A Mother’s Reflections on Parenting a Child with a Visual Impairment

Editor’s note: Originally published in TX SenseAbilities in the spring of 2022, LaQuesa Wright reflects on parenting her young adult daughter who has low vision. A Mother’s Reflections on Parenting a Child with a Visual Impairment My name is LaQuesa Wright. I am a mother of three. Demetria Ober is my 22-year-old daughter who was … Continued

Early Intervention with Lola: A Mother’s Perspective

Editor’s note: Meredith Howell reflects on learning that her daughter, Lola, has low vision and multiple disabilities. She looks back at the value of early intervention services and shares that she is now the regional director of Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS) Indiana. Early Intervention with Lola: A Mother’s Perspective When I was told my … Continued

Parents Gain a New Perspective on Their Son’s Albinism at NOAH Conference

When Brian and Danielle Ford learned their son, Benjamin, had albinism, they didn’t quite know where to begin. Brian shared his experience with APH FamilyConnect, writing about the diagnosis and the pursuit of getting Benjamin all the resources he needed. One of those resources was Melisa Matthews, a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) who … Continued

You Can Touch the Elf on the Shelf: A Letter from Santa Claus

Editor’s note: Santa gives permission to children who are blind or low vision to touch their “Elf on the Shelf.” We hope you utilize this updated post from parent Holly Bonner of of Blind Motherhood to make the holidays meaningful and accessible for your child! If You Are Blind or Low Vision, You Can Touch The Elf … Continued

Author of “Matilda’s Eye Patch” Shares Her (Personal) Inspiration for the Book

Editor’s note: When Aimie Strachan was told her daughter needed to wear an eye patch for thirty minutes per day, she began searching for a book to explain the process to her daughter. When she couldn’t find a book, she decided to write it herself. Aime Strachan shares her story. Author of “Matilda’s Eye Patch” … Continued

TeenTober: Cultivating a Fondness for Reading

Editor’s note:TeenTober™ is a new, nationwide celebration hosted by libraries every October and aims to celebrate teens, promote year-round teen services and the innovative ways teen services helps teens learn new skills, and fuel their passions in and outside the library. Today we look at inspiring your teen who is blind or low vision to … Continued

Parents teaching children to be their own advocate is the lesson of a lifetime

It’s not unusual for parents to advocate for their children, even if they’re not blind or visually impaired. But Wendy Hardman and her husband, John, like many parents, did something even more valuable for their son, Cole: They taught him to advocate for himself from the start. (See related story on CareerConnect, Parents teaching children to … Continued

A Dad’s Perspective: Learning My Son Has Albinism

Editor’s note: September is Albinism Awareness Month. In effort to increase awareness of albinism and subsequent low vision in children, APH FamilyConnect shares a dad’s story of learning his young son has albinism. A Dad’s Perspective: Learning My Son Has Albinism Benjamin was born in November 2017. He was fair-skinned and blonde and looked exactly … Continued

First Day Jitters: Four Stories of Transition (Elementary, Middle, High, College)

It can certainly feel daunting when your child or teen who is blind or low vision is transitioning to their next season of education (elementary, middle, high school, or college)! Much like the popular children’s book series First Day Jitters, you and your maturing child may have jitters—and more than a few! You may both … Continued