Child Development and Early Intervention

Early programs for babies and children who are blind are critical in their development. From ideas for activities for young children to information on mobility devices, these resources can help both educators and family members fully optimize the early formative years for blind children.

Full-Text Articles

Preschool Children with Visual Impairment: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
http://www.tsbvi.edu/Education/preschool.htm
This booklet is written for Early Childhood Teachers who have (or may have) a visually impaired child aged three to five years. It is not meant to be a comprehensive text; it is intended to be an introductory guidebook to help Early Childhood Teachers understand what a visual impairment is, how a visual impairment affects early development, and why early intervention is so critical to these children.

Mobility Devices for Young Children
http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=40&TopicID=168&DocumentID=804
There are several kinds of mobility devices that young children who are blind or severely visually impaired can learn to use. These devices, which probe the area ahead of the child, include kiddie canes and adapted canes, also known as pre-canes or alternative mobility devices. This site describes these devices; how parents and teachers can use them with young children; what children will learn; and where these devices can be purchased.

How Babies Learn
http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=36&TopicID=165&DocumentID=2055
Understanding how your baby experiences the world; activities for encouraging exploration.

Service Guidelines: For Young Children Who Are Blind And Visually Impaired (Includes Deaf-Blind Guidelines)
http://www.morgan.k12.il.us/isd/hvc/documents/guidelines_vision.pdf
Guidelines for understanding appropriate assessment and early intervention for children who are blind or visually impaired.

Environmental Adaptations: Preschool for the Totally Blind Child
http://www.e-advisor.us/adaptations/intro.php?fontsize=normal&hicontrast
Advice for creating a preschool environment that is safe and stimulating for children with blindness.

Learning Media Assessment
http://www.e-advisor.us/workshop/lma_assess.php?fontsize=normal&hicontrast
Online video explaining the procedures and purpose of a Learning Media Assessment—which determines what reading format will best enhance a child's learning.

Parent/Child Activities
http://www.iowa-braille.k12.ia.us/parent_child.html
A bibliography of books for parents about activities they can enjoy with their children while stimulating their development.

The Preschool Child who is Blind or Visually Impaired
http://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/pub/vi/VIch4.pdf
Advice for preschool teachers for accommodating a child who is blind or visually impaired.

Web-Based Organizations and Resources

Hadley School for the Blind Family Education Program
http://www.hadley.edu/2_d_FE_courses.asp
Free correspondence courses for parents of blind children. Topics include child development, the importance of play, mobility, parenting children with multiple disabilities, and fostering social skills.

For Parents
http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=36&TopicID=165
Advice and resources for parents who have just learned that their infant is blind or visually impaired.

ParentConnect
http://www.afb.org/Community.asp?AnnouncementID=421
Sign up here for a new website sponsored by American Foundation for the Blind and National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. Learn practical tips and advice, connect with other parents, find useful resources.