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Homeschooling Blind Children ("My kid is blind, what now?")

Some parents choose to homeschool their children rather than sending them to neighbourhood schools. Often, they cite an increased opportunity to interact with their children as a reason; more individualized attention can also lead to higher test scores. 

Depending on their level of visual impairment, blind kids need more access to special resources than their non-disabled counterparts - this is equally true in a homeschooling environment. Unlike other students, the parents of whom can easily buy used resources over the net and at local book stores, blind kids may need instructional materials in alternative formats (e.g. large print or Braille). These materials are harder to acquire - but not impossible:

• If you are interested in learning Braille, there are distance learning courses available.
• There are blind homeschoolers technology and resource lists that offer information and tips.
• There are online downloads available to make computers more accessible to the blind.
• Other resources are also available.
• Online curriculum information is available to those who are creating a program of study for blind children. 

Intensive Orientation and Mobility (O & M) instruction is also important; ideally, this instruction is provided by a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) or by an Orientation and Mobility specialist. For homeschooled blind kids, these services may be obtained directly through a local agency for the blind. For a list of resources in your area, reach into the Grab Bag. Certain O & M training principles can also be taught and reinforced at home. For more information on how this can be done, check out the free electronic book on teaching O & M to blind children. 

You are by no means alone in homeschooling your blind child. Blindhomeschoolers is a mailing-list serving families that homeschool their blind children. Members offer one another teaching tips and support. BVI Parents, another list dealing with visual impairment in children, also boasts its share of homeschoolers. These lists serve an important function as parents - especially those new to blindness - often need to reach out and form a support network, whether they homeschool or not.

A. Hopfe

If you are looking for a consultant who is not affiliated with the public school system, try Sarah Blake. She is a Christian educated in the field of visual impairment, who provides consulting services at reasonable rates. She also provides a wide array of free information.