Shannon Carollo – FamilyConnect

Preparing Your Child Who is Blind or Visually Impaired for Kindergarten

May 11, 2021

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
By Shannon Carollo

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

May 3, 2021

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Concept Development , ECC , Holiday , Sensory Efficiency
By Shannon Carollo

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

April 20, 2021

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Concept , Development , Holiday , science
By Shannon Carollo

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

Tactile Easter Egg Decorating For Your Child Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired

March 23, 2021

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Activities , Arts and Leisure , Craft , Easter , Holidays
By Shannon Carollo

We’re talking Easter egg decorating—but not your standard boiled eggs dipped in food coloring—accessible, tactile designing! While our finished products can still look creative and beautiful, our main aim is for them to be tactually interesting. We also want them to be enjoyable to create. Determined to create simple, elegant eggs which would be interesting … Continued

National Freedom of Information Day, and Your Child’s Right to Braille

March 11, 2021

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Advocacy , Braille , literacy
By Shannon Carollo

The National Freedom of Information Day (March 16th) is a day Americans, with renewed energy, re-mind ourselves of the importance of government transparency. We the people have a right to information. The very idea of “freedom of information” re-energizes and re-minds me that people who are blind AND people who have low vision have a right to information. They have a right to access stories, … Continued

St. Patrick’s Day Play: Little Leprechauns Can Enjoy Edible Rainbow “Sand”!

March 4, 2021

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Activities of Daily Living , ADL , Concept Development , Cooking , Education , Recreation and Leisure , Sensory
By Shannon Carollo

It’s play time—colorful, sensory, tasty play time. And perhaps the best part, this activity is easy-peasy. So, gather your little leprechauns and taste the rainbow. Here’s what you need: One box of Fruit Loops Cereal Food processor, or ziplock bag and rolling pin A large bowl Play things (I used measuring cups, measuring spoons, and a whisk)— consider color contrast and accessible measuring tools A … Continued

16 Tips for Encouraging a Struggling Reader Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired

February 25, 2021

From: FamilyConnect: A Parent's Voice
Categories: Education , Reading
By Shannon Carollo

My curly-haired, almost ten-year-old daughter is spunky, empathetic, artistic, and creative…She’s also a struggling reader. Though she’s continued to receive slow and steady instruction in phonics since she was four or five years old, reading is an effort and a significant source of frustration for her. Maybe you, too, have a struggling reader who panics when … Continued

Constructing a Brighter Future: Quarantine-Friendly Resources for Families With a Blind or Visually Impaired Child

February 14, 2021

From: FamilyConnect: A Parent's Voice
Categories: ECC , Education , Resources
By Shannon Carollo

Yes, we’re all over and done with this trying season. Even so, take a deep breath and join me in considering how we can make something beautiful out of it. While many are working longer hours, many others still find themselves with unaccounted for hours in their days. If this is you, maybe you’ve had … Continued

Create a Felt-Heart Card With Your Child Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired (With Optional Beginner Hand Sewing)

February 3, 2021

From: Daily Living Skills
Categories: Craft , Holiday
By Shannon Carollo

Here’s to seasonal fun with your child as you create a tactile Valentine-heart card! Note the varying levels of difficulty—choose what works for your family. Supplies: Tray with raised edges and small containers for an organized work station Cardstock or a blank card Felt Scissors Double-sided tape Embroidery thread (contrasting color to the felt may be helpful) Needles (1. a plastic … Continued

New Year, New Goals (In Your Role as Grandparent, Aunt, or Uncle of a Child Who is Visually Impaired)

January 17, 2021

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Family
By Shannon Carollo

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 important role in the life of your grandchild, niece, or nephew who is blind or visually impaired. You may spend ample time with them; or you may wish you had a more … Continued

Author: Shannon Carollo