By Amy Lynn Smith Ever since learning that his daughter, Rachel, would be blind, David Hyche has actively sought ways to make sure she can fully participate in all the joys of childhood and life. When Rachel was still a toddler, David was helping his church plan an Easter egg hunt and wanted to find … Continued
The goal of the day is idea-sharing. Letās put our heads together and consider how to make the holiday of Easter, its traditions and celebrations, just as meaningful and enjoyable to a child with a visual impairment as it is to a child with full sight. What Is Easter? It helps to begin with a … Continued
"Cultivate love for love is the light that gives the eye to see great and noble things." —Helen Keller Every day, you are cultivating the love you have for your child who is blind or visually impaired. You spend the necessary time and effort to ensure they are receiving proper care; you advocate on their … Continued
Families all around the world celebrate the holidays differently depending on their culture and religion, but no matter how they celebrate, most families develop special holiday traditions. When I was growing up, my family had traditions every year that were passed down from generation to generation. We would put up special handmade decorations, such as … Continued
Last year we discussed including your child who is blind or visually impaired in Hanukkah traditions; I learned much as I asked my friend, a rabbi, to explain the holiday traditions to me. Together, the rabbi and I discussed how to make each tradition meaningful and accessible to a child who is blind or low … Continued
When you have a child who is blind, you donāt always receive homemade gifts from school that were made entirely by your children. Itās difficult for teachers and classroom assistants to let a child have total control over an art project. Therefore, we often receive projects that were done with significant support, which can honestly … Continued
When we think about the major holidays that occur this time of year, we often focus on the big day itself. We picture opening presents, plan who’s coming to visit, and consider our religious events or beliefs. So, when we prepare our children who are blind for the holidays, we can get stuck on “just” … Continued
If your child is blind or visually impaired and has autism or a sensory processing disorder, I wanted to be sure you heard Toys āRā Usā exciting new venture. The US-based retail giant opened its UK doors last month for āquiet hoursā on November 6th. Lights and music were lowered, announcements were eliminated, and āquiet … Continued
Heading anywhere for the holidays? This year weāre opting to stay home and soak up two weeks of minimal commitments and maximum relaxation. I cannot wait to regroup and unwind. If you, on the other hand, are opting to visit family, sightsee, or vacation, you brave soul, and you aim to experience respite on your … Continued
Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are quickly approaching, and I for one cannot wait! Iād like to say itās because I enjoy the snow, holiday decor, and mostly the extra family time and memory makingābecause I do! But if you can keep a secret, Iām most looking forward to the surprise puppy weāre getting (the long-hoped-for … Continued