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Category: parenting

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

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

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

Thriving is Better Than Surviving: My journey to raising successful, resilient, and courageous blind children

From: FamilyConnect: A Parent's Voice
Categories: Mentorship , Networking , parenting , Success Stories
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by Kristin Smedley I spent nine months memorizing What to Expect When You’re Expecting. In my pregnancy, everything the book said to expect happened at or before the timeframe it predicted.  My baby grew inside me at the perfect rate, made all the right movements perfectly on schedule, and even arrived into the world in perfect health and with a perfect little … Continued

Vision and Your Child’s Development

From: FamilyConnect Blog
Categories: Concept Development , early intervention , parenting
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Before I was a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), I became a parent to a beautiful little girl who was born with severe visual impairments. My decision to switch careers from chemistry to education was based heavily on the wonderful support that my family received during our years in Early Intervention (EI).  All the … Continued

Young child and mother smiling for the camera
Brittany Clarkson with daughter Addy in a park, Addy touching a tactile wooden sculpture that resembles a dragon