When a child is born with blindness or a visual impairment parents need to learn what visual impairment is and what it may mean for their children and their education. Most people are unfamiliar with the implications of visual impairment for a child’s learning, and may not understand what the family may be experiencing or how to help them.

Fortunately, parents of blind or visually impaired children are not alone. A number of national and local organizations in this country are knowledgeable and dedicated to the wellbeing of visually impaired children and adults. These organizations, such as The Chicago Lighthouse, are important sources of a wide variety of information and support for them and their families.

As the child grows, parents and families must become acquainted with their child’s particular eye condition, prognosis, medical treatment, special education issues and the laws, such as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act) and specialized services that their child is entitled to, including a “free and appropriate public education”. Also, beside the basic “core curriculum” of reading, writing, math, science, social studies, students who are blind or visually impaired need to have access to the  “expanded core curriculum” so they learn the compensatory academics, independent travel, social interaction, independent living, recreation and leisure, use of technology, career education and self-determination.

Parents need to learn about the specialized teachers who will work with their children, such as the teacher of visually impaired students (tvi) and the orientation & mobility teacher (O&M) who teaches the students about moving in the environment, ultimately leading to independent travel.

Fortunately, through parent support groups, such as the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI) and statewide affiliate chapters such as the Illinois Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (IPVI) many parents and families connect with other parents who can mentor them and help them through the difficult times so they can find “positive” outcomes for their children.