Melisa Matthews, Author at ConnectCenter

When an Older Sibling Is Blind or Has Low Vision

Toddler boy and his newborn sister are lying on a bed. Black and white photo.

As parents, we know that each of our kids is special in their own way. They have different personalities, learn at their own pace, and handle responsibilities differently. This is especially important to remember when you have a child who is blind or has low vision, particularly if they’re older than their siblings. Children grow […]

What Is Personal Futures Planning?

Happy mother, father, little daughter and baby son playing with wooden toys at home.

Navigating the journey from birth to graduation for children with special needs involves several key planning stages to ensure educational success and smooth transitions through different life phases. Early Childhood: Birth to Age 3 During this period, infants and toddlers receive support through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), which focuses on early intervention services […]

Talking to Family and Friends About Your Child’s Blindness or Low Vision

When Bob and Marcia discovered their infant son, Karl, was blind, they initially found themselves at a loss for words with their family and friends. However, as Thanksgiving neared, they recognized the need to share the news about three-month-old Karl’s blindness with Bob’s extended family, with whom they traditionally spent the holiday. On Thanksgiving Day, […]

Story Boxes

Touch and feel Board book with braille and a young child feeling the page.

Early literacy development is crucial for all children, including those who are blind or have low vision. Engaging in at-home activities like story boxes and pre-braille exercises can significantly enhance your child’s readiness for formal braille instruction. These interactive methods make learning enjoyable and build essential skills such as tactile discrimination, fine motor coordination, and […]

Are You a Parent Wondering If You Should Learn Braille?

Adult and child, hand over hand, touching a braille picture book

Since learning about your child’s eye condition, you may be overwhelmed with countless questions. How will my child play? How will they learn to walk? How will they succeed in school? Will they be able to live independently? Who will teach them braille? And should I learn braille, too? The answer to that last question […]