Community resources for parents
American Foundation for the Blind
The American Foundation for the Blind, AFB, is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. This organization provides information about technology, resources, and promotes independent and healthy living for people with visual impairments. The organization also protects the rights of persons with visual impairments in our nation’s public policies.
(2009). American foundation for the blind. Retrieved May 30, 2009, from
http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=42
National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth
The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths & Adults (HKNC) offers intensive and comprehensive rehabilitation training to individuals who are deaf-blind. The rehabilitation and personal adjustment training program at HKNC's headquarters in Sands Point provides evaluation and training in communication skills, adaptive technology, orientation and mobility, independent living, work experience, and other support services.
(2009). national center for deaf-blind youth and adults. Retrieved May 30, 2009, from
http://www.helenkeller.org/national/
Future Reflections is a magazine for parents and teachers of blind children. This magazine is published quarterly by the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, a Division of the National Federation of the Blind. Future Reflections is available free of charge in regular print, cassette tape, four-track cassette, by e-mail subscription, and on the NFB Web site.
National federation of the Blind.(2009).National organization of parents of blind
children. Retrieved May 30, 2009, from http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Future_Reflections.asp?SnID=272709044
National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
The National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI) is a non-profit organization of, by and for parents committed to providing support to the parents of children who have visual impairments. NAPVI is a core partner for the Families and Advocates Partnership for Education, FAPE, project spearheaded by the parent Advocacy Coalition for Education Rights, PACER.
(1999). National association for parents of children with visual impairments. Retrieved
May 30, 2009, from http://www.spedex.com/napvi/index.html#Who
The Blind Children's Fund collects, develops and disseminates information, materials and services for parents of infants and preschool blind children and the professionals who serve them. They foster, encourage, and develop activities and programs pertaining to any and all areas of growth, development, education and welfare of these children. They have a resource and equipment demonstration center.
(2009). Blind children's fund. Retrieved May 30, 2009, from
http://www.blindchildrensfund.org/
Children’s books about disabilities
This is an autobiographical story of the author and the horse she raised from a foal. She kept the horse for 33 years as her visual impairment gradually changed from an inconvenience to a handicap. She was a child when she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and when the foal was born. The reader can develop an understanding of her visual impairment while enjoying many adventures on a farm in the 1950's through 1980's. Students gain insights about how life was different then. The horse (Lucky) from Frances' first book (A Lucky Pair) makes a visit to her farm in Beth's Fella.
Build A Solid Foundation. Visual impairment and blindness book reviews. Retrieved May 30, 2009, from http://www.learningbooks.net/VI.html
In this heartwarming story, the author tells of the close friendship between a visually impaired girl and a Tennessee walking horse, which she rescues. It is based on the author's experiences after her retinitis pigmentosa caused her to retire from school teaching. Shortly after that, her father died and her horse, which she had owned for 33 years also died and she became depressed. Then Lucky, her horse, came into her life.
Build A Solid Foundation. Visual impairment and blindness book reviews. Retrieved
May 30, 2009, from http://www.learningbooks.net/VI.html
On John's visits to Grandpa's house, his blind grandfather shares with him the special way he sees and moves in the world. ‘In addition to showing readers how the blind develop alternatives to sight, the story also stands as a warm picture of old and young bonding and simple family sharing.
Build A Solid Foundation. Visual impairment and blindness book reviews. Retrieved
May 30, 2009, from http://www.learningbooks.net/VI.html
This powerful story of blindness, coping, and forgiveness was published decades ago and is still a favorite. Jimmy re-learns many things after being blinded by a firecracker. He also learns to read Braille, to work with his guide dog, and to forgive the boy who accidentally caused his blindness. Click on the title to read what others have said about the impact this book has had.
Build A Solid Foundation. Visual impairment and blindness book reviews. Retrieved
May 30, 2009, from http://www.learningbooks.net/VI.html
All Children Have Different Eyes: Learn How to Play and Make Friends
This is a very encouraging and informative book. Examples of thoughtful behavior and explanations of differences can help change childish curiosity and unkindness. This book focuses on what can be accomplished by children who have visual difficulties. First, the authors have us meet Tommy who has nystagmus. A sound spelling is given along with a little story of how Tommy encourages positive reactions and how he handles negative reactions of children. After Tommy's story, we read stories of other children with other low visual difficulties such as cataracts, myopia, and strabismus. There is a glossary. Resources include books and websites. Activities in the back of the book, give reference to pages in the story with examples of improving social competency skills. The scenes in the stories and the skills include making friends, coping with mean people, and coping with other people's lack of knowledge.
Build A Solid Foundation. Visual impairment and blindness book reviews. Retrieved
May 30, 2009, from http://www.learningbooks.net/VI.html
First Aid and Emergency Procedures
Blind Children's Resource Center
This web site provides information for parents and teachers on how to safeguard the physical environment for a child with visual impairments. Useful suggestions are provided for both settings as well as adapted activities. Some of the suggestions include; using the student in a physically active way, carefully experiment to see what works best, and limit playing space.
(2003). Blind chidlren's resource center. Retrieved May 30, 2009, from http://www.blindchildren.org/sports_games/5_1_3.html
This web site provides information from a variety of resources for parents and educators. Information can be found regarding medical information, first aid and safety procedures when working with a child with visual impairment.
WEB MD. (2005). Eye health center. Retrieved May 30, 2009, from
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/blind-visually-impaired
This web site offers links and resources for information, materials, and products for children with visual impairments. Braille resources are available and a list of organizations and support services are provided. Items can be purchased on this web site related to emergency procedures and safety to ensure a safe environment for a child with visual impairments.
(2009). Independent Living Aids, LLC. Retrieved May 30, 2009, from http://www.independentliving.com/links
Effective Classroom Adaptations for Children With Visual Impairments
This text provides information for the classroom teacher on how to prepare the classroom and ensure safety and proper emergency procedures are in place for a child with visual impairments. A detailed checklist is provided for teachers for indoor and outdoor orientation and mobility adaptations to create a safe environment for a child with visual impairments.
Cox, P., & Dykes, M. (2001). Effective classroom adaptations for students with visual
impairments. Teaching Exceptional Children, 33(6), 68-70.
Emergency Preparedness for Blind Children
This website provides information about a two day seminar preparing parents, educators, and community members about emergency preparedness for children with visual impairments. The two day seminar discusses any emergency plans that are in place and gives an overview of basic Cardio- Pulmonary Resuscitation, CPR.
Future Reflections. (2005). Emergency preparedness for blind children. Retrieved
May 30, 2009, from
http://www.nfb.org/Images/nfb/Publications/fr/fr20/fr05ci05.htm
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