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You may be wondering how your child’s eye condition is going to impact your family and your child’s future. These are natural concerns. We’ve gathered information to help you begin to process your child’s recent diagnosis.
You and your significant other play essential roles in your child’s life; take the time to care for yourselves and your relationship. Necessary and simple self-care routines can improve your physical health and reduce stress and anxiety, increase self-aware, and improve key relationships.
Discovering that your child is blind or has low vision, whether it’s a gradual development or a sudden change due to an accident or illness, can stir a complex mix of emotions. Here’s some guidance to help you navigate this journey: Your approach to discussing your child’s blindness or low vision will often set the […]
There is no right or wrong way to cope with the news that your child is blind or low vision. You need to know that your emotions are natural for whatever you’re feeling—anger, sorrow, guilt, confusion, anxiety, or fear. There are some strategies that can help you balance your life and your concern for your […]
No two children are the same. This becomes even clearer when children have complex needs. Your child’s strengths and needs are uniquely theirs. Children who are blind or low vision and who have complex needs vary greatly. They have different abilities, interests, and the capacity to use vision and other senses, family background, and personalities. […]
Discovering that your child is blind or has low vision can be a profoundly challenging experience for any family. It’s natural to feel uncertain about how to communicate your child’s condition to others and where to seek support. You might also be contemplating the ways in which this will affect your family dynamics and your […]
Before children came into your and your spouse’s lives, you more than likely dated and enjoyed getting to know each other with your ample free time! No doubt, tides are changing. A child has surely ushered in joy, challenges, and a new normal to your marriage. Additionally, the emotional impact of finding out your child […]
Welcoming a baby or child is an exciting opportunity to further traditions and share new experiences with many family members. Finding time to encourage relationships among all family members will allow your family to get to know and love your child and learn how to support and encourage them as they grow and develop. Consider the many family members who may engage with your child throughout their lifetime.
Grandma and Grandpa (AKA “Abuela”, “Gigi”, “Grammy”, “Nana”, “Abuelo”, “Papa”, “Partner”) and Auntie and Uncle (Tía or Tío), this blog is for you. You have an essential role in the life of your grandchild, niece, or nephew who is blind or low vision. You may spend ample time with them, or you may wish you […]
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, […]
The birth of a baby is a pivotal moment for a family, impacting everyone from parents to siblings, and extending to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. When your baby is born with blindness or low vision, this can introduce unique challenges and changes for the entire family. Supporting Your Partner You and your spouse or […]
Navigating the teenage years can be challenging, especially when your child is blind or has low vision. As teens naturally gravitate towards independence and peer relationships, it’s common for them to show less interest in family activities. However, there are effective strategies to encourage their participation and maintain family bonds. The following are some suggestions […]
In families where a child is blind or has low vision, it’s crucial to nurture healthy relationships among siblings. Often, siblings of visually impaired children might feel left out due to the extra attention and services their brother or sister receives. Here are strategies to encourage positive interactions and connection among siblings: What Are Equal […]
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 […]
When a sibling is blind or has low vision, they may attract public attention, leading to stares or questions that can make their brothers and sisters feel uncomfortable. This can result in feelings of embarrassment, anger, or shame. To help siblings cope with these situations, consider the following strategies: Understanding Public Reactions Help your children […]
Siblings share a unique and special bond, experiencing many years of family life together and finding emotional support in each other. Emotional and Social Development Siblings often serve as a primary source of emotional support and development for each other. Interacting with siblings allows children to develop essential social-emotional skills, such as communication, negotiation, conflict […]
Having a child who is blind or low vision, deafblind, or has multiple disabilities means you may have to begin planning for their future. While you may be preparing for an IFSP annual meeting or an IEP meeting, consider future life planning for your child. Planning for your child should include their goals and dreams, future care in case of need, and people and other support that may need to be in place to help your child be independent and successful.
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 […]
by Steve Morris A good synonym for trustee would be agent or, better yet, super agent. Our law refers to super agents as “Fiduciary.” The trustee is responsible for managing the special needs trusts on behalf of the person with the disability. When a trustee is named, that trustee is given, both by the maker […]