Parents of Blind Children
Meeting Parents of Blind Children
Being the parent of a blind child can be very isolating. You may not know any other blind person, much less another blind child.
Blindness is a low-incidence disability, so there are not a lot of blind folks around. It can be hard to meet people who can give you pointers and tips in helping your child overcome her visual impairment and live a full and productive life. You may have questions about your child's ability to have a good quality of life.
The behaviors of young blind children can sometimes be baffling and even frustrating for parents. It can be difficult to know how to deal with these unusual behaviors, which might include eye-pressing, spinning, rocking, making loud or strange noises, clinging to babyish behaviors or having temper tantrums. Some of these behaviors can be isolating themselves if you feel that people are judging you because of your child.
It can be very helpful and life-changing to make connections with other parents of blind children. The internet has made it a lot easier to form this kind of network. It is just a matter of knowing where to look, and realizing that groups exist to help you help your child to be all that he can be.
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
A Division of the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) was the first place I stopped by when I learned I would be raising a blind child. I was in Baltimore, so I literally stopped by. I thought I would be picking up a couple of brochures, but instead a very nice lady introduced herself as Barbara Cheadle, the President of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC). She gave me a tour of the NFB's impressive headquarters. She was also the parent of a blind child, a young man who was employed at UPS. I was very inspired and left there feeling like I would not be raising my blind baby alone; I would have the entire NFB behind me to help.
I joined the NOPBC on the spot. The dues are minimal, and the benefits are tremendous. Mrs. Cheadle immediately gave me a tiny white cane for my blind baby daughter. I was also able to borrow some equipment to help my baby learn to move around and explore her environment. Mrs. Cheadle explained to me that blind babies often are fearful or reluctant to explore their environment and need a little help to get motivated. My baby never had much problem with this, and I credit the input I received from the NPOBC.
The NOPBC has local chapters in most every U.S. state. Check the link further down on this page for more information.
BVI-Parents
A Yahoogroups Email List
I joined the BVI-Parents email list at yahoogroups around the time I first learned I may be adopting a blind baby. Other parents of blind children, as well as a few supportive blind adults, provided information and encouragement. I had many concerns and the folks on this list were able to answer my questions based upon their own experiences.
After my baby came home, I had many questions everyday. Parents on this list instructed me in how to help my baby learn how to role over, how to interest her in various food textures, and how to make scented playdough out of kool-aid mix. If you are looking for a supportive group of parents on the internet, this is the place!
Click on the link further down on this page for more information.
Poll: Meeting Other Parents of Blind Children
Answer the poll and let us know whether you prefer an online support group or meeting in real life.
Leave a comment with your location if you would like to meet other parents of blind children who live near you, or if you would like to make some online buddies who are raising blind kids.
Do you prefer a virtual support group or meeting people in real life?
Helpful Titles
Reading about other parents' experiences raising blind children can be helpful in reducing your isolation and help you feel more confident.
Link List
- National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
National organization for parents and teachers of blind children. The NOPBC provides many resources for parents including information, education and advocacy. Visit their website to find your local chapter, read articles about raising blind children, - BVI-Parents
This is a list where parents of blind or visually impaired children can discuss topics related to raising their children, dealing with concerns about the educational system, public attitudes about blindness, etc - National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
The National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI) is a national organization that enables parents to find information and resources for their children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional
Please leave me a note and let me know you were here. If you have any additional resources for parents of blind children who want to meet other parents, this is a great place to post them. Help us find each other!
