Mother’s Day is a time to honor the love, resilience, and wisdom of mothers everywhere. For families impacted by blindness or low vision, that love often includes powerful lessons in independence, advocacy, and connection—whether across the miles, across the years, or just six feet away.
The VisionAware Peers share heartfelt reflections on the role mothers have played in their lives. We also invite you to explore our accessible Mother’s Day gift guide, featuring thoughtful options such as braille jewelry, large print and tactile games, audio entertainment, talking watches, and even smart glasses for people with vision loss.
My Mother, the Wind Beneath My Wings
By DeAnna Noriega
My mother was seventeen when I was born, the first of her five children. Six months later, I was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma, and doctors predicted I would likely be totally blind by age ten.
I was a curious and independent child. My mother, unsure how to raise a blind child, made a powerful decision: she would step back and allow me to discover my own abilities and limitations.
She enrolled me in camps and activities for children with visual impairments, helping me build confidence and social skills. Most importantly, she gave me the freedom to try, fail, and grow. She understood that loving a blind child meant letting go of fear and encouraging independence.
In honor of my mother’s 90th birthday, I completed my book, Fifty Years of Walking with Friends, about my life with nine guide dogs. I had hesitated to publish it for years, but wanting to give it to my mother inspired me to finally take that step.
Honoring a Mother’s Advocacy and Strength
By Sandra Burgess
My parents met singing in a church choir. After just six months, they married. My mother, full of joy, ran out of the church exclaiming, “I did it!”
I was born blind in the 1950s. At the time, resources were limited, and my parents were encouraged to consult professionals with little hands-on experience. Fortunately, my mother had known a blind woman who lived independently, and that example shaped her approach.
She chose to raise me “like a normal child,” believing I could grow into independence. While my father preferred a residential school, my mother advocated for me to attend our neighborhood school, where I stayed until seventh grade before transitioning to Perkins School for the Blind.
When I was in first grade, my school hired a teacher to help me learn braille. My mother went even further—waking at 5:00 AM to braille my school materials by hand using a slate and stylus, and later a braillewriter.
Her dedication made my education possible. Her belief in me changed my life. I remain forever grateful for her advocacy and perseverance.
Staying Connected Across the Miles on Mother’s Day
By Maribel Steel
Instead of waiting for my children to call or send gifts, I decided to surprise them. I ordered flower bulbs online and had them delivered directly to my daughters.
Even from a distance, sharing my love of gardening helps me feel close to them. This small gesture reminds me that connection doesn’t depend on proximity—it grows through intention and love.
Accessible Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for People Who Are Blind or Low Vision
Looking for meaningful and practical gifts? Consider these accessible options designed for people with vision loss:
- Braille or tactile jewelry
- Large print and tactile board games
- Audio books and entertainment subscriptions
- Talking watches and clocks
- Smart glasses and assistive technology
- Low vision devices like magnifiers and electronic aids
These gifts can support independence, enjoyment, and everyday living.
Learn More About Living with Vision Loss