admin, Author at ConnectCenter

Eating Skills for Babies and Toddlers Who Are Blind or Low Vision

A toddler sitting with their hand in a snack cup.

Whether it is from the breast or a bottle, newborns need to eat every few hours, and throughout infancy, babies need their parents to help them eat. You can involve your baby in the process right from the start and help them begin to learn about eating and food. Teaching Your Infant About Food Starting […]

What Is the Most Appropriate Placement for Children Who Are Blind or Low Vision?

A classroom with students at desks and the teacher in the front of the room.

There is a wealth of information and opinion available on the subject of the “best” school placement for children who are blind or low vision. I offer a word of caution and advice as you are wading through the vast information sources that give what may be contradictory advice. Each child (and family) is unique […]

Individualized Education Program (IEP) Advice for Parents of Children with Blindness or Low Vision

Small empty conference room with TV projector, conference table and chairs.

Once your child has been found eligible to receive special education services because of their eye condition, determining your child’s individual needs begins. The document outlining these needs and services is the Individualized Education Program (IEP). You can think of it as the blueprint or roadmap for the appropriate services that your school system will […]

IEP and 504 Plan: What’s the Difference, and Which Is Most Appropriate for My Child Who is Blind Or Low Vision?

Young mother sitting at a conference table with teachers.

As children with blindness or low vision progress through school, parents and administrators meet regularly to review the child’s progress and set new goals. Sometimes, especially for older students, questions arise as to whether special education services are still necessary—if the student is doing well as long as basic accommodations like braille, large print, and/or […]

Checklist: What to Do Before an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meeting for Parents

Blank checklist with space for ticks on a pad on an office desk.

A number of steps can help you prepare for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting: