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Author: Shannon Carollo

An Adventure in Summer ECC Skills: Make Smoothie Popsicles!

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: career exploration , Compensatory Skills , Cooking , ECC , expanded core curriculum , Independent Living , parenting , Self-Determination , summer
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It sure is getting hot outside! The temperature isn’t the only thing rising—so is our desire to have a little summer fun. Why not gather the family to make and eat ice lollies?!—that’s the endearing name for popsicles here in the United Kingdom. I’m all in—in fact, today I purchased silicone popsicle molds. While they’re not necessary for popsicle making, they sure simplify the task.  If you aren’t quite sure how to safely involve your … Continued

Let’s Go to the Loo: Resources for Potty Training a Child Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: hygiene , Independence , multiple disabilities , parenting , Self-Advocacy , summer
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Toilet training is often viewed as a looming hurdle, a giant obstacle, and an exhausting feat. One requiring patience upon patience. We parents arm ourselves with a litany of literature, hoping to prepare our children for success and ourselves with realistic expectations, but most toilet-training literature is written for children who are fully sighted. While … Continued

Swimming for Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Activities , Arts and Leisure , Independence , Orientation and Mobility , parenting , Social Life and Recreation , summer
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Get out the suits and sunscreen, it’s pool time! Swimming is a welcome reprieve from the heat and a phenomenal no-impact exercise for the entire family. But don’t take it from me: Letticia Martinez, Paralympian swimmer who is blind, shares her story to encourage parents. Let’s dive into accessibility considerations for your child who is … Continued

Camping with Your Child Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Activities , nature , Social Life and Recreation , Sports
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My hope is your family is able to unwind this summer on holiday. If you’re feeling unsettled about staying in a hotel during a pandemic, or you’re seeking the serenity of nature, perhaps this is the summer for a camping adventure!   I will never forget our first camping experience as a family. We bundled up our only child (at the time), packed … Continued

Fishing, A Phenomenal Father’s Day Activity with Your Child Who is Blind or Visually Impaired

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Activities , nature , Social Life and Recreation , Sports
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Dads, you are a gift to your children. Your love and support are valuable; you are valuable. We honor you.  This Father’s Day, I wonder if you’d enjoy making plans to spend the day together. You may have found a winning activity already—perhaps your family bikes, hikes, bowls, swims, games, or cooks together—and if that’s how you’d most enjoy spending Father’s Day, go … Continued

Help! What Do I Do with Ample Sumer Free Time for My Child Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired?

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Activities , Independence , parenting , Social Life and Recreation , summer
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School’s out for the summer! Cue extra family time, sports, and perhaps a vacation. But, in addition to planned activities and family bonding opportunities, summer affords our children ample good old fashion free time. Managing the spare hours can feel overwhelming—especially so if you have a young child who needs close supervision or a child … Continued

Eye-Pressing in Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, And an Invitation to a Needs-Assessment Survey

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Assistive Technology , Low Vision , Readers Want to Know
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Does your child who is blind or visually impaired engage in prolonged eye-pressing? Perhaps you’ve noticed your child aggressively rubbing or poking their eyes with their fingers, knuckles, or fists, and you are concerned or even disturbed. You may wonder why it’s occurring, whether it’s acceptable, and how to address it.  If this describes you, please know you are not alone!   Let’s take a look at   why … Continued

Preparing Your Child Who is Blind or Visually Impaired for Kindergarten

From: FamilyConnect: A Parent's Voice
Categories: Advocacy , Assistive Technology , Books , Braille , Communication , Coronavirus , ECC , Education , expanded core curriculum , literacy , parenting , Planning for the Future , Self-Advocacy
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Such a whirlwind of bittersweet emotions—kindergarten is approaching! It’s hard to believe how quickly the years have passed, isn’t it? Your little one went from complete dependence on you (with 100% baby adorableness) to making strides toward independence (with 100% “big kid” adorableness). Thankfully your child’s absolute preciousness hasn’t changed, but their level of autonomy has. So, let’s take a look at how you can be preparing your … Continued

Flower Arranging for Mother’s Day

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Concept Development , ECC , Holiday , Sensory Efficiency
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Delicate petals. Fuzzy leaves. Sweet-smelling blossoms. Vivid color contrasts. Sturdy stems. Yes, we’re talking about beloved flowers—the wild ones found peppered across fields and those bound and arranged-just-so at the supermarket.  While they are no doubt visually beautiful, flowers (nature’s treasures) can be enjoyed by all, irrespective of visual acuity, due to their lovely fragrance and texture.  And you … Continued

Earth Day for Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Concept , Development , Holiday , science
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Earth day—it’s a day we intentionally take note of the natural beauty of our world and choose to help preserve and steward it well. And what an expansive, exquisite planet we have!   I believe that to encourage our children to appreciate Earth and care for it, we should begin by instilling wonder in it. Especially so with our children who are blind or visually impaired, we must slow down our fast-pace in … Continued