Author Archives: Melisa Matthews

Big Skills for Little Muscles

A preschooler wearing glasses and patch, sitting at a table cutting paper.

Fine motor skills are essential for preschool-age children to achieve a variety of developmental milestones. Fine motor skills are needed for holding pencils, using scissors, tying shoes, zipping up jackets and many more activities. When your child has the finger strength to accomplish these tasks it supports their self-esteem and confidence. Fine motor skills can […]

Five Tips for Increasing Independence

A girl sitting outside picking strawberries in the sun.

The difference between a three-year-old’s (preschooler) level of independence and an eleven-year-olds (fifth grader) level of independence is significant. The change doesn’t happen overnight! It does happen through a series of gradual shifts and changes in behavior. Some of these changes are a natural part of growing up and internal maturity. Some happen through direct […]

APH Code Jumper and Summer Fun

Posted on June 12, 2023 - 11:25 am by
Child creates a circuit with computer-mouse-sized Code Jumper pods. Text: APH Hive Getting Started: Code Jumper Unplugged Presented by Leslie Weilbacher, Robin Lowell, & Shelley Mack

Computer Science and Information Technology jobs have continued to rise over the last few years. The field of coding offers virtually endless job opportunities. It’s important for your child to explore this field. Many students start learning coding as early as kindergarten. However, your child with blindness or low vision might not have had the […]

Sensing and Learning with the APH Hive

Posted on May 31, 2023 - 8:33 am by
A student looking up toward his teacher who is reading with him.

Does your child who is blind or low vision have complex needs? Partnering with your education team to gather information about how your child responds to activities at school and home is the first step towards building communication skills. As parents, we may want to know what is observed when determining our child’s present level […]

From Nondriver to Active Traveler

Posted on May 15, 2023 - 12:40 pm by
city bus

Teens who are blind or have low vision (and their parents) must make many transportation decisions. Will your child drive if they meet your state’s requirements? If not, how will they get around? Will they utilize a city bus or a hired driver? Driving represents a new level of independence and responsibility, and nondriving teens […]

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