Practical Information for Parents and Caregivers

Most people are afraid of the unknown. Your child’s visual impairment seems frightening because you more than likely have little or no knowledge about visual impairment.

The resources listed here are meant to give you information that will be beneficial to you in making your child happy, self-assured and inquisitive – as you would do with any child. Early contact with parent groups may be one of the most important things you can do to help yourself with this goal.

The organizations and resources listed here are eager to provide you with information. Your best source of information regarding your child’s vision is your pediatric ophthalmologist. The other resources included here are primarily educational.

• The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of their members and all blind people in the United States. Among the many valuable programs and resources is their Center of Employment Opportunity.
• WonderBaby.org is dedicated to helping parents of young children with visual impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Here you’ll find a database of articles written by parents who want to share with others what they’ve learned about playing with and teaching a blind child, as well as links to meaningful resources and ways to connect with other families. Check out their list of online support groups for parents of blind kids.
• Center for the Visually Impaired in Georgia offers remote services for kids of all ages with vision loss and their families. They help children succeed academically, thrive socially, and gain independence. Find out more aquí.
• TAD Foundation mentorship for visually impaired individuals looking for work in professional roles in the corporate world.
• Power provides a patient-friendly way to access clinical trials. Search retinal disease trials here.
• Some examples of websites selling products for visually impaired individuals.
  • Maxiaids – Products for independent living
  • Independent Living Aids – Products for independent living
  • Seedlings – Braille books for children
  • Blind in Mind – Braille books, toys, games, kitchen aids, and talking products.
  • APH – educational resources and products
• Vision Rehabilitation Services: If you have a visual impairment, vision rehabilitation can help you make the most of the vision you have and improve your quality of life. There are lots of different types of vision rehabilitation services. Talking with your eye doctor — or your eye care team — is a great way to help you figure out which types of services are right for you.
• Hadley School for the Blind: Hadley provides both practical and social/emotional help to older adults adjusting to vision loss, empowering them to adapt and thrive. Click here for Hadley Vision Resources.