Parents and Families: Information and Support
The resources in this section help families understand the how they can support the development of their children who are blind or visually impaired, and encourage them to enjoy maximum independence.
Access to Learning
New Zealand Ministry of Education
This teacher's booklet on working with young people with moderate visual impairment contains many resources specific to New Zealand, and also includes general information that may be useful in your area as well.
Advice to Parents of Partially Sighted Children
Future Reflections, National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
Barbara Cheadle's child-rearing advice for parents whose children have visual impairments.
Developing Your Child's Vision: A Guide for Parents of Infants and Young Children with Vision Impairment
The Center for the Partially Sighted
Topics in this guide include symptoms of visual impairment and early intervention; available in English and Spanish.
Individual Learning Needs of Visually Impaired Children and Youth From Birth to Adulthood
Dr. Natalie Barraga, Professor Emeritus, The University of Texas at Austin explains six stages in development in which parents and various team members are involved as children grow. Also available in Spanish
Info for Parents, Lea-Test
Information about vision for parents: early development, vision screening, stimulating low vision; includes colorful pictures, charts and tables.
Three Things Parents Should Know About Visual Efficiency Skills, Family Connect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
What parents should know about visual efficiency, visual fields and visual self-sufficiency.
Understanding the Vision Impairment System, Family Connect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
Connecting with national, state, and local organizations, and parent support groups.
Your Child's Vision, Kids Health for Parents
Information on eye doctors and exams, common eye conditions and their symptoms, glasses and contact lenses.
Information for Parents and Families: Organizations and Resources to Explore
Blindness/Visual Impairments, Family Village
A resource for contact information, news groups, links to related topics and web sites.
Educational Multi-Media Description Project
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
Descriptionkey.org provides guidelines for using descriptive language in educational materials. This link from AFB provides context for the guidelines and history of their adoption. You can find many more materials on education under the topic Education for Students with Blindness or Visual Impairments. Additional information on audio description is filed under Audio Description.
Visual Impairments, Including Blindness Fact Sheet
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
Your top questions about congenital blindness and visual impairment in children are answered in short easy-to-read sections, with links to resources and organizations for more information.
Working with Medical Professionals, Family Connect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
Understanding one's diagnosis, eye care specialties, following medical directions, common abbreviations, and more.
