Emotional Impact

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)

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.

Taking Care of You!

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.

Mom holding her baby feeling overwhelmed.

When Your Child Is Blind or Has Low Vision

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)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 […]

Learning That Your Child Is Blind or Low Vision

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)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 […]

A boy wearing glasses smiling with his mom.

Family Life When Your Child Has Multiple Disabilities

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish) 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 […]

Sincere different generations family holding hands.

Emotional Impact of a Child’s Blindness or Low Vision

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)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 […]

 Maintaining a Strong Marriage 

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)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 […]

Healthy Relationships

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.

Senior adult holding a cell phone smiling

New Year, New Goals (In Your Role as Grandparent, Aunt, or Uncle of a Child Who is Blind or Low Vision)

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)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 […]

Talking to Family and Friends About Your Child’s Blindness or Low Vision

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)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 […]

Multigenerational group of men and boys smiling and laughing outdoors.

Building Healthy Families When a Baby Is Blind or Has Low Vision

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)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 […]

Getting Your Teen Who Is Blind or Low Vision to Participate in Family Activities

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)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 […]

Siblings standing outside with boy holding a white cane wearing a "Keep Calm - it's just a cane" T shirt.

Five Tips to Encourage Healthy Relationships Between Children with Blindness or Low Vision and Their Siblings

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)By Emily Coleman updated 2023 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 […]

Toddler boy and his newborn sister are lying on a bed. Black and white photo.

When an Older Sibling Is Blind or Has Low Vision

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)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 […]

Group of school children gossiping and laughing at insecure classmate.

When People Stare at a Brother or Sister

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Having a sibling who is blind or has low vision, sometimes with additional disabilities, can draw public attention, leading to stares or questions from others. This can be uncomfortable for their brothers and sisters, often causing feelings of embarrassment, anger, or shame. Here are some strategies to help […]

Creating Positive Experiences for Siblings  

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)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 […]

Future Planning Starts Early

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.

Happy mother, father, little daughter and baby son playing with wooden toys at home.

What Is Personal Futures Planning?

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Navigating the Journey from Birth to Graduation For children with special needs, the journey from infancy to adulthood is marked by several key planning stages. These stages are designed to ensure educational success and smooth transitions at different phases of life. From birth until the age of three, […]

Kid hands holding coins in a jar together as saving concept for family or education.

Who Should Manage Your Child’s Special Needs Trust?

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)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 […]

Wooden figures family standing beside a wooden house on a wooden cube that writes the word family.

Life Planning Checklist for a Child with Special Needs

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)by Steve Morris Imagine for a few moments that you can no longer care for your child due to your own illness or death. Will your child be able to maintain the same quality of life that they now enjoy? Some of the key questions that should be […]

Hands of African American Man Writing on Paper with Pen, Close Up

Sample Letter to Friends and Relatives About a Special Needs Trust

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Dear [Recipient’s Name], I hope this message finds you well. We wanted to share an important update regarding our comprehensive Life Planning program for our beloved [Child’s Name]. Over the past few months, we’ve diligently worked on estate and financial planning to secure [Child’s Name]’s future, especially in […]

A piggy bank stands on a pile of coins next to the calculator.

Supplementary Expenses Worksheet

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Total expenses that are incurred each month by, or for, the person with the disability. Government Benefits $____________(Total income from all government resources excluding family assistance. Do not include basic medical/dental care that is paid by Medicaid, Medicare, MediCal, or private medical/dental insurance.) $______ Housing (Description: _________________) ________ […]