FC Editorās 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 āpackā for their big transition!Ā Itās here again āsummer! Many students are excitedly anticipating and planning … Continued
Perhaps you are here today with apprehension or concern, eager to learn how your child will travel when blind or visually impaired and using a wheelchair (whether full-time or part-time). You arenāt sure how orientation and mobility (travel training for individuals who are blind or visually impaired) will work when your child isnāt walking. Is … Continued
Hearing shrieks of laughter and commotion outside, Jane peeked through the blinds. Ah, the neighborhood kids are playing soccer on the Biggsā front yard. New to the street, she didnāt yet know the ages of all the children, but they looked to be between five and eight years old, similar in age to her Theo. … Continued
It wonāt be long before your teen is earning his own income and living independently—letās actually label it interdependently, as emotionally healthy adults rely on others in one way or another, albeit for friendship, paid help with house cleaning or lawn care, or general advice and support. This, of course, begs the question: how well … Continued
If I could write a letter to the 2017-2018 school year, Iād probably begin with the profound words of Full Houseās Uncle Jesse—HAVE MERCY! School assignments are intensifying, classroom germs are relentless, and weāre all dog-tired. Yet, erupting from this dry ground is the most splendid and beautiful sight—spring break! My hope is you are … Continued
I can hear it now—Frozenās beloved Anna grasping her stiff, emerald dress and murmuring, "cold, cold, cold, cold, cold" as she tiptoes through the snow. Then there are the famous Dalmatians trudging through knee-deep snow, "Mama, my ears are cold and my nose is cold." Disney does a fine job of depicting the distress of … Continued
"Itās the most wonderful time of the year," and with a little intentionality, that can be the truth! This season neednāt be about expensive gifts but about whatās far more importantā¦ using the additional time off from work and school to reconnect with family, enjoying each other while creating lifelong memories and traditions. This year … Continued
You want to intentionally teach your child orientation and mobility skills, so you invite your child who is blind or visually impaired on motivating excursions such as practicing a trick-or-treat route or walking to the neighborhood park. To help your child orient to the area and to provide instruction in utilizing a map, you decide … Continued
Halloween is a favorite day of the year for many children—candy, costumes, and fall activities, how could it not be?! Your child with a visual impairment can be easily included in all things Halloween and activities leading up to Halloween. Here are a few ideas. Trick-or-Treating If you choose to participate in trick or treating … Continued
You intend to teach your child who is blind or visually impaired orientation and mobility concepts, so youād like to use compass/cardinal directions to state which direction youāre driving or walking. The only problem is, if youāre like most, cardinal directions arenāt exactly on your list of "things mastered." The temptation arises to simply let … Continued