Online Learning for Kids who are Blind or Low Vision In Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic

COVID-19 has turned our lives upside-down. In our house, one of the biggest challenges we face is continuing education for our son who is blind. Joshua is ten years old and in the 4th grade. We adopted Joshua three years ago from China. Prior to his adoption, Joshua did not have any opportunity to learn … Continued

Are You Homeschooling Your Child Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired? Share Your Experience and Resources

Hi, homeschooling families! I have heard from many a family who has a child who is blind or visually impaired and who is researching homeschooling. And so I come to you, homeschooling families, asking you to share your experiences and advice. We’d love to glean from you and hear what it’s like to homeschool a … 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

Being Your Visually Impaired Child’s Math Teacher and Motivator

Parents can feel overwhelmed with building their child’s math skills at home. When you have a child who is visually impaired, there are unique challenges, and it may feel like only the "professionals" know how to teach math to your child. Good news. You do not need to know braille, Nemeth (math code), or the … Continued

Being Your Visually Impaired Child’s Math Teacher and Motivator

Parents can feel overwhelmed with building their child’s math skills at home. When you have a child who is visually impaired, there are unique challenges, and it may feel like only the "professionals" know how to teach math to your child. Good news. You do not need to know braille, Nemeth (math code), or the … Continued

A Great Book Escape: A Multi-Sensory Adventure for Children with Visual Impairments

What if, this summer, you invite your child with a visual impairment (and any siblings) on an adventure of a lifetime. A type of summer "vacation" from the norm, one we’ll call a summer "escape." This adventure will not require leaving the house and is ideal even when cash and time are strapped. It will, … Continued

FamilyConnect’s Latest Article Series: Delayed Communication Development in Blind and Visually Impaired Children

This past week I enthusiastically attended American Foundation for the Blind’s leadership conference just outside of Washington, DC. Since returning home to Delaware, I have been reflecting on which message or session was the most personally impactful of the event; I choose the words of Linda Hagood, Speech Language Pathologist of Washington State School for … Continued

FamilyConnect’s Latest Article Series: Delayed Communication Development in Blind and Visually Impaired Children

This past week I enthusiastically attended American Foundation for the Blind’s leadership conference just outside of Washington, DC. Since returning home to Delaware, I have been reflecting on which message or session was the most personally impactful of the event; I choose the words of Linda Hagood, Speech Language Pathologist of Washington State School for … Continued

Braille Instruction, Too Often Neglected in Children with Low Vision

We recently discussed the importance of braille on AFB FamilyConnect. Many parents of older children and teens with vision loss, as well as many adults with vision loss, spoke out in agreement that braille is of utmost importance when print-reading is a struggle. So, with this information, why is braille instruction often neglected in children … Continued

100th Day of School; Now to Make the Last 80 Count! (For Children with Vision Loss)

Elementary shirts are decorated with 100 gemstones, pompoms, or googly eyes; kinder snack bags are filled with ten groups of ten snacks; the more fearless in the classroom are decked out as to look 100 years old; and you know it, our kiddos are “100 Days Smarter” (say poster boards in classrooms across America). I … Continued