Independence A to Z

April 16th, 2025

Topic: Parenting

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Raising children as a blind parent comes with unique challenges, but many blind parents do it successfully with some thoughtful strategies and adaptations. Here are some practical and empowering tips for blind parents raising sighted children:

 

1. Foster Open Communication:

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• Talk honestly with your children about your blindness in age-appropriate ways.

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• Encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings.

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• Help them understand that they are not responsible for your disability, you’re the parent, and you’re capable.

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2. Create a Safe and Accessible Home

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• Organize your home in a consistent and predictable way.

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• Use tactile labels (Braille, raised dots, textures) or audio devices to identify items.

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• Childproof as necessary—blind parents are often highly attuned to sound, so bells or rattles on dangerous items like doors or cabinets can help.

 

3. Parenting with Touch and Sound

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• Use touch, sound cues, and routines for tasks like dressing, feeding, or soothing your child.

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• Toys with distinct sounds or textures can help with identifying what your child is playing with.

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• Learn to interpret non-verbal cues in different ways—like the tone of voice, footfalls, or breathing.

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4. Navigating the World Together

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• Use a white cane or guide dog confidently, and teach your child how to walk safely with you (e.g., holding a finger or part of your clothing).

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• Practice public transportation routines early; many blind parents become pros at using buses, trains, or ride shares.

 

5. Adaptive Technology is Your Friend

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• Use voice-controlled assistants (like Alexa or Siri), screen readers, talking thermometers, and GPS apps designed for the blind.

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• Smartphone apps can help with identifying colors, reading text, or navigating spaces.

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• Apps like Be My Eyes connect blind people to volunteers for visual assistance via video call.

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6. Education and Homework Help

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• Use accessible learning materials: many books and educational tools come in audio or Braille versions.

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• Be involved by asking questions, checking in, and collaborating with teachers on how you can best support your child’s education.

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• Help them develop independent study habits, which benefits them long-term anyway.

 

7. Let Kids Be Kids (Without Becoming Their Responsibility)

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• Allow your child to play independently and make mistakes, even if it feels riskier when you can’t see them.

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• Avoid relying on them to be your "eyes." While they might help sometimes, your role is still the parent, and they need freedom from caregiver responsibilities.

 

8. Build a Support Network

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• Connect with other blind parents through organizations like the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) American Council of the Blind (ACB), or local parenting groups.

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• Don’t hesitate to ask for help; friends, family, and community can be a great support system.

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9. Teach Empathy and Inclusion

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• Your children will naturally develop a greater sense of empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving by growing up with a blind parent.

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• Help them understand how everyone experiences the world differently, which fosters compassion and confidence.

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10. Trust Yourself

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• You know your child best.

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• Blindness doesn't limit your ability to love, nurture, discipline, and raise a happy, healthy child.

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• Celebrate your wins. You’re doing something amazing.

 

Books:

Suggestions for modifying the home and school environment; a handbook for parents and teachers of dual sensory impairments

DB: 04048

Published by Perkins school for the blind

 

Lots of items for parenting in several catalogs, but here is just one suggestion: Maxi-aids

Maxi Aids | Independent Living, Low Vision, Blind, Mobility

 

Video, seeing blind

https://youtu.be/0IUbdYgjEAo?si=ry2VsqZRGr_ZIFoK

Highlights, see video above to go deeper and there are many other videos that have been done around this topic. (Tips for blind/VI children):

1. They will be OK

2. Be patient

3. Acceptance

4. When kids are around, be mindful of statements you make towards vision loss

5. In-tune to reactions

6. Du your due diligence: find resources in community and on-line

7. Don’t procrastinate, introduce technology early

8. Communication, encourage openness

 

Web resource/book:

Kristin Smedley and Charlie Collins, founder of Thriving Blind Academy):

Braille book: “All I can be is up to me”

Also: “Thriving blind), DB 97202

Web site: Thriving Blind Home Page