Melisa Matthews, Author at ConnectCenter

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 […]

Assistive Technology

A young boy wearing glasses with a smart brailer.

In today’s digital age, technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of our daily lives. Technology plays a pivotal role, from using the computer and phone, the debit card at the grocery store, to the remote controlling your television. For your child who is blind or has low vision, technology will be an essential tool across […]

Modeling Literacy for Parents of Children with Blindness

small child with pink eyeglasses sits in the corner of a large chair and explores a book with the help of a parent

Parenting requires significant modeling, and literacy is one area where you can model and share the joy of reading with your child. If you are new to blindness, you may be overwhelmed or overthinking how to engage your child with books, typically considered a visual activity. However, learning to adapt, incorporating braille, and making literacy […]