"Cultivate love for love is the light that gives the eye to see great and noble things." —Helen Keller Every day, you are cultivating the love you have for your child who is blind or visually impaired. You spend the necessary time and effort to ensure they are receiving proper care; you advocate on their … Continued
Fellow parents, letâs take a minute to address our big emotions. Weâre grieving the closure of childhood; excited that there may be an upcoming date; worried that they wonât behave maturely; stressed that they wonât respect all of our boundaries; concerned that hearts will be broken; anxious about their safety; not to mention weâre unsure … Continued
Fellow parents, letâs take a minute to address our big emotions. Weâre grieving the closure of childhood; excited that there may be an upcoming date; worried that they wonât behave maturely; stressed that they wonât respect all of our boundaries; concerned that hearts will be broken; anxious about their safety; not to mention weâre unsure … Continued
As parents of children with special needs, we often feel the need to miss out on daily outside activities, and over time, we may feel that church-going is not a priority. Some families feel like they’re not welcomed at church or that there aren’t enough (or any activities) for their child. We have felt the … Continued
Last year we discussed including your child who is blind or visually impaired in Hanukkah traditions; I learned much as I asked my friend, a rabbi, to explain the holiday traditions to me. Together, the rabbi and I discussed how to make each tradition meaningful and accessible to a child who is blind or low … 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
As a teenager I was bullied quite badly, which of course left me devastated, fearful, and stressed. That painful season did change me and give me eyes to see the lonely and marginalizedâso truly, beauty rose from the ashesâhowever, I would have much rather learned empathy in a less agonizing manner! Now, as a parent … Continued
Since having my second daughter, I have come to realize just how difficult it can be for a blind mother of two toddlers to get around. Cumbersome car seats, a double wide stroller, and a back breaking diaper bag are just some of the baby essentials necessary for even the shortest spring outing. Although I … Continued
A math equation we parents of sensitive children know well: A sensitive child + A new environment + A Loud crowd of voices + A Late-night party + A possible itchy Christmas dress or slacks = A recipe for many (not at all merry) meltdowns. I saw it today; bless his heart. The boy in … Continued
Can I tell you my favorite holiday memory from childhood? I was 8 or 10; my parents, siblings, and I bundled up and squeezed into the minivan on our way to âMeals on Wheelsâ. We collected about 4 single-serving hot meals; slices of roasted turkey, runny mashed potatoes, green beans, and pecan pie enclosed in … Continued