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

7-128 Video Games logo

Visual Impairment

7-128 Video Games for Kids who are Blind

7-128 Software creates games that are accessible to gamers with special needs as well as those less challenged and this makes them easier to use for all.

tangible symbols

Communication, Visual Impairment

Using Tangible Symbols for Communication with Blind Children

In this video Elizabeth Torrey, Speech and Language Pathologist in the Early Learning Center at Perkins School for the Blind, talks about the use of tangible symbols in helping children...

students reading braille in a classroom

Advocacy, Visual Impairment

Bringing Blindness Awareness to the Sighted Classroom

We'll give you some tips on how to teach sighted children about blindness so they can interact with their blind classmates.

parachute with kids running underneath

Toys, Visual Impairment

The Best Toys for Parties and Get Togethers for Kids who are Visually Impaired

Sometimes kids need a little help to get the party started, and that is exactly what party toys are for. We list here our favorite party toys for children who...

nursing baby

Breastfeeding, Visual Impairment

Breastfeeding & Bonding with Your Visually Impaired Infant

Breast feeding a baby can be difficult, especially if they have a vision impairment. Learn about your options when choosing to nurse a blind or visually impaired baby.

annoyed woman

Support

The Cruelty of Strangers: Responding to Rude Comments as a Special Needs Parent

As the parent of a disabled child you've probably encountered a stranger who may have said something hurtful or downright rude. We'll give you advice on how to deal with...

sad woman

Support

Sorting Through the Grieving Process After Receiving a Special Needs Diagnosis

Mary McDonach explains that learning of a child's disability can cause a parent to experience a grief reaction bringing on the standard and familiar stages of grief. She helps you...

Ivan on a ball

Development, Visual Impairment

In, On, and Under: Teaching Children who are Blind About Location

Basic prepositional concepts like in, on, under, behind, etc. can be very difficult for blind children to master. We'll share our ideas to help you teach these concepts.

Irish mountainside

Visual Impairment

Thoughts on Growing Up Blind

Read about how June, who was born blind, was brought up by her grandmother and where she finds herself now.

Ivan when he was a toddler talking on the phone

Support, Visual Impairment

Telephone Support Group for Parents of Visually Impaired Children

If you're the parent of a blind child you probably have lots of questions or maybe just need to talk to someone who understands. Learn about telephone support groups organized...

NCECBVI header boy reading

Schools for the Blind

Nebraska Center for the Education of Children Who are Blind or Visually Impaired

NCECBVI believes communication is the key to effectiveness when it comes to the education of children with vision issues. Located in Nebraska City, they serve children from preschool to high...

surgeons performing eye surgery

Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment

Can I get an eye transplant for my blind child?

Sarah J. Blake discusses the use of the term "transplant" in speaking about eyes. She explains what is and is not possible and provides some clear explanation of how corneas...

Access Pass

Play, Special Needs

Free Access to National Parks for Visitors with Disabilities

National Park Service free Access Passes are accepted at all NPS parks and refuges, and cover some fees in the national forests as well. The filing fee for the Access...

Child playing an xylophone

Music Play, Visual Impairment

Are Blind Kids More Musically Inclined?

Adam Ockelford, Professor of Music, Roehampton University announced a study in 2010 that would focus on the relationship between musicality and retinopathy ofprematurity (ROP). This study follows up his similar...

Ivan and dad with Ivan's gait trainer

Assistive Technology, Special Needs, Support

Pass it On: Free Medical Equipment and Assistive Technology

Pass it On recycles used but useable medical equipment and provides it to disabled children in Massachusetts.

Schools for the Blind

Clovernook Center for Blind and Visually Impaired

Clovernook provides comprehensive program services including training and support for independent living, orientation and mobility instruction, vocational training, job placement, counseling, recreation, and youth services.

Support, Visual Impairment

Foundation Fighting Blindness

The urgent mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by blindness.

msab

Schools for the Blind

Minnesota State Academy for the Blind

Minnesota State Academy for the Blind (MSAB), located in Faribault, is dedicated to helping students who are blind and visually impaired in Minnesota to reach their full potential, through residential...

NYSSB banner

Schools for the Blind

New York State School for the Blind

New York State School for the Blind's mission is to provide a learning environment that encourages blind children to reach their full potential.

Parenting Special Needs cover

Support

Parenting Special Needs Online Magazine

The Parenting Special Needs Online Magazine explores the changing face of parenting a special needs child. Continually seeking change for the better with new and helpful information that is “simplified”...

rnib logo

Visual Impairment

Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)

In the United Kingdom, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is the leading information and support organization for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

TAER Logo

Visual Impairment

Texas Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (TAER)

The purpose of the Texas Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (TAER) is to render all possible assistance to the promotion, development, and improvement of...

Washington State School for the Blind

Schools for the Blind

Washington State School for the Blind

Washington State School for the Blind serves children from birth to age 21 in Washington State.

West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

Schools for the Blind

West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind educate students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind and low vision.