FamilyConnect

Transcript

Describer: Photos and parents and families with children who are blind or visually impaired.

Mom 1: We live in a rural community and having the only child who is blind in a town of 700 people can be very isolating. The information of FamilyConnect helps remind us that we are not the only ones in this type of situation.

Dad 1: I love the ability to post a message about an issue and get answers from parents around the country who may be in a similar situation.

Mom 2: FamilyConnect lets us know we’re not alone.

Describer: A graphic that reads “FamilyConnect, A Voice for Families of Children Who Are Visually Impaired.” A montage of family photos.

Narrator: The voices of these real families are being heard through FamilyConnect.org—a virtual lifeline for parents of children who are blind or visually impaired. Learning that your child has a visual impairment can be a shocking event that impacts the entire family. If you are a parent of a child who is blind or visually impaired, it is important for you to know that you are not alone. There are other families like yours and professionals ready to help, to share the voices of their experience and knowledge. And they can be found at FamilyConnect.

Describer: Screenshots of the FamilyConnect website.

Narrator: FamilyConnect is a joint creation of the American Foundation for the Blind and the National Association of Parents of Children with Visual Impairments, or NAPVI. Here’s what FamilyConnect has to offer you and your family:

• Regular blogs, authored by parents and family members like you.
• Inspiring video testimonials from families.
• An expansive library of articles authored by parents and experts in the field of blindness on technology, education, child development, and more.

Mom 3: I adopted a totally blind child and had no exposure to anyone blind before. I find the articles helpful, and they give me hope.

Narrator: From the personal to the professional, on FamilyConnect you’ll find all the resources you need to raise your child from birth to adulthood. FamilyConnect is available in both English and Spanish.

Ready to get started? Here’s what you do.

Register online at FamilyConnect.org.

You don’t have to register to view FamilyConnect but it will help us match you with other families whose children have the same eye condition, or who are similar in age, or live in the same area as you.

Track message boards or blogs by signing up for the tracking feature found on each page.

Locate resources and events in your community through the Directory and Calendar of Events.

Describer: Various photos of families with children who are visually impaired.

Narrator: Getting connected, staying informed, finding support is essential for families who are raising a child with a visual impairment. Join the voices of the FamilyConnect family, and help us help each other in meeting our common goal of expanding possibilities for children who are blind or visually impaired.

Mom 3: I have had very few pity parties after using FamilyConnect. I’m not the only one. Other people have similar issues.

Dad 1: I have become quite savvy in knowing what to try with my daughter now. She is roller skating and beginning to learn how to use a cane. She is making great progress.

Mom 1: This site has taught me that there are no real limitations. I have become more creative as a parent, and I know with confidence that I am the right person to raise my child.

Narrator: Connect on FamilyConnect today at familyconnect.org.