An Autobiography: Helping Your Child Write and Share Their Story

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Every individual has a unique story shaped by their heritage, culture, family, friends, environments, interests, habits, choices, and experiences. The same holds true for your child who is blind or has low vision. Helping your child craft and share their story can foster self-awareness, confidence, and a deeper understanding of their identity. 

Crafting the Story 

Encouraging your child to reflect on their personal experiences is a valuable exercise. Here’s how you can guide them through the process: 

Reflect Together: 

  • Share Memories: Talk about your child’s birth, early life, and highlight the qualities you recognize, love, and appreciate in them. 
  • Celebrate Achievements: Remind your child of times they overcame obstacles, showing their resilience and determination. 
  • Highlight Traits: Discuss moments when they were silly, adventurous, brave, dependable, and kind. Identify experiences that have shaped who they are, including how their blindness or low vision contributes to their uniqueness. 

Encourage Expression: 

Engage your child by asking questions about their experiences and interests and listen actively to their thoughts and feelings to create an open and supportive dialogue. This approach fosters trust and understanding, helping your child feel valued and heard within the family. 

Writing the Story: 

Collaborate with your child to write their story by helping them narrow down the narrative and choosing the best method for them, whether it’s narrating while you type, using speech recognition software, recording orally, writing in braille, or typing themselves. Then, create an accessible and personalized autobiography by adding tactile mementos and photographs, making the book more engaging and meaningful. 

Benefits of Writing an Autobiography 

Creating an autobiography can offer numerous benefits for your child: 

  • Understanding Their Vision: They can hear or learn the basics of their blindness or low vision. 
  • Self-Identity: Your child may come to understand that their blindness or low vision is just one aspect of who they are and doesn’t define them. 
  • Unique Story: They recognize that their story is unique, while also appreciating that others have their own unique stories. 
  • Self-Awareness: Increased awareness of their personality, positive character traits, family culture, strengths, experiences, and interests. 
  • Empowerment: Recognizing that their choices shape who they are. 

Sharing the Story 

Sharing your child’s autobiography can enhance their social interactions and self-esteem: 

  • With Classmates: Ask your child’s teacher if they can share their story with classmates. This can promote understanding and empathy among peers. 
  • In the Community: Your child can share their story in neighborhoods, places of worship, or extracurricular activities. 
  • Building Connections: When peers hear their story, they may realize they share more similarities than differences, fostering a sense of community and acceptance. 

Writing This Chapter helps them Begin the Next 

Take the time to help your child recognize and own their story. This collaborative process not only strengthens your bond but also equips your child with a deeper understanding of themselves. The autobiography you create together can become a cherished keepsake, providing insights and inspiration throughout their life. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is writing an autobiography important for children who are blind or have low vision? 

Writing an autobiography helps children reflect on their experiences, understand their identity, and recognize their strengths and unique traits. It fosters self-awareness, confidence, and a sense of ownership over their personal story. 

What tools and technologies can assist in writing an autobiography? 

Depending on your child’s preferences and abilities, writing tools may include: 
Braille Notetakers: For writing in braille. 
Speech Recognition Software: Allows your child to dictate their story. 
Refreshable Braille Displays: For reading and editing braille text. 
Screen Readers and Magnifiers: To assist with reading and writing on computers or tablets. 
Recording Devices: To capture oral narratives that can be transcribed later. 

Can my child share their autobiography with others? How? 

Yes, sharing the autobiography can enhance social interactions and understanding. Discuss with teachers about sharing it in the classroom, or consider community events, places of worship, and extracurricular activities where your child feels comfortable sharing their story.