Amber Bobnar

Originally from Hawaii, Amber and her family moved to Massachusetts to be closer to Boston Children’s Hospital where her son, Ivan, now receives medical care.

 

She has a Master’s degree in English from Tufts University and spends most of her “free time” writing about being a parent of a disabled child on WonderBaby.org. But really most of her time is spent caring for and playing with her son.

Ivan at Grocery Store

Development, Visual Impairment

Everyday Activities for Blind Children

Simple ways to introduce your blind or disabled child to everyday activities and experiences. Teach your child about how the world works and the things people do every day.

Ivan signing bib

Communication, Visual Impairment

Sign Language for Blind Babies

Can sign language work for blind babies? Signs are made to be very visual, can blind babies really pick them up? We're here to tell you first hand, YES! We'll...

Ivan scooting through a tunnel

Orientation and Mobility, Visual Impairment

Orientation & Mobility for Blind Babies

How to begin orientation and mobility (O&M) training for your blind infant - before they're even crawling!

Ivan with his sticky box

Behavior, Sensory Activities

Overcoming Tactile Sensitivity with a Sticky Box!

Collect sticky and gooey toys and throw them all in one box. You'll create a sensory toy that will help your child learn to love sticky things.

Social Worker helping a blind child to get services

Advocacy, Visual Impairment

Fighting for Services for Your Blind Child

Why is it so hard to find good help? In many states, services for visually impaired children, though mandated through strict federal laws, are very hard to come by. Many...

hand reading braille

Education, Visual Impairment

Six Reasons to Homeschool Your Blind Child

I asked a group of parents who homeschool their blind children to explain to me why they thought homeschool was the best option.

Ivan reading

Braille and Literacy

Beginning Braille Skills

Young braille readers need exposure to reading materials at an early age. Here are some simple things you can do now to help get your blind baby off to a...

Pets Sound Puzzle

Braille and Literacy, Toys

Melissa & Doug Puzzles with Braille

Amazon now carries hand-crafted wooden sound puzzles from Melissa & Doug with braille! Choose from Farm Animals, Zoo Animals, Pets, Talking Shapes, and Vehicles.

Orbit Label options from inchbug

Braille and Literacy

Print and Braille Name Labels!

Learn about Bumpy Name and their fun and useful tactile print and Braille name labels for cups and other items for blind children.

puffy paint

Sensory Activities, Tactile Arts and Crafts

Puffy Paint Art Project

Learn how to make a puffy paint sensory art project with your blind child. It's easy and fun!

Book Cover of On the Way to Literacy

Braille and Literacy

APH’s On the Way to Literacy Book

Check out On the Way to Literacy, a publication of American Printing House for the Blind (APH). This handbook encourages parents and teachers to begin literacy training early with children...

books

Braille and Literacy

Talking Books Q&A: Learning about the U.S. National Library Service

Learn about the U.S. National Library Service and their Talking Books Program, a free service for blind and physically handicapped Americans.