FamilyConnect® Blog Archives

Sensing and Learning with the APH Hive

Posted on May 31, 2023 - 8:33 am by Melisa Matthews

A student looking up toward his teacher who is reading with him.

Does your child who is blind or low vision have complex needs? Partnering with your education team to gather information about how your child responds to activities at school and home is the first step towards building communication skills. As parents, we may want to know what is observed when determining our child’s present level […]

From Nondriver to Active Traveler

Posted on May 15, 2023 - 12:40 pm by Melisa Matthews

Teens who are blind or have low vision (and their parents) must make many transportation decisions. Will your child drive if they meet your state’s requirements? If not, how will they get around? Will they utilize a city bus or a hired driver? Driving represents a new level of independence and responsibility, and nondriving teens […]

National Center on Deaf-Blindness: Family Leadership & Engagement

Posted on May 9, 2023 - 4:02 am by Melisa Matthews

Child with hearing aids playfully gives eyeglasses to an adult

Families are the experts in knowing their child, which should positively impact the decisions made for a child who is deafblind. Children who are deafblind have specific needs and considerations that are “compoundingly complex.” Families with a child who is deafblind will go through many stages of emotions and have different needs as they support […]

How One Mother Spreads Awareness of Everything a Child Who is Blind/ Low Vision Can Achieve

Posted on May 2, 2023 - 10:41 am by Amy Lynn Smith

A woman with long dark blonde hair sits with her arm around the waist of a young boy with dark hair and glasses. They are both smiling. (Hilda and her son, Ashton)

Although she shares she was initially “heartbroken” when she learned her infant son, Ashton, was born blind, Hilda Dunford has learned as much from him as he has from her. As she says, “He’s taught me how to see with my heart.” Hilda had Ashton when she was 21, her first child with her husband, […]

Ode to a Master: Reflections on My TVI

Posted on April 26, 2023 - 1:03 am by Alexis Read

Teacher talks to young student in a red sweater who is touching a balloon-powered model car

Editor’s note: Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8-12, 2023. In recognition, Alexis Read shares about her beloved teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI). When my family moved to North Dakota in the summer of 1982, I met an educator who profoundly impacted my life and career choices. Phyllis, a young and energetic teacher of […]

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