Transitions: Transitioning Students from High School to Adulthood Takes Training and Teamwork

Transition planning typically starts around age 14 or 16, but many programs are available for younger children to help them start to learn about career options. Professionals and parents of students who are visually impaired all have a part to play in preparing them for success. In this blog Neva Fairchild, President talks about why … Continued

An Adventure in Summer ECC Skills: Make Smoothie Popsicles!

It sure is getting hot outside! The temperature isn’t the only thing rising—so is our desire to have a little summer fun. Why not gather the family to make and eat ice lollies?!—that’s the endearing name for popsicles here in the United Kingdom. I’m all in—in fact, today I purchased silicone popsicle molds. While they’re not necessary for popsicle making, they sure simplify the task.  If you aren’t quite sure how to safely involve your … Continued

Low Vision Exam. What is it? Who Needs it?  What comes next?

Editor’s note: Join us on June 15, 2021, @ 12:30 pm (EST), for the second of two webinars in which Dr. Alexis G. Malkin, OD, FAAO, and David Bradburn from HumanWare will provide an overview of assistive technology and services that help people with low vision perform everyday tasks. Using the state of Massachusetts as an example, the presenters will illustrate the needs, available services, and funding for 3 different groups, namely: … Continued

Preparing Your Child Who is Blind or Low Vision for Kindergarten

Such a whirlwind of bittersweet emotions—kindergarten is approaching! It’s hard to believe how quickly the years have passed, isn’t it? Your little one went from complete dependence on you to making strides toward independence. Thankfully your child’s absolute preciousness hasn’t changed, but their level of autonomy has. So, let’s take a look at how you can be preparing your child for increased independence in preparation for kindergarten.  Working … Continued

Flower Arranging for Mother’s Day

Delicate petals. Fuzzy leaves. Sweet-smelling blossoms. Vivid color contrasts. Sturdy stems. Yes, we’re talking about beloved flowers—the wild ones found peppered across fields and those bound and arranged-just-so at the supermarket.  While they are no doubt visually beautiful, flowers (nature’s treasures) can be enjoyed by all, irrespective of visual acuity, due to their lovely fragrance and texture.  And you … Continued

Transition: Preparing Your Student for Success in the Computer Coding Field

Computer coding to create websites and apps is a solid career choice – and one that’s particularly well-suited to people who are blind or visually impaired. That’s why APH ConnectCenter and California College for the Blind are co-hosting the free, virtual 2021 National Coding Symposium for students May 11-14 (details below) to expose students to a wealth of information about the field.  One of the biggest … Continued

Are You a Parent Wondering If You Should Learn Braille? Here Are Five Reasons to Consider Doing So

Since learning of your child’s visual impairment, I am sure there have been millions of questions running through your head. How is he going to play? How is she going to learn how to walk? How is he going to learn in school? Will she be able to live independently? Who is going to teach … Continued

Summer Camp: So Much More Than Fun and Games

Editor’s note: This post was written by Jane Flower of Guide Dogs for the Blind. Jane will also be a panelist on the upcoming APH ConnectCenter webinar, Blind Kids Just Want to Have Fun: Thriving Our Way Into the Future of Physical Distancing at Summer Camp. You can register here: Growing up with a visual … Continued

The Fragrance of Fall: Two Ingredient, Apple-Scented Playdough

For most, autumn has been, well, stinky. It’s time to ditch the stench and the alter the aroma. Enter the respite of sensory play, and not just any sensory play…the molding and squeezing of a heap of seasonally-scented dough. Rainy Day Mum introduced me to just the thing. Here’s what you need to know to … Continued