Eddie wakes up everyday asking what is going to happen next. He likes a schedule, prefers to stick to it, and adding something new can make him uneasy. Children who are blind can be unsure about new experiences. Being unable to predict what will be expected and unsure if they will be successful can be … Continued
Eddie is participating in middle school band this year. As a sixth grader, it’s the year they are learning musical instruments, and this matches his skill level. He is able to play the melody of most tunes on the piano by ear and spends much of his free time tinkering. We knew integrating him into … Continued
"When speaking or writing about a person who is blind or visually impaired, it’s important to use person-first language: ‘the boy who is blind’ is preferred over ‘the blind boy’," I distinctly remember learning in my coursework to prepare to become a teacher of students with visual impairments. Here I am, a decade-and-a-half later, writing … Continued
Leer este artículo en español In one week, Mayra was admitted to the intensive care unit twice. During her first stay, she made use of an intravenous line and a portable heart monitor, a visible and audible reminder of the seriousness of her medical diagnosis. The second time she was sent to ICU two additional … Continued
Editor’s note: FamilyConnect is hand-delivering a note from Santa, who gives permission to children who are blind or visually impaired to touch their "Elf on the Shelf." We hope you utilize this post from Holly Bonner, visually impaired mother of two girls, to make the holidays even more meaningful for your child with a visual … Continued
Editor’s Note: Today’s blog post is by Justin Harford, a project coordinator with the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, a project sponsored by the Department of State and administered by Mobility International USA for the purpose of increasing participation of students with disabilities in mainstream international exchange. Having studied and traveled in Latin America … Continued
Yep, I know it’s hard to believe, but the season for gifts is quickly approaching. Every year, we struggle with what to get Eddie for the holidays and so does everyone else. It’s hard to find the perfect gift, but by reflecting on some "winners," I’m hoping it will help with the selection process this … 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
I was recently at the American Printing House for the Blind Annual Meeting and had a discussion with educators about the role of parents in helping others understand our kids. I was sharing my opinion (as usual) about how parents have to take the lead on this to make others understand our children outside of … Continued
Decades before Carol Saylor started to notice that the colors on her canvas were not as bright, and years before the sounds in the classroom and studio were reduced to a low hum, she chose a lifelong path steeped in creation and expression through the fine arts. She listened to her internal voice; she committed … Continued