TeenTober: Cultivating a Fondness for Reading

Editor’s note:TeenTober™ is a new, nationwide celebration hosted by libraries every October and aims to celebrate teens, promote year-round teen services and the innovative ways teen services helps teens learn new skills, and fuel their passions in and outside the library. Today we look at inspiring your teen who is blind or low vision to … Continued

Transitions: High School Clubs Can Improve Your School Experience: A Teen Reflects

Editor’s note: High school student, Gabby Abeyta, reflects on her school experience improving after beginning to participate in academic and extracurricular activities and clubs. Gabby also shares tips and accommodations for participating in clubs as an individual who is blind or low vision.   _________________________   High School Clubs Can Improve Your School Experience: A Teen Reflects  … Continued

Summer Friendships: Helping Your Child Who is Blind or Low Vision Develop and Maintain Connections

Summer offers most young people additional free time due to fewer academic responsibilities. The season is ripe for your child who is blind or low vision to develop and maintain friendships through planning and attending get-togethers. Consider with me who your child can meet up with, any social skills needing improvement, and any accessibility concerns—all … Continued

Transitions: Hearts for Sight: A Nonprofit Inspired by One Man’s Quest for Self-Improvement

FC Editor’s Note: Joseph Burton, co-founder and president of Hearts for Sight (HFS) Foundation, created the supportive environment he longed for as a young man. HFS provides health, wellness, and therapy for adults and youth who are blind or low vision.  _________________________  Joseph Burton knows what a significant difference it can make in someone’s life … Continued

Swimming for Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

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

Camping with Your Child Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired

My hope is your family is able to unwind this summer on holiday. If you’re feeling unsettled about staying in a hotel during a pandemic, or you’re seeking the serenity of nature, perhaps this is the summer for a camping adventure!   I will never forget our first camping experience as a family. We bundled up our only child (at the time), packed … Continued

Fishing, A Phenomenal Father’s Day Activity with Your Child Who is Blind or Visually Impaired

Dads, you are a gift to your children. Your love and support are valuable; you are valuable. We honor you.  This Father’s Day, I wonder if you’d enjoy making plans to spend the day together. You may have found a winning activity already—perhaps your family bikes, hikes, bowls, swims, games, or cooks together—and if that’s how you’d most enjoy spending Father’s Day, go … Continued

Equipping Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired with Outdoor Activity Skills

Hearing shrieks of laughter and commotion outside, Jane peeked through the blinds. Ah, the neighborhood kids are playing soccer on the Biggs’ front yard. New to the street, she didn’t yet know the ages of all the children, but they looked to be between five and eight years old, similar in age to her Theo. … Continued

Empowered to Work with Your Visually Impaired Child’s Medical Professionals

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

Empowered to Work with Your Visually Impaired Child’s Medical Professionals

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