.    It’s why we’ve tackled the topic of stress on more than one occasion; remember Parent’s Perspective: How We Manage the Stress in Our Marriage? It’s worth a re-read.  But we’ve long since been in a season which has generated … Continued