Melisa Matthews, Author at ConnectCenter

Behavioral Issues in Children with Blindness or Low Vision: A Guide for Parents

By Carla A. Brooks As a parent, you have hopes and dreams for your child who is blind or low vision. Most parents hope their child will be healthy and happy and continue to grow and thrive, learning the skills that will prepare him or her for an independent life as an adult. And as […]

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 […]

Learning to Play with Other Children as a Child Who is Blind or Low Vision

Three toddlers playing with a busy board.

Play is one of the ways that young children learn about their world and, at the same time, begin to develop their social and language skills. There are a number of things you can do to help your child learn to interact with other children by walking through the steps of a social situation. The […]

Choosing Toys and Creating a Play Area for Your Blind or Low-Vision Child

Cozy kids room interior with play tent and toys.

When selecting toys for children, we often focus on their appearance. Sighted kids smile at cuddly stuffed animals and vibrant cartoon characters. However, for a child who is blind or has low vision, looks take a backseat. To ensure your child’s playtime is fun and stimulating, opt for toys with multi-sensory appeal. Multi-sensory means engaging […]

Exposing Your Child Who is Blind or Low Vision to Hobbies

A preschooler sitting at a school table working on tactile puzzles.

Hobbies are more than just fun! They’re a gateway to learning, growth, and self-confidence. When children engage in hobbies, they learn that practice leads to improvement and discover skills that extend far beyond the activity itself. Why Hobbies Matter Tailoring Hobbies to Your Child’s Interests To help your child find hobbies they love, consider: Adaptive […]