“Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day 2022” applies to all children, especially those who are blind or who have low vision. Why? Because we know that children with visual impairments need purposeful exposure to jobs and career choices that they may not “see” on TV or by casually walking down a street. Let’s … Continued
If your child has been diagnosed with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH), you are not alone! According to Dr. Borchert for The MAGIC Foundation, Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) is the leading cause of blindness in infants and children. Let’s look at a brief summary of ONH and listen to a mom share her story of her … Continued
In “Illuminating the IEP, Part One”, Ms. Carlton Anne Cook Walker communicated the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), reminding us that the “IEP” is designed to set forth the way a school will meet the educational and disability-related needs of the child. If your school-age child has one or more disabilities including blindness or visual impairment, an appropriate education may include: The general education … Continued
What does a parent or caregiver need to know about the IEP process? So far we’ve looked at the purpose of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP): An “IEP” is designed to set forth the way a school will meet the educational and disability-related needs of the child. We’ve also looked at the components of an IEP meeting, including what will be discussed and … Continued
by Carlton Anne Cook Walker If you are the parent or family member of a child or teen who is blind or has a visual impairment, you have (hopefully) heard the term IEP. Three letters: I, E, and P can engender a wide range of emotions – in parents, in teachers, in administrators, and even in children. Before diving … Continued
Your child has likely sunk their teeth into a crisp apple bursting with sweet juices or taken spoonfuls of sugary, smooth applesauce with notes of warm cinnamon, but do they know how their snack came to be? Do they know how apples are grown and harvested? Do they truly know what an apple tree is? Have they run their fingers over the scaly bark, wrapped their arms around the girth … Continued
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
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
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
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