FamilyConnect

05/28/2026

Does your child press, poke, or rub their eyes? It's a common behavior, but it can lead to physical harm over time.

Learn about wearable technology that may help you child break the habit.

Discover how OpticWare and APH have developed a device to help children break the habit of eye pressing and protect their eyesight.

05/21/2026

Did you know the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults has a free braille book program? Since 1997, this program has provided a free braille chapter book every month with selections designed for readers at a 2nd–4th grade level. Find out more about this fantastic program and apply for your child. https://bit.ly/4uT9UX1

05/19/2026

Parents of teens who are blind or low vision: are you feeling overwhelmed about college, independence, or planning for life after high school?

You are not alone. Perkins School for the Blind Transition Center is launching virtual summer short courses designed to support students AND families through the transition process.

Spots are open now, with more dates coming in August!

Perkins Transition Center Summer Workshops You may already be thinking ahead to life after high school and the skills your young adult will need for what

04/15/2026

Helping your child grow confident in the kitchen is easier than ever with voice assistants, accessible apps, and adaptive tools designed for blind and low vision cooks. This post shares how these supports can empower kids to build independence, stay safe, and enjoy cooking as a family.

Explore cooking apps for people who are blind or low vision that enhance independence and confidence in the kitchen.

04/06/2026

The journey to adulthood can be bumpy for teens who are blind or low vision. The right support makes a difference, and this story offers guidance for families helping young people build confidence, independence, and meaningful careers.

Explore vocational rehabilitation for the blind and discover how it empowers individuals to achieve meaningful careers and independence.

03/13/2026

Help Design “Be My Mentor” on Be My Eyes!

The National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision is partnering with Be My Eyes to create Be My Mentor — a new feature connecting professionals who are blind or low vision with mentors for short, one-time, career-focused sessions. They need your input to shape the design, accessibility, and features!

To participate, you must be a Be My Eyes user or volunteer, be 18 or older, and live in the U.S. or Canada

Note: This survey is to provide feedback, not to sign up as a mentor or mentee.

The National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision is conducting a research study to design Be My Mentor in collaboration with Be My Eyes. Your input will help us identify the most useful features and ensure Be My Mentor meets the needs of both mentors and mentees.

03/09/2026

The TAD Foundation’s “Sidewalks” initiative is helping families build confidence and independence through real-world experiences, mentorship, and community support for youth who are blind or low vision. It’s designed to guide students and their families from early independence skills all the way to career readiness.

Learn how “Sidewalks” supports families and helps students grow their confidence and independence: https://bit.ly/47scjO1

Please share with a parent, educator, or advocate who believes children who are blind or low vision deserve every opportunity to succeed!

Launched in 2023, the TAD Foundation Fellowship is a first-of-its kind nationwide program for blind and low-vision students. In this selective, year-long program, our fellows engage in quarterly in-person programming as well as online dialogue throughout the year focused on technical skills and lead...

02/25/2026

Raising a child who is blind or low vision? This collection shares practical, everyday ideas for adapting your home, like baby-proofing, making materials more tactile, and setting up spaces for safe independence.

Adapting materials for blind/low vision kids is essential. Enhance visuals, use real objects, and create tactile interest.

02/17/2026

For years, Lori saw her cane as something that made her different. With time and strong O&M instruction, it became a tool for confidence and independence.

Read about her journey from resistance to empowerment and how cane travel opened the door to a life on her own terms.

Explore independence through cane travel for blind and low vision individuals. Discover how a cane can empower your journey.

02/12/2026

Help expand research on word learning and vocabulary development for children who are blind! NIU College of Education is looking for students ages 5-14 who were completely blind by age 1 to participate in a research study that aims to develop age-based language norms for children who are blind.

Learn more about the study and sign up:

Earn up to $250 by participating in a vocabulary study! We are recruiting children who are blind and children who are sighted, ages 5-14.