Editor’s Note: In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson established October 15th as White Cane Safety Day to raise awareness of people who use a white cane. This post is the first in our series leading up to White Cane Day on October 15th. Stabilization. Strength. Motor function and control. Balance. Coordination. Awareness of one’s body and … Continued
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
It won’t be long before your teen is earning his own income and living independently—let’s actually label it interdependently, as emotionally healthy adults rely on others in one way or another, albeit for friendship, paid help with house cleaning or lawn care, or general advice and support. This, of course, begs the question: how well … Continued
If I could write a letter to the 2017-2018 school year, I’d probably begin with the profound words of Full House’s Uncle Jesse—HAVE MERCY! School assignments are intensifying, classroom germs are relentless, and we’re all dog-tired. Yet, erupting from this dry ground is the most splendid and beautiful sight—spring break! My hope is you are … Continued
I can hear it now—Frozen’s beloved Anna grasping her stiff, emerald dress and murmuring, "cold, cold, cold, cold, cold" as she tiptoes through the snow. Then there are the famous Dalmatians trudging through knee-deep snow, "Mama, my ears are cold and my nose is cold." Disney does a fine job of depicting the distress of … Continued
"It’s the most wonderful time of the year," and with a little intentionality, that can be the truth! This season needn’t be about expensive gifts but about what’s far more important… using the additional time off from work and school to reconnect with family, enjoying each other while creating lifelong memories and traditions. This year … Continued
You want to intentionally teach your child orientation and mobility skills, so you invite your child who is blind or visually impaired on motivating excursions such as practicing a trick-or-treat route or walking to the neighborhood park. To help your child orient to the area and to provide instruction in utilizing a map, you decide … Continued
Halloween is a favorite day of the year for many children—candy, costumes, and fall activities, how could it not be?! Your child with a visual impairment can be easily included in all things Halloween and activities leading up to Halloween. Here are a few ideas. Trick-or-Treating If you choose to participate in trick or treating … Continued
You intend to teach your child who is blind or visually impaired orientation and mobility concepts, so you’d like to use compass/cardinal directions to state which direction you’re driving or walking. The only problem is, if you’re like most, cardinal directions aren’t exactly on your list of "things mastered." The temptation arises to simply let … Continued
If your child is blind or visually impaired, your child’s education (from birth through the completion of high school) should include more than the core curriculum. It should include the expanded core curriculum, which provides your child with the skills needed to not only access the core curriculum but also to live a satisfying life … Continued