Everything You Need for a Memorable, Accessible Easter for a Child with a Visual Impairment

If you take a walk down memory lane to recollect your most treasured Easter celebration as a child, what comes to mind? I think about visiting my grandparent’s home in Tampa, Florida, wearing a new-to-me fancy dress that could twirl just so, searching diligently through the grass for plastic (coin-filled) and previously hand painted hard-boiled … Continued

Classroom Parties for Children with Visual Impairments

Editor’s note: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and so are the classroom parties at your child’s school. To help include your child who is blind or visually impaired, Samantha Kelly shares her tips and advice on creating an accessible school celebration. Classroom Parties for Children with Visual Impairments When your child is in … Continued

Yes, Blind Children, You May Touch Your Elves on the Shelf: A Letter from Santa Claus

Editor’s note: FamilyConnect is hand-delivering a note from Santa, who gives permission to children who are blind or visually impaired to touch their "Elf on the Shelf." We hope you utilize this post from Holly Bonner, visually impaired mother of two girls, to make the holidays even more meaningful for your child with a visual … Continued

A Fun, Festive Holiday Take on the Expanded Core Curriculum

"It’s the most wonderful time of the year," and with a little intentionality, that can be the truth! This season needn’t be about expensive gifts but about what’s far more important… 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

Gift-Giving Reflection

Yep, I know it’s hard to believe, but the season for gifts is quickly approaching. Every year, we struggle with what to get Eddie for the holidays and so does everyone else. It’s hard to find the perfect gift, but by reflecting on some "winners," I’m hoping it will help with the selection process this … Continued

Holiday Gift Ideas for Children and Teens with Visual Impairments, a Round-Table Discussion

One of my favorite things about our FamilyConnect community is the opportunity to brainstorm together. While we may not have the chance to get together with a group of local friends who are parents of similar age children with visual impairments, we have the ability to do so right here. While sometimes we convene over … Continued

Four Activities Fit for Fall—To Include Your Child Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired

Oh, autumn—we’re so happy you’re here! Can’t you just smell the warm mulling spices, taste the cider, see the fiery foliage, hear the crunch of leaves underfoot, and perhaps best of all, feel the crisp air on your cheeks? In my opinion, this season wins at best exhilarating the senses. For this reason, fall is … Continued

Four Activities Fit for Fall—To Include Your Child Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired

Oh, autumn—we’re so happy you’re here! Can’t you just smell the warm mulling spices, taste the cider, see the fiery foliage, hear the crunch of leaves underfoot, and perhaps best of all, feel the crisp air on your cheeks? In my opinion, this season wins at best exhilarating the senses. For this reason, fall is … Continued

A Meaningful and Accessible Halloween for Children with Visual Impairments

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

A Toast to Fathers of Children with Visual Impairments

Here’s to you, Dad. A provider, a protector, a teacher, an encourager. A source of strength, a source of love. Time with you is precious and remembered. You are respected, you are adored. You’re a role model, Dad. Thank you. Thank you for holding and nurturing that precious babe. Thank you for playing, tickling, wrestling, … Continued