Family

This section is scheduled for expansion in the near future, so please check back frequently to see what's new.

A family member with blindness or a visual impairment has a significant impact on family life. Parents and relatives face a variety of challenges when making decisions about education or services. These websites for families include information on workshops, services, education, and many other resources.

Full-Text Articles

Parent Education Daily Living Skills Guide, Washington State School for the Blind
Recommendations and guidelines on daily living skills for parents of children with visual impairments.

Parent Road Map, Minnesota DeafBlind Technical Assistance Project
Written by parents raising children with combined hearing and vision losses, this manual is a "road map" for other parents in the same situation.

"The Blind Child: Part of the Family, Part of the World"
Cheadle, Barbara. in Future Reflections Winter/Spring 2006.
Reiterates the importance of a parent's influence on their child's future success. Future Reflections is published quarterly by the National Association of Parents of Blind Children, which is a division of the National Federation of the Blind.

Web-Based Organizations and Resources

American Foundation for the Blind
Provides resources, workshops, publications, conferences on all aspects of blindness and visual impairment.

Family Connect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
The American Foundation for the Blind and the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments created this comprehensive site "to give parents of visually impaired children a place to support each other, share stories and concerns, and find resources on raising their children from birth to adulthood."

Family Ties of Massachusetts
This website offers support to parents and families who have a child with special needs. It features information on workshops, a resource directory, a mailing list, and the opportunity to be personally matched by trained staff with another parent who is facing similar issues. This website is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and is Bobby Approved.

The Federation for Children with Special Needs Family Resource Database
This database contains information about agencies in Massachusetts and throughout the country which provide information or services to families. The database is divided into categories, age group, and region. The main FCSN website provides a wide variety of resources for parents and families, and is Bobby Approved.

Lighthouse International
Assists people of all ages with all aspects of vision loss. Includes links about children's vision and education.

National Association of Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
Offers resources and support for parents of children who are blind or visually impaired.

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
This website features information on disabilities, No Child Left Behind and its impact on children with disabilities, and IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This website is Bobby Approved.

National Family Association for Deaf-Blind
The National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB) is a non-profit, volunteer-based family association. Our philosophy is that individuals who are deaf-blind are valued members of society and are entitled to the same opportunities and choices as other members of the community. NFADB is the largest national network of families focusing on issues surrounding deaf-blindness.

The National Federation for the Blind
An internationally known membership organization featuring information about topics related to all aspects of blindness and visual impairment, NFB published Future Reflections, a publication for parents and families, and is the home of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children.

The Sibling Support Project
This website provides support for siblings of people who have special developmental or mental health needs. The project provides workshops, resources, and opportunities for siblings of all ages to connect with each other.

Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
A wonderful resource for all topics related to education of blind and visually impaired students.

United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy is an internationally known resource for families of children with disabilities. Their website provides information on education, employment, health and wellness, parenting and families, products and services, transportation and leisure. This website is Bobby Approved.