Melisa Matthews, Author at ConnectCenter

Making Winter Holiday Traditions Accessible

A child reaching to explore an ornament on an outdoor holiday display

What winter holiday festivities are important to you and your family? Traditions, priceless and unique to you and your family, can be passed down from your immediate family to future generations. When sharing longstanding and new traditions as a family, take the extra time to ensure accessibility for your child who is blind or low […]

Understanding Your Child’s Visual Efficiency with the Barraga Program

Posted on October 28, 2024 - 3:22 pm by Melisa Matthews

As a parent of a child with blindness or low vision, understanding how your child’s vision impacts their learning and daily activities is key to helping them thrive. The Barraga Visual Efficiency Program (BVEP) assesses visual efficiency in practical, easy-to-understand ways. By evaluating how well your child uses their available vision in everyday tasks, this […]

Supporting Self-Determination in IEP Goals at Home

Photo of young girl with round pink glasses

Self-determination is a key part of a child’s development, especially for students with visual impairments and additional disabilities like deafblindness. In the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), self-determination involves teaching children how to understand and express their needs, make decisions, and request what they need. Understanding your child’s IEP Self-Determination goal and how you can support […]

Supporting Your Child’s Education Through Tactile Graphics with the Monarch

Posted on October 16, 2024 - 1:10 pm by Melisa Matthews

Tactile map of the inside of a building with the key.

If your child has received a Monarch from their TVI or the Student Pilot Program, you are likely filled with questions and want to support their continued learning at home. The Hive is a resource designed to support your learning and a starting point for specific Monarch needs through their discussion boards and Professional Learning […]

Outside-the-Box Holiday Gift Ideas for Family, Friends, or Colleagues Who Are Blind or Low Vision

Posted on October 12, 2024 - 9:45 am by Melisa Matthews

Wrapped gifts surrounded by Christmas ornaments and pine cones

Experience gifts have become popular in recent years as people shift away from giving material items. Sharing or gifting experiences can provide a lifetime of memories. When we give a gift, we hope it will be meaningful and impactful for the recipient. You may have fond memories of a childhood activity with a family member, […]

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