Hello, October, arguably the most magnificent month—not (only) because of the sensational scents, sights, and sips of fall, but (also) because October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, NDEAM for short. In celebration: We stop and remember. We educate others. We plan and gear up for the future. Why? Because, as is the 2021 NDEAM … Continued
by VisionAware peer, Steve Kelley Written by VisionAware peer, Steve Kelley, this great overview of National White Cane Safety Day was originally posted on APH’s VisionAware website. Orientation and mobility (O&M) skills are critical to the independence of all people with vision loss, regardless of age. To learn about how O&M is taught at different … Continued
Editor’s Note: In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson established October 15th as White Cane Safety Day to raise awareness of people who use a white cane. This post is the first in our series leading up to White Cane Day on October 15th. Stabilization. Strength. Motor function and control. Balance. Coordination. Awareness of one’s body and … Continued
Toilet training is often viewed as a looming hurdle, a giant obstacle, and an exhausting feat. One requiring patience upon patience. We parents arm ourselves with a litany of literature, hoping to prepare our children for success and ourselves with realistic expectations, but most toilet-training literature is written for children who are fully sighted. While … Continued
Get out the suits and sunscreen, it’s pool time! Swimming is a welcome reprieve from the heat and a phenomenal no-impact exercise for the entire family. But don’t take it from me: Letticia Martinez, Paralympian swimmer who is blind, shares her story to encourage parents. Let’s dive into accessibility considerations for your child who is … Continued
Before I was a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), I became a parent to a beautiful little girl who was born with severe visual impairments. My decision to switch careers from chemistry to education was based heavily on the wonderful support that my family received during our years in Early Intervention (EI). All the … Continued
Well organized living and learning spaces will support your child’s safety in moving about the environment, will enhance her independence, and will help them simplify responsibilities and tasks. Imagine a typical morning routine void of methods of organization: Your child wakes with limited time to ready themselves for school. Brushing their teeth and tossing the … Continued
Earlier this summer, I was invited back to the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind (MSDB). All of our children were born in Montana. It was the state where we learned how to parent, how to love unconditionally, and how to raise a child who is blind. Our first trip to MSDB happened when … Continued
You + your child’s ophthalmologist + the pediatrician + any necessary therapists + medical specialists who manage any chronic or acute problems = your child’s robust medical professional team. You are a key member. Yet, it isn’t uncommon for parents to feel void of expertise and, therefore, to take a passive role or back seat … Continued
You + your child’s ophthalmologist + the pediatrician + any necessary therapists + medical specialists who manage any chronic or acute problems = your child’s robust medical professional team. You are a key member. Yet, it isn’t uncommon for parents to feel void of expertise and, therefore, to take a passive role or back seat … Continued