Melisa Matthews, Author at ConnectCenter

Encouraging Babies and Toddlers to Play

Little boy playing on his tommy with a toy.

Children show interest in toys and activities from a young age; they typically begin engaging with objects or people in repetitive patterns. You can discover your child’s play patterns by watching them play independently or with others. These patterns are called schemas. Schemas enable children to learn about the world around them. We will break […]

Digital Inclusion Resources from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)

Posted on October 19, 2023 - 10:38 am by Melisa Matthews

A student wearing glasses uses an iPad in the classroom.

Your child may come home with a school iPad, Chromebook, or laptop, and you may be aware of increased digital instruction and activities. If you recognize accessibility issues, you may need resources to help your child’s team with accessible technology. The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) conducted the Access and Engagement research series during […]

Let’s Learn About APH Braille Displays

Posted on August 30, 2023 - 10:21 am by Melisa Matthews

Join us for a brief overview of the Mantis Q40 and Chameleon 20 braille displays! We’ll also discuss other braille displays and braille literacy and have time for questions. Mantis vs Chameleon If you’re unfamiliar, the Mantis and Chameleon have similar software but differ in key ways. The first and most obvious difference is that the Mantis has […]

Routines, Communication, and Practice!

Posted on August 28, 2023 - 12:49 am by Melisa Matthews

Child and adult pull gardening items out of a box. Text: APH Hive; Text: Fostering Symbolic Understanding for Students with Complex Needs Leanne Grillot & Stacey Chambers

Communication gives the power of control to individuals. Helping children and youth with complex needs build communication skills involves understanding specific interventions and how each aligns with stages of cognitive development. Families can support their child’s ability to communicate wants and needs within the home by understanding cognitive development. Work with your TVI to implement […]

Retro to Modern Accessible Easter Egg Hunt Options

A memorable, accessible Easter egg hunt for your entire family—including your young person who is blind or low vision—can be in your near future. Picture your little one (white cane in tow) enthusiastically finding Easter eggs with their peers—imagine the joy, the victory, and the independence! That’s right, you can prepare an egg hunt where […]

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