Special Needs

Find support for parents of children with special needs. Learn how to advocate for your child, raise funds for needed equipment and find helpful organizations.

Filter by: Advocacy, Assistive Technology, Autism, Schools for the Blind, Support, Visual Impairment

laughing woman

Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment

Why I laughed when my daughter lost her eye

Gwen tells funny stories about raising her daughter Ivey who has bilateral anophthalmia. Gwen says it's important for us to learn to laugh at ourselves and our lives and teach...

Developmental Journals

Special Needs

Developmental Journal for Young Children with Disabilities

The United Kingdom's Department for Children, Schools and Families provides templates for monitoring educational protocols and developmental goals.

Alexis' room

Visual Impairment

8 Creative and Unique Ideas for Decorating a Blind Child’s Room

Use tactile elements, interesting fabrics and textures, sounds and lights to create the perfect unique space for your blind or visually impaired child.

worried woman

Parenting, Special Needs

My special needs child is getting older and it’s scaring the crap out of me

Does our society support families with adults with special needs? What happens when your special needs child isn't a child anymore?

happy mom with her daughter

Parenting, Special Needs

8 simple ways to be a happier special needs mom

Being happy doesn't just happen, it's a skill that you need to work on and hone. How do you maintain your happiness as a special needs mom?

Music Play, Visual Impairment

Why We Love Music Therapy for Our Blind Son

Jennie writes about how her son, Max, responds to music. Other therapies failed Max and often stressed him out, but Music Therapy has been very successful for him!

potty training

Potty Training, Special Needs

Potty Training Your Special Needs Child

Potty training a child with special needs can be a bit of a challenge. We'll help you decide when your child is ready to potty train and get you started.

mother disciplining child

Behavior, Visual Impairment

How Do I Discipline My Blind Toddler?

How do you discipline a child with special needs? Or, as some might ask, SHOULD you discipline a child with special needs?

Collection of math toys

Math and Science, Toys, Visual Impairment

The Best Accessible Toys for Teaching Basic Math Concepts to Kids who are Visually Impaired

Our favorite accessible math and number toys for teaching numbers, counting and one-to-one correspondence to blind and visually impaired children!

Anchor Center for Blind Children

Schools for the Blind, Visual Impairment

Anchor Center for Blind Children

Anchor Center for Blind Children provides early education and intervention services for children in Denver, Colorado

dad and son having fun at the beach

Behavior, Special Needs

Nurturing the Emotional Development of Children with Disabilities

Lesley Potgieter writes about the emotional development of children with special needs. As we focus on our children's cognitive and physical development, are we ignoring their emotional development?

baby splashing

Development, Visual Impairment

Helping Your Blind Baby Develop Through Play

As the parent of a visually impaired child, I'm sure you worry about your baby's development, both physically and cognitively. How can you be sure that you're doing all that...

Toys, Visual Impairment

Choosing the Best Toys for Your Blind Baby

How do you know which toys will work best for your blind baby? Here are some of our favorite toys that are accessible and inexpensive too!

Ivan smiling

Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment

Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) FAQ

All your questions about Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) are answered here in one place. Don't see your question? Then just send us an email and we'll get right on it!

Santa reading a list

Holiday Crafts and Ideas, Visual Impairment

Ivan’s Christmas Wish List: Gift ideas for kids who are blind

Ivan loves presents and he's really good at picking out the toys he wants. Here is Ivan's wish list for toys and games this year... maybe you can find some...