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

Out-of-Sight Science Experiments

Math and Science, Visual Impairment

Out-of-Sight Science Experiments

Scientists Dr. Lillian A. Rankel and Marilyn Winograd have written 32 step-by-step experiments for blind youngsters to do at home with family and friends.

Skylar Covich

Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment

Dear parents of young children with LCA

Frank Covich writes about his son, Skylar, who was diagnosed with LCA as a baby. Frank wants other parents to understand that the sky is the limit for kids with...

AbilityPath logo

Development, Special Needs

AbilityPath

AbilityPath.org is an online hub and special needs community for parents and professionals to learn, connect and live a more balanced life - through all phases of a child's growth...

NBCS logo

Support, Visual Impairment

National Blind Children’s Society

The National Blind Children's Society is a UK-based organization. Their mission is to enable blind and partially sighted children and young people to achieve their educational and recreational goals.

IBSA Logo

Visual Impairment

IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation)

IBSA is a full member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), where they are the legitimate representatives of sport for the blind.

balanced stones

Parenting, Support

Hopeful Acceptance: Finding the Right Balance as a Special Needs Parent

What are the words of encouragement you wan to hear? One dad shares his balanced approach, advising both hope and acceptance.

students reading braille in a classroom

Schools for the Blind

American Council of Blind Students

The American Council of Blind Students (ACBS) is the student affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, the nation's leading consumer and advocacy organization of people who are blind...

National Organization of Parents of Blind Children

Support, Visual Impairment

National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)

Founded in 1983, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children is a national membership organization of parents and friends of blind children reaching out to each other to give...

Special Needs

Positive Exposure: Photography & Uplifting Stories

POSITIVE EXPOSURE, founded in 1997 by former fashion photographer Rick Guidotti and Diane McLean, is a highly innovative arts organization working with individuals living with genetic difference.

Joubert Syndrome Foundation Logo

Support

Joubert Syndrome Foundation

The Joubert Syndrome & Related Disorders Foundation is an international network of parents who share knowledge, experience, and emotional support. The foundation offers a networking list, newsletter, and a biennial...

Future Reflections

Support, Visual Impairment

Future Reflections: magazine for parents and teachers of blind children

Future Reflections is a magazine for parents and teachers of blind children. It is published quarterly by the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults in partnership with the...

little girl wearing glasses

Support, Visual Impairment

Junior Blind of America

Junior Blind's mission is helping children and adults who are blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled achieve independence.

Lighthouse Guild logo

Support, Visual Impairment

Lighthouse Guild

Lighthouse International is dedicated to fighting vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment.

Prevent Blindness and Children's Vision

Visual Impairment

Prevent Blindness America

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight.

Logo of Blind Children's Center

Schools for the Blind

Blind Children’s Center

The Blind Childrens Center serves children from birth to school-age who are blind or severely visually impaired. The Center’s goal is to provide a comprehensive program of specialized education and...

Ivan in his swing

Development, Visual Impairment

Vestibular Stimulation: Making Sense of the Other Senses When Your Child is Blind

Many children with visual impairments seek out physically stimulating activities, like swinging or rocking. Here are ways you can help channel that energy.

Sleep, Visual Impairment

Are you the Parent of a Blind Child? Do You Need Some Sleep?

This webcast from Perkins School for the Blind is all about creating effective sleep strategies to help young children with vision impairments learn to sleep on a proper schedule.

Ivan touching his cat

Math and Science, Visual Impairment

4 Creative Ways to Teach Blind Kids about Animals

Here are some fun and creative ways to teach your blind child about the animal kingdom. Have you ever thought about touching a real shark at a science museum?

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!

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.

a family arguing depicted on finger art

Parenting, Support

Maintaining your relationship when you have a disabled child

Mary McDonach explores the high incidence of divorce among parents raising a disabled child. She advises devoting energy to your relationship plan in order to keep the partnership of parenting...