Parent Advocacy: Tools and Strategies for Blind and Low Vision Children

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It is estimated that 70% of learning happens visually. For children who are blind or have low vision, education requires different tools, strategies, and support systems to ensure they reach their fullest potential. As a parent, no one understands your child better than you, and your advocacy can bridge their challenges and success. 

The journey may sometimes feel overwhelming, but becoming a parent advocate can transform obstacles into opportunities—creating a brighter, more inclusive future for your child. 

What is a Parent Advocate? 

A parent advocate is more than a support person—they champion their child. They work alongside educators, service providers, and other professionals to secure their child’s educational accommodations and resources for thriving. 

With knowledge of special education laws and procedures, parent advocates ensure their child’s voice is heard, their needs are met, and their potential is recognized. 

I’ll never forget the sinking feeling I got at our first IEP meeting when I realized the team had no real idea how to meet my child’s visual needs. Their well-meaning discussions about seating charts and large-print materials felt hollow, as though my child’s blindness was just another box to check. Right then, I knew no one else could fully grasp my child’s day-to-day struggles and that if I didn’t speak up—loudly and persistently—my child would be left behind. 

Why is Advocacy Important? 

Advocacy is essential because children who are blind or have low vision learn differently and face unique challenges. Here’s how parent advocates make a difference: 

• Ensuring Access to the Right Tools and Support: Advocate for braille instruction, assistive technology, orientation and mobility services, and Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) instruction. 

• Building Effective Partnerships: Create strong, collaborative relationships between your family and educators to keep everyone aligned on goals. 

• Navigating the Law: Utilize special education laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to uphold your child’s right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). 

• Championing the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC): Prioritize skills like independent living, self-determination, and social interaction alongside academics. 

Essential Skills for Parent Advocates 

Becoming an effective advocate doesn’t require perfection—it requires commitment. Here are some key skills to develop as you advocate for your child: 

• Understanding Special Education Laws: Learn about IDEA, Section 504, and state regulations to understand what your child is entitled to under the law. 

• Effective Communication: Speak clearly, listen actively, and frame your concerns positively. Use tools like the Communication Cycle to refine your communication with school staff. 

• Organization: Create a dedicated folder or binder to store IEPs, progress reports, evaluations, and meeting notes. Organizing documents makes it easier to refer back to critical information. 

• Patience and Empathy: Advocacy can be emotionally taxing, but patience and understanding carry you through challenges. 

• Resourcefulness: Know where to find reliable information. Organizations like the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) provide invaluable guidance and tools. 

I remember spending an entire weekend organizing every piece of documentation—vision assessments, specialists’ notes, even emails from the teacher—just so I’d have everything ready for the next IEP meeting. Walking in armed with neatly labeled folders and clearly outlined talking points changed the tone in the room. School staff, who once dismissed my concerns, started taking me seriously. By the end of that meeting, we’d secured the specific technology my child needed and set stricter benchmarks to monitor progress. I realized that meticulous organization wasn’t just about paperwork; it was an act of empowerment that finally gave my child the advocacy win they deserved. 

Resources to Empower Parent Advocates 

• American Printing House (APH) FamilyConnect: https://familyconnect.org/ This website offers a supportive online community and resources for parents of children who are blind or visually impaired. 

• Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs): PTIs offer free workshops, one-on-one support, and tools to help families navigate the educational system. Find your local PTI through the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR): https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/ 

• Specialized Organizations: 

• American Foundation for the Blind (AFB): https://www.afb.org/ 

• National Federation of the Blind (NFB): https://nfb.org/ 

• APH VisionAware: https://visionaware.org/ 

• Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC): Programs teaching essential life skills beyond the general education curriculum, such as daily living, assistive technology, and self-advocacy. 

• Parent Networks and Support Groups: Connecting with other parents through local or online communities provides encouragement, shared resources, and solidarity. 

Steps to Becoming a Parent Advocate 

• Start Early: Begin learning about your child’s rights, potential services, and available resources as soon as possible. 

• Build Strong Relationships: Collaborate with your child’s teachers, service providers, and administrators. Building trust and mutual respect is key to effective partnerships. 

• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of every meeting, evaluation, and communication. This ensures accountability and clarity when advocating for your child. 

• Educate Yourself: Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay informed about advocacy tools, special education rights, and new resources. 

• Connect with Other Parents: Find support networks and advocacy groups to share experiences and strategies. You are not alone on this journey. 

 
I am reflecting on the first workshop I attended, sitting at a round table with other parents who knew exactly what I was going through. Hearing their stories, sharing resources, and realizing we all wanted the same outcome—to set our kids up for success—shifted something in me. I walked away from that day, armed with fresh strategies and knowledge about the educational system and renewed determination. It felt like I’d found my tribe, and that connection made me more confident, prepared, and ready to fight for my child’s rights. 

Your Voice Matters 

Advocating for your child isn’t just about navigating systems—it’s about empowering them to reach their full potential. Every step you take, whether big or small, makes a lasting impact. 

Take the first step today: Contact your local Parent Training Center, connect with a support group, or start gathering the resources you need. Remember: You already have the most important tools—your love, knowledge, and determination. 

By becoming a parent advocate, you are shaping not only your child’s future but also the future of every child who is blind or has low vision. Your voice matters, and your advocacy will change lives. 

Watching my child embrace each new challenge with determination makes me believe the future holds no limits for them—whether mastering braille, traversing college lecture halls confidently, or forging a dream career showcasing their talents. I picture them thriving in a world that celebrates their abilities, where their blindness doesn’t define them but propels them to advocate for themselves.