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Books for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments

Recommended books for parents of young children with blindness, visual impairment, or visual impairment with multiple disabilities.

Parenting & General Information

Alsop, Linda. Understanding Deafblindness: Issues, Perspectives, and Strategies. North Logan, Utah: Ski-Hi Institute, Hope Publishing, Inc., 2002. 918pp. Print only, looseleaf binders, (2 volumes). $175. Available from Hope Publishing, Inc.
Although expensive, this may be the best single source of information for "parents, interveners, and service providers working with children and young adults who are deafblind and their families. It covers all aspects of deafblind programming including communication, concept development, vision, hearing, family issues, touch, sensory integration, intervener role and services, physical education, additional disabilities, orientation and mobility, community support, and evaluation. It contains clear and informative presentations with helpful summaries and many illustrations."-Publisher's website

Brennan, Mary. Show Me How: A Manual for Parents of Preschool Visually Impaired and Blind Children. New York: American Foundation for the Blind, 1982. 56pp. Print only, paperback. ISBN 0891281134, $19.95. Available from American Foundation for the Blind.
"This book includes activities for growing and learning, building self-concept, moving around, playing, perfecting daily living skills, and developing sensory awareness. It also covers such issues as observing safety precautions, choosing appropriate toys, and facilitating relationships with playmates." - AFB Bookstore Website

Ferrell, Kay Alicyn. Reach Out and Teach. New York: American Foundation for the Blind, 1985. 176pp. Print only, spiralbound, (2 volumes) ISBN 0-89128-128-2, $49.95. Available from American Foundation for the Blind.
This two-volume set was created in response to requests from parents whose children are visually impaired with additional disabilities. Gives "parents the background and step-by-step training techniques they need to facilitate motor and cognitive development. The Parent Handbook details activities, while the Reachbook (workbook) allows parents to log their child's responses to exercises, to enter information, and to keep records." - AFB Bookstore Website

Gold, Deborah, editor. Finding a New Path: Guidance for Parents of Young Children Who are Visually Impaired or Blind. Toronto: The Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 2002. 200pp. Print only, paperback. ISBN 0921122381, $35.00. Available from American Foundation for the Blind.
The CNIB developed this handbook as the result of a survey of parents of children with visual impairments. It provides information about the effects of vision impairment on early development, and suggests strategies for helping a child develop skills needed throughout life. It discusses the emotions that may accompany a child's diagnosis, information about blindness, effects on the family and siblings, exercises for stimulating development, what to expect from the education system, and being your child's advocate. There is a short section on children with additional disabilities, including deafblindness. Includes glossary, listings for adaptive technology and toys, and helpful internet sites. There's an extensive listing of resources and service organizations for Canadian residents, with a shorter listing for U.S. residents.

Harrell, Lois, and Akeson, Nancy. Preschool Vision Stimulation: It's More Than a Flashlight! New York: American Foundation for the Blind, 1987. 60pp. Print only, paperback. ISBN 0891281363, $14.95. Available from American Foundation for the Blind.
This book offers carefully researched and systematic activities for stimulating the vision of visually impaired preschoolers. Discusses the effects of vision impairments on early development.

Holbrook, M. Cay, ed. Children with Visual Impairments: A Parents' Guide, 2nd edition. Bethesda: Woodbine House, July 2006.
Print only, paperback. ISBN 1890627402, $18.95. Available from Woodbine House. The second edition will be available in July 2006; the first edition has been an excellent resource for parents since 1996. Information includes an overview of visual impairment and treatments, the emotional impact on the family and siblings, development, and daily life. Includes practical and straightforward information and advice about nurturing a visually impaired child's self-esteem, literacy, mobility, independence, and getting educational services. A chapter addresses the needs of children with visual impairment and additional disabilities.

Moore, Sheri. Beginnings: A Practical Guide for Parents and Teachers of Visually Impaired Babies. Louisville: American Printing House for the Blind, 1985. 71pp. Print only, paperback, $10.00 Available from American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
Topics in this information-packed booklet include self-care for parents, adapting the environment and routines to accommodate the child's needs, games to stimulate development and independence, and household objects that make stimulating toys.

Royal National Institute for the Blind. Early Years. London: Royal National Institute for the Blind. $29.95/set Available from American Foundation for the Blind. A set of four booklets for parents of children with impairments, covering development from birth to age ten. The resources and products listed are British, but the practical information is universal.
Getting started (21pp.) simply and briefly explains how sight works and the role of each sight specialist the family may encounter. It includes a glossary of eye conditions and specialist language.
One step at a time (21pp.) is full of practical suggestions for helping infants and toddlers develop motor skills and independence. Includes tips for selecting toys.
Look and touch (20pp.) "describes how children of different ages, and with various eye conditions, can be encouraged to develop through play." Good advice for using the objects in each room for play and learning.
Get up and go! (29pp.) has many games and activities that parents and youngsters can enjoy together. This exercises are fun, encourage the children to be active, and help them develop and use important orientation skills.

Freeman, Peggy. Deafblind Disabled Baby: Program of Care for Parents of the Deafblind Baby with Multiple Disabilities
Freeman, Peggy. Download at http://dblink.org/lib/docs/freeman-7.doc, 2001.
The author is both the mother of a deafblind daughter and a teacher of students with deafblindness. Aimed at parents of an infant with deafblindness, this booklet offers excellent advice for bonding, establishing communication, fostering relationships, and stimulating sensory development.

Family Life/Siblings

Chapuis, Deborah K. In Celebration of Grandparenting: For Grandparents of Children with Visual Impairments. Watertown, Mass.: Perkins School for the Blind, 2000. 63pp. Print only, paperback, $15.00. Also available in Spanish. Available from Perkins School for the Blind.
Emphasizing the unique and supportive role of grandparents, this book aims "to address possible concerns and to help appreciate some of the unique joys of grandparenting a child with visual impairment." - Perkins Publications Website

Klein, Stanley D. & Kemp, John D., eds. Reflections from a Different Journey: What Adults with Disabilities Wish All Parents Knew. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004. ISBN 0071422692, $18.95
Essays written by adults with disabilities, including visual impairment. The authors share their experiences and offer advice and encouragement to parents.

McHugh, Mary. Special Siblings: Growing Up with Someone with a Disability, rev. ed. Baltimore: Brookes Publishing Co., 2003. ISBN: 1-55766-607-5, $21.95.
Drawn from interviews with more than 100 people, this is a guidebook for exploring the emotions, challenges and rewards of living with a family member who has a disability. Insight into the demands on oneself, other siblings, and parents; dealing with them in a healthy and compassionate way.

Literacy

American Foundation for the Blind. Connecting the Dots: A Parent's Resource for Promoting Early Braille Literacy. 2003, information packet. Available in print (English and Spanish) or ASCII disk, no charge. Available from American Foundation for the Blind.
"This packet includes sources for braille children's books, making braille books with young children, an overview of the braille code, and other information that parents and teachers of young children can use." - AFB Bookstore Website

Castellano, Carol and Kosman, Dawn. The Bridge to Braille: Reading and School Success for the Young Blind Child. Baltimore: National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, 1997. 191pp. Spiralbound, $12.00; diskette, $12.00; braille $20.00. Available from National Organization of Parents of Blind Children.
"...[A] practical step-by-step guide that shows parents and teachers how to help blind children progress from early literacy experiences all the way to full participation in the classroom. This book demystifies the education of blind children and enables parents and teachers to give ordinary help with spelling, homework, reports, and projects to children who happen to be blind. Topics included in the book: adapting materials; beginning braille reading; doing math in braille; a quick braille lesson; braille writing in the classroom; resources; using technology; independence in the classroom; about braille books." - NOPBC Bookstore Website

Curran, Eileen P. Just Enough to Know Better: A Braille Primer, 9th ed. Boston: National Braille Press, $12. Available from National Braille Press.
A self-instruction guide for parents of young students learning braille. Gives parents enough information to guide and monitor their child's progress in literacy.

Toys/Games

Lear, Roma. Look at It This Way. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998. ISBN 0750638958, $33.95.
Instructions for making toys for children with visual impairments, many of which are designed to improve their skills and enhance their development.

Schwartz, Sue. The New Language of Toys: Teaching Communication Skills to Children with Special Needs, 3rd ed. Bethesda: Woodbine House, 2004. ISBN 1890627488, $18.95
Using toys to stimulate language development for children from birth to age six. Includes instructions for making some toys.

Education/Advocacy/Early Intervention

Crane, Pamela, et al. Equals in Partnership: Basic Rights for Families of Children with Blindness or Visual Impairment. Watertown, Mass.: Perkins School for the Blind, 1997. 166pp. Print only, paperback, $15.00. Available from Perkins School for the Blind.
"This handbook compiles educational advocacy materials to help parents better understand the unique needs of children who are blind or visually impaired, and to assist them in accessing appropriate services for their children." - Perkins Publications Website

Falvey, Mary A. Believe in My Child with Special Needs: Helping Children Achieve Their Potential in School. Baltimore: Brookes Publishing Co., 2005. ISBN 1557667020, $18.95
"...[P]arents of a school-age child with a disability need this upbeat, reassuring handbook--to demystify complicated issues, help them celebrate their child's abilities and recognize possibilities, and show them how to be successful advocates throughout their child's education."--Back cover.

Bringing It All Back Home Project. HomeTalk: A Family Assessment of Children Who Are Deafblind. Monmouth, Oregon: 2003. Free. Available from DB-LINK: 800-438-9376, dblink@tr.wou.edu.
An assessment tool for parents of children who are deafblind with other disabilities. Designed to help develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), help review progress at school meetings, introduce the student to new staff members; and summarize important information that professionals need to know about the student.

Both of the following books are aimed at teachers, but provide information useful to parents. The author explores the impact of visual impairment on infants and young children, and offers activities and exercises for stimulating growth and development.

Resources assembled by the Samuel P. Hayes Research Library at Perkins School for the Blind. We invite you to contact the Samuel P. Hayes Research Librarian at 617-972-7250 or HayesLibrary@Perkins.org with any specific questions or requests.