Melisa Matthews, Author at ConnectCenter

Understanding Your Child’s Visual Efficiency with the Barraga Program

Posted on October 28, 2024 - 3:22 pm by Melisa Matthews

As a parent of a child with blindness or low vision, understanding how your child’s vision impacts their learning and daily activities is key to helping them thrive. The Barraga Visual Efficiency Program (BVEP) assesses visual efficiency in practical, easy-to-understand ways. By evaluating how well your child uses their available vision in everyday tasks, this […]

Supporting Self-Determination in IEP Goals at Home

Photo of young girl with round pink glasses

Self-determination is a key part of a child’s development, especially for students with visual impairments and additional disabilities like deafblindness. In the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), self-determination involves teaching children how to understand and express their needs, make decisions, and advocate for themselves. Understanding your child’s IEP Self-Determination goal and how you can support it […]

Supporting Your Child’s Education Through Tactile Graphics with the Monarch

Posted on October 16, 2024 - 1:10 pm by Melisa Matthews

Tactile map of the inside of a building with the key.

If your child has received a Monarch from their TVI or the Student Pilot Program, you are likely filled with questions and want to support their continued learning at home. The Hive is a resource designed to support your learning and a starting point for specific Monarch needs through their discussion boards and Professional Learning […]

Outside-the-Box Holiday Gift Ideas for Family, Friends, or Colleagues Who Are Blind or Low Vision

Posted on October 12, 2024 - 9:45 am by Melisa Matthews

Wrapped gifts surrounded by Christmas ornaments and pine cones

Experience gifts have become popular in recent years as people shift away from giving material items. Sharing or gifting experiences can provide a lifetime of memories. When we give a gift, we hope it will be meaningful and impactful for the recipient. You may have fond memories of a childhood activity with a family member, […]

Accessible Trick-or-Treating: Halloween for Children with Visual Impairments

3 kids dressed in costumes at door with mom treats children with candy.

Halloween can be fun and exciting for all children. With a few thoughtful adaptations, it can be fully accessible for children who are blind or have low vision. Below are tips for making trick-or-treating a safe and enjoyable experience across different age groups while considering social interactions, costume adaptations, mobility, and navigation. Creating a Tactile […]

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