Lessons Learned from Visually Impaired Children # 2

While it's important for the little ones to learn to use a cane to navigate the outside world the reality is they don't need it in familiar territory.

The kids can run and play around a room they are familiar with and you would never even know they are blind. I however, with perfect vision, still manage to run into my dresser atleast twice a week and have the bruises to prove it.

So what was lesson number two for me working with visually impaired kiddos?

"C" taught me that you can't move things in the room and not inform the children.

I didn't personally move the trashcan, but it was moved to clean up the aftermath of craft project.

This may not seem to suspicious yet.

You see little "C" was chewing gum, which is outlawed in the school for multiple reasons so he was asked to throw it away (do you see where this is going?)

Of course the trashcan was missing and little "C" was just doing what he was asked- the problem is I was unfortunately tying "J's" shoe in almost the exact place where the trashcan belonged.

That's okay "C" I needed a hair cut anyways :).

Dmitriy's Button

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The joys of school

Oh why oh why did I have to drive 35 miles and pay to park to sit in a room with 90 people and 60 chairs for two hours to receive an email address?


And why oh why was it mandatory?

Ah the joys of college bureaucracy - one more year and I will be a licensed SW :)

(ps I already the email addy)

I am wondering if there is a way to get some items donated for Dmitriy and sent to his orphanage. I know a humanitarian group works there and I know a starter cane and a small typical cane would do wonders for him.

Dmitriy's Friends # 1 - Sargent

I am going to introduce you to some of the other little ones who happen to be in the same orphanage as Dmitriy - this means they can be adopted together for an additional 4k.

Sargent (4)

Boy, Born April 4, 2007

Sargent was born with CP. He is doing very well, and is able to stand and move around with assistance. He is described as a smart boy, very teachable, and will truly thrive in a loving family environment!

From his medical records: cerebral palsy, spastic tetra paresis, delay of development, congenital right-side loxia (twisted neck), visual nerves atrophy. He walks a little with help, likes to play, sensitive.

He's pretty cute! More to come -there are lots of little ones in Dmitriy's orphanage.

School

That's my excuse for not posting in a few days.

I am a senior in a Social Welfare program.

This means 14 credit hours of classes.

16 Hours a week in required internship hours (oh how I wish I could talk about my practicum..but hippa laws and such prevent it..I am very excited though!!)

Not to mention the 40 hours a week at my actual job so I can pay for rent and the tuition on everything mentioned above.!

Phew - I'm exhausted already!


Dmitriy is still on my mind though - I know more families are apt to commit in the fall and winter months (according to stats) so lets hope this season brings his family. I bet they don't even realize he's missing from their family yet!

Adopting a Visually Impaired Child

I have a lot of experience with visually impaired kids. More than most. I know all about starter canes and teaching kids about their orientation (knowing where they are) and how to navigate. I have fun stories about the kids I've worked with and even have a broad knowledge about many many different diagnoses of visually impaired kids.



But there is something I am honestly clueless about, that I have never experienced, and that I can't help Dmitriy's future family with. I have adopted a child.

More specifically a visually impaired child.

Luckily I can direct you to Trusted with Much.

This family adopted two children just a few months ago including a visually impaired sweet-heart.

Meet Tavi!

I'm pretty sure she is adorable!

I hope you'll all take the time to go visit this family and learn more about what its like to adopt a visually impaired child.

Older Picture

This is the first picture that stole my heart. He looks so sweet even with the pink! I love how his little ears curve, and his squished nose and honestly he's just beautiful. Anyone else think so?