Heading anywhere for the holidays? This year we’re 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
Orientation and Mobility—it’s a hot topic for parents of teens with visual impairments. And you know what, I’m glad it is! It’s a matter on which we must intentionally focus; it’s a matter where we must raise our expectations; and it’s an area for which we must advocate! I can almost hear your thoughts— "that’s … Continued
Like a child learns to read and write only after extensive understanding of the "building blocks" that are letters and sounds, a child will eventually learn to safely and confidently navigate the environment only after extensive understanding of the "building blocks" of Orientation and Mobility (O&M). As a sighted parent of a child who is … Continued
Editor’s note: Today’s blog post is from Amanda Bowdoin, M.Ed., a certified teacher of the visually impaired in Texas. She earned her master’s degree in visual impairment from Stephen F. Austin State University. Amanda is also a mother of twins, JD and Oliva, who are 11 years old. Her son JD has CHARGE Syndrome and … Continued
Happy Halloween from FamilyConnect! Are you looking for some fun, sensory activities for your child with a visual impairment this Halloween? With only a few days left, here are some ideas you and your child can do this weekend. We hope you will give these must-do activities a try and share your experience with us! … Continued
Well, it is fall again, my favorite time of year. It’s harvest, the weather is good, and finally the temperatures are where I like them. With fall season, begins the school year, another transition. And like fall, not always predictable. Change is inevitable, but not always easy and sometimes decisions have to be made. Evaluation … Continued
Listen, this is where we get creative. Our kiddos want to “trick-or-treat” and that’s just what we’ll do. [Insert sneaky little laugh.] However, don’t think we can’t slip in some orientation and mobility throughout the process. Here’s what I have in mind. If “trick-or-treating” really is a motivator for your child, it’s time to invite … Continued
As the parent, family member, friend, or teacher of a child with a visual impairment, I’ll bet you feel enthusiastic over "White Cane Day" which we celebrate every October 15th. There’s something special about the cane, that’s for sure. We are proud of the youngster who has a visual impairment. We are excited about the … Continued
"When you read each of these sight words correctly to your teacher, maybe we can go to the donut store," I heard myself say to my seven-year-old. Her eyes grew big, I thought with excitement at the motivation. It took mere seconds to realize they widened out of panic. The pressure was on; she had … Continued
School’s out, the sun is beating down [have mercy!!], and most children are spending much more time at home. That’s right—summer’s in full swing, and my hope is that playtime is in full force. We know playing encourages creativity, problem solving, and social skills. Why not use play time as a fun means of advancing … Continued