Educational Advocacy
This page contains information about support for your child with special needs as they enter school. These resources come from a community of parents and their personal experiences. Click a category below to learn more:
Partnering with your school
Some school districts are very accommodating to children with disabilities and others are relatively inexperienced. A visually impaired/blind child in schools, especially a Braille reader, is very uncommon. It is best to visit the different public and private schools in your area to assess their experiences with low vision and blindness and determine the best fit for your child. Also, it is wise to ask if they are familiar with outside services available to the visually impaired such as a Teacher Consultant for the Visually Impaired (TCVI) and an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M). Read about more about it here:
Individualized Education PRogram (IEP)
Now that your child has been diagnosed with a visual impairment, your child will have an Individualized Education Program. This is a document that is designed by your child’s education team and YOU. It is a blueprint of exactly what your child needs in school and what his or her path will look like each and every school year. Read more about it here:
Family Dynamics
Having a child with vision loss can cause a realm of family dynamics. It can be very challenging for your child and for your family members, so it is important to try to find a balance in your family. You will find yourself giving more attention to your child with vision loss rather than your children with full sight. This is very common. Read more about it here:
Encouraging Independence
It is so much easier to do things for your child with vision loss than to teach and encourage your child to perform tasks without assistance. The investment you make in your child’s independent success is so worth it! This will also give your child confidence and a sense of inclusion in society. Read some helpful tips here:
Facilitating Learning and Employment with Technology
Technology today allows low vision and blind adults to be more employable. There are several helpful apps and devices and the key is for your children to have tools in their toolbox. The more they know, the better equipped they are for the workplace. Click here to learn more.
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