Why wouldn’t Lola be starting school today? For many parents raising blind and visually impaired children, each new academic year brings a mix of hope and anxiety. This week, I’ll be waking up alone at 5:45 a.m., without Lola waiting for the bus with smiles from Terri and Toshua.
Head into a new school year filled with potential – that’s where it starts as we reflect on our babies’ growth. Ever felt like you were in over your head during your first back-to-school season? We’ve all been there. But when your child is special needs, those worries can feel especially magnified.
Be Proactive: Recognize your role in empowering your child’s future – you’re “response-able” to make their life better by educating yourself and thinking beyond the norm. Begin with the End in Mind: Visualize your child thriving as an adult in college, living independently, and building a social life.
Tech Tools for Teaching Independence Navigating school, therapy, work, and home life with a child who learns differently feels like herding cats. The good news is that assistive technology designed for special education offers powerful tools that make planning, reminders, organization, time management, clear communication, and instruction easier to manage.
Behind Parenting Special Needs Magazine Cover Story – Vintage Style Children with Special Needs Photography Wade’s sweet little face came to my mind, inspiring the theme: Back to School- Vintage Style. I sourced adorable 1900’s attire for him and found The Bell School, a perfect environment.
Embrace life’s delights for happier kids! Give each child special solo time daily – explore favorite fall activities like football games or apple picking together. Let passions spark through electives, clubs, community arts, volunteering, or part-time jobs that celebrate unique talents over just traditional achievements. Express confidence in their skills beyond labels.
Boost Your Child’s Independence: Easy Steps and Tracking Tools Start your child on a path to greater independence with our special form, created by PSN Magazine and Lynda Allen of Make Your Mark Education Center.
Unlock clarity in your child’s educational journey with this transformative progress report. It reveals exactly where your daughter stands instructionally and independently, detailing the curriculum used for her learning. Break down each section—Reading, Writing, Math, Behavior, Independent Living, and Communication—to easily identify strengths and areas needing focus, ensuring a transparent track toward progress.
Forming partnerships between parents and professionals feels like learning a new dance, at first stiff and uncertain. Both parties have different expectations and constraints, often leading to missteps and misunderstandings along the way. To build graceful collaboration, try these “dance steps”: 1⃣ STOP categorizing partners into rigid roles.
Want your child’s next IEP meeting to go smoothly? This easy guide helps you prepare, ensuring your concerns and dreams are heard. Download the checklist (linked) to organize key points about your child’s strengths, needs, goals, and supports for a successful school year.
