Parents Gain a New Perspective on Their Son’s Albinism at NOAH Conference

When Brian and Danielle Ford learned their son, Benjamin, had albinism, they didn’t quite know where to begin. Brian shared his experience with APH FamilyConnect, writing about the diagnosis and the pursuit of getting Benjamin all the resources he needed. One of those resources was Melisa Matthews, a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) who … Continued

First Day Jitters: Four Stories of Transition (Elementary, Middle, High, College)

It can certainly feel daunting when your child or teen who is blind or low vision is transitioning to their next season of education (elementary, middle, high school, or college)! Much like the popular children’s book series First Day Jitters, you and your maturing child may have jitters—and more than a few! You may both … Continued

Social Skill Savvy for the First Day of School – with Bonus “About Me” Template! 

If you’re like me (a bit of a nerd at heart), you may remember your childhood school “first days” as fun and exciting, with possibly a few nervous butterflies in the mix. I loved the satisfaction of putting a crisp, clean stack of paper into my brightly colored Trapper-Keeper (did you know they’re back in … 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

APH ConnectCenter Physical Activity Webinar Programs 

by Dr. Lauren Lieberman and Ruth Childs Editor’s Note: Dr. Lauren Lieberman and Ruth Childs share information about a seven-part APH ConnectCenter webinar series where Dr. Lieberman and additional experts will provide information, examples, and tools to support access to recreation and physical activity for all children, including those who are blind or low vision.  … Continued

Transitions: Indiana O&M Adventure Summer Camp: Play and Practical Lessons   

Thanks to APH FamilyConnect’s sponsorship, children who are blind or have low vision in Indiana from birth through age 18 have the chance to attend the first-ever O&M Adventure Summer Camp! The camp is being offered in two-hour sessions over the course of three weeks in Indianapolis.    The camp is the brainchild of Mindy Koehne, … Continued

Transitions: “Guide Dog” Summer Camps for Youth Who Are Blind or Low Vision  

Editor’s Note: If you have an older child or teen who is blind or low vision and may be interested in utilizing (“handling”) a guide dog in the future, let’s look at how to support them in preparing for the venture. Not only can your child work on developing orientation and mobility (O&M) and additional Expanded … Continued

Ever Lee Hairston: A Black leader in the blindness field and civil rights

Ever Lee Hairston is not only one of the countless Black leaders who work in the field of blindness, or have done so through the years. She is also a civil rights leader – and her experience with the civil rights movement inspired her to help others who are blind, like her.  Lighting the flame  … 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