FamilyConnect®: A Parent's Voice Archives

Bridging Braille and Print: Introducing Paige Connect for Families and Adults

Posted on September 9, 2025 - 9:54 am by Melisa Matthews

Bottom of Paige Connect Device, brochure, box and information card sitting on a table.

Learning braille opens up a world of literacy, independence, and confidence. But for many families, one question often stands in the way: How do I know what my child is writing in braille? Or for adults new to vision loss, How do I practice and check my own work if I don’t yet read braille? […]

Special Needs Parenting: An Emotional Roller Coaster

Posted on August 13, 2025 - 12:48 pm by Barbara Knighton

Parents standing with their teen in front of an Austin TX sign

Editor’s Note: This post is written by a parent of a child with complex needs. She candidly shares her challenges, hopes, and hard-won lessons about advocating for her son and herself. Through her story, she offers encouragement and solidarity to other families navigating similar journeys, reminding us all that while the road can be demanding, […]

Peter’s Tale of Triumph and Batten Disease

Posted on June 11, 2024 - 10:46 am by Melissa Schenkel

Peter holding the book, "Marshmallow and Peter"

Beth’s world shifted dramatically when her son, Peter, at just six years old, was diagnosed with Batten disease. “Honestly, I was overwhelmed learning that there was no treatment or cure. My sweet boy would slowly lose all of his abilities,” Beth recounts. The diagnosis was much to digest. However, instead of succumbing to despair, Beth […]

A Sweet Job Teaches This High School Student Valuable Skills

Posted on February 22, 2024 - 10:50 am by Amy Lynn Smith

A young adult smiling outside in front of a red farm truck.

Qiao Angermeier and her mother, Rhonda, admit that Qiao has always enjoyed taking on challenges. “I don’t like just sitting around doing nothing,” says 17-year-old Qiao. Qiao is a talented musician, especially at the piano, and is on the girl’s wrestling team at school. “If there’s something to be done, I want to get it […]

APH FamilyConnect Parent Advisory Board: When Personal and Professional Roles Merge

Posted on January 9, 2024 - 10:59 am by Amy Lynn Smith

For Amy Shepherd, M.Ed., transitioning her career from teaching in elementary school to being a resource for students who are blind or low vision. Most recently joined the APH FamilyConnect Parent Advisory Board – was the direct result of her son Austin’s vision. Now 23 years old, Austin was shaken as a baby by a […]

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