admin, Author at ConnectCenter

Using Compass Directions in Orientation and Mobility

Round compass in child’s hand on green grass background.

By Scott Truax If I tell you my house is on the right-hand side of the street, you will only find me if you come from the same direction I was. If I tell you it is on the north side of the street and midway down the block, your chances improve dramatically. Compass directions […]

Orientation and Mobility for Grade Schoolers

A girl wearing glasses sitting on the floor in a classroom.

What Is Orientation and Mobility? Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is the teaching of concepts, skills, and techniques needed to orient to surroundings and to move independently and safely in the environment. To learn and master these skills, a child who is blind or has low vision commonly works with an O&M specialist upon diagnosis through […]

Helping Your Child Who Is Blind or Has Low Vision Learn How to Make Friends

A group of three students walking into a school.

Tips for Promoting Friendships Most people and adults are somewhat social by nature and being able to form ongoing relationships contributes in an important way to your child’s overall development. However, your child is blind or has low vision may need help from you and other family members in learning how to make and keep […]

Everyone Needs a Role Model

An elementary student working with an older student to learn about a trumpet by feeling the buttons.

Your child might already have a role model. This is someone they really admire and want to be like. It could be a family member, like an older cousin, or someone at school, like a favorite teacher. Sometimes, a role model is someone famous they know about from books or TV, like a tennis player […]

Building Self-Esteem in Children Who Are Blind or Low Vision

Young girl facing outside with her reflection of herself in the window.

Self-esteem has a strong impact on all aspects of a person’s life. If your child has self-esteem, in general, feels good about themself and their accomplishments. Self-esteem provides a foundation for personal growth and development. Children with high levels of self-esteem are more likely to have confidence in their own judgment and be willing to […]