Braille Tales Builds a Foundation for a Lifetime of Literacy

Editor’s note: Early literacy via exposure to braille at young ages is important for children who are blind or low vision. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides books to children to provide exposure to literacy. But what about the children who need exposure to braille? Braille Tale is part of the solution. Braille Tales is the … Continued

Teaching Children Independence and Advocacy Skills from an Early Age

When a parent learns their child is blind or has low vision as early as birth, it can take time to accept. But it’s essential that children start learning key skills as early as possible. Giving children the tools they need to lead independent, fulfilling lives will give both children and their parents optimism about … Continued

Social Skill Savvy for the First Day of School – with Bonus “About Me” Template! 

If you’re like me (a bit of a nerd at heart), you may remember your childhood school “first days” as fun and exciting, with possibly a few nervous butterflies in the mix. I loved the satisfaction of putting a crisp, clean stack of paper into my brightly colored Trapper-Keeper (did you know they’re back in … Continued

Transitions: Advocating for Your Rights as a College Student 

Editor’s note: Marie, a college student who is blind, shares how she selected a university and advocated for an accessible education. Don’t miss the announcement of our new College Conversations webinar series where a panel of blind and low vision young adults from across the United States will share first-hand accounts and advice on the … 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

Transitions: Five Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Skills to “Pack” for College Life 

FC Editor’s note: If your child is heading off to college or other post-secondary education in the fall, they can utilize the advice of orientation and mobility specialist, Amanda Bernath. Read on to learn what O&M skills they can “pack” for their big transition!  It’s here again –summer! Many students are excitedly anticipating and planning … Continued

Transitions: Hearts for Sight: A Nonprofit Inspired by One Man’s Quest for Self-Improvement

FC Editor’s Note: Joseph Burton, co-founder and president of Hearts for Sight (HFS) Foundation, created the supportive environment he longed for as a young man. HFS provides health, wellness, and therapy for adults and youth who are blind or low vision.  _________________________  Joseph Burton knows what a significant difference it can make in someone’s life … Continued

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, Part 3: Instructional Strategies  

If your child has been diagnosed with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH), you are not alone! According to Dr. Borchert for The MAGIC Foundation, Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) is the leading cause of blindness in infants and children.   Joanna Mathewson recalled her young daughter’s diagnosis of ONH in Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, Part 1: Joanna and Chrissa’s … Continued