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
Parenting, Special Needs
Is Your Caregiver Journey a Challenge or an Opportunity?
Rare is the person who won’t eventually be a caregiver. For me, my caregiving role arose when my mom lost her sight. That role lasted more than twenty years. It...
Education, Special Needs
Returning to School 2021-2022: Concerns for Parents of Children with Special Needs and Medical Complexities
Virtual vs hybrid vs in-person learning? How to make the best back-to-school decisions for your special needs child.
Play, Visual Impairment
36 Fun Summer Activities for Kids Who are Blind or Multiply Disabled
Here are 36 ideas to help you start planning your fun and accessible summer break for your visually impaired child!
Research Studies, Visual Impairment
Language Research for Parents of Blind Infants
The Bergelson Lab at Duke University is looking for families with blind infants to participate in studies about language development.
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...
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.
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.
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?
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, 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.
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?
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!
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
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?
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!
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!
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...
Schools for the Blind, Visual Impairment
Foundation for Blind Children
FBC services for infants, up to age three, are provided in the family home with the goal of educating and empowering parents to facilitate optimal learning and development of their...
Assistive Technology, Visual Impairment
Feelif is making photos and the environment more accessible for kids who are blind!
Feelif just released two applications that will help blind and visually impaired users have a better understanding of their surroundings and of photos.
Parenting, Special Needs
Home Sweet Group Home?
When is the right time to move your special needs child out of the house and into a group home?
Education, Special Needs
How Statewide School Testing Discriminates Against Special Needs Students
Is it always appropriate to test students, even those with severe disabilities? And can standardized tests be considered discriminatory, even when alternative testing options are offered to special needs students?
iPad Apps and Accessibility, Visual Impairment
How access to an ipad can change a blind child’s life
For children who are blind or visually impaired, iPads represent multi-purpose, portable Assistive Technology devices that can replace expensive AT devices.