[blindkid] More than just blindness

[Marianne Denning]

According to information I have read, between 60 and 75% of blind
children have additional disabilities.  Since the overall numbers of
blind students is extremely low, finding other children with
additional disabilities similar to your child's may be a challenge.  I
love working with students with additional challenges.  I hope we
include all children in our activities.  If we exclude any child or
adult are we any different than the general population who exclude us
because we are blind?

On 6/30/14, Lalena Fayre via blindkid <blindkid at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> As I read through my latest issue of Future Reflections, I was struck with
> a further sense of isolation. The same holds true when I read this listserv
> and review the agenda of the upcoming national conference.
>
> My son is totally blind with multiple other disabilities - nonverbal and
> global developmental delays that impact every area. I'm fortunate to have a
> good foundation and understanding of blindness education. But when you add
> the other issues to the blindness, one is struck with how much blindness
> complicates things. For example, typical adaptive communication devices are
> vision based. Another, pre-Braille work is important but after 3 years of
> it and no significant progress made, you are forced to deal with functional
> skill development which the therapist don't know how to do with a blind
> child, let allow a blind cognitively delayed child.
>
> I turn to the NFB for support and resources, yet publications are full of
> typically developed children who happen to be blind. I call my local
> organizations here in the bay area (which I know are inline with NFB
> philosophy) looking for social opportunities for my son, but he can't
> participate because of his developmental delays.
>
> At the end of the day I'm left wondering......am I the only parent of a
> child with multiple disabilities, developmental delays, AND blindness? Are
> the majority of blind child typically developed? And where do I turn for a
> network of parents who may understand?
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-- 
Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
(513) 607-6053