FamilyConnect® Blog Archives

A Lifetime of Learning Independence Through Cane Travel

Posted on February 11, 2026 - 11:36 am by Lori Miller

Top-down view of gray sneakers at a curb with a white cane with a red tip touching the edge of the step.

I want to share my experiences and milestones with cane use throughout my life. For many years, I did not see my cane as a tool for independence. I was embarrassed to be seen carrying it and often resisted using it. As a child, I didn’t understand why I was encouraged to carry a stick […]

Gift Wrapping: A Simple Activity With Lifelong Impact

Posted on February 4, 2026 - 11:56 am by Lori Miller

This account is based on a reflection, as an adult, of a childhood experience and how learning to wrap gifts has positively impacted my life. The skills I learned through gift wrapping extend far beyond paper and tape and can be applied to many areas of daily living. Gift wrapping is not limited to holidays. […]

How Can Self-Compassion Save the Day?

Posted on February 3, 2026 - 11:01 am by lauralynnbrodie

illustration of a person with long dark hair holding a large red heart close to their chest on a white background.

Some days are just harder than others. Not because anything dramatic happens, but because you’re tired of explaining, adjusting, advocating, or holding it all together. For families living with low vision or blindness, these moments are part of everyday life, and this is exactly where self-compassion can heroically save the day. Self-love is about appreciation […]

Concept Development at Home for Your Child with Blindness

Posted on May 8, 2025 - 12:23 pm by Melisa Matthews

baby grasps flower/ text: APH HIVE Understanding Concept Development Leanne Grillot Alicia Wolfe

Are you looking for ways to give your child who is blind or has low vision a head start in reading and learning? Join us for an engaging webinar all about building strong foundations in early literacy through concept development. Whether your little one is just beginning to explore books or is already interested in […]

Early Literacy at Home: Discover the Laptime and Lullabies Course

Posted on March 3, 2025 - 2:25 pm by Melisa Matthews

Parent lovingly smiles at baby who looks up at parent/ text: APH HIVE. Nurturing Early Literacy Experiences. Kay L Clarke, Jessica Chandler, Jenni Remeis

For families raising infants, toddlers, and young children who are blind or have low vision, early literacy is not just about books—it’s about turning everyday moments into opportunities for connection and learning. Imagine singing a lullaby, playing a tactile game, or narrating a walk around the block—all while building the foundation for language and literacy. […]

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