When I decided to go back to school to become a teacher of students with visual impairments, I shared my decision with a friend and teacherâs assistant in special education for over 21 years. While her class is not specifically for students with visual impairments, she has always made a point to read the story … Continued
We know friendships build self-esteem and offer a sense of belonging that can be hard to find. There are actually additional benefits that we cannot ignore for our kids who are blind and may have additional disabilities. I know itâs hard to imagine, but their relationships with kids may also be the key to employment. … Continued
Editorâs Note: AFB FamilyConnect is dedicated to supporting parents of youth with visual impairments. We know you have questions regarding your college bound teenâs pathway to a successful university experience. Weâre thrilled to hand the floor over to Perkins School for the Blindâs Leah Barrett Demers, who will share information on a free webinar regarding … Continued
"Itâs the most wonderful time of the year," and with a little intentionality, that can be the truth! This season neednât be about expensive gifts but about whatâs 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
Leer este artículo en español Hello, my name is Ana. I have been blind since birth. The name of the genetic condition that I have is Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). I have the privilege of being the first blind person in my family. I also have the privilege and the honor of being the first … Continued
ABCNews recently published "Seeing Hope: FDA Panel Considers Gene Therapy for Blindness" intending to excite readers with the story of three siblings whose vision, impaired from Leber Congenital Amaurosis, improved remarkably after undergoing gene therapy. The author writes of the outcomes of the majority of individuals who have undergone the same gene therapy as the … 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 youâd like to use compass/cardinal directions to state which direction youâre driving or walking. The only problem is, if youâre like most, cardinal directions arenât exactly on your list of "things mastered." The temptation arises to simply let … Continued
If your child is blind or visually impaired, your childâs education (from birth through the completion of high school) should include more than the core curriculum. It should include the expanded core curriculum, which provides your child with the skills needed to not only access the core curriculum but also to live a satisfying life … Continued