#49 Blind Parents

#49 Blind Parents
Friday, January 31, 2025 by Deb Vellines

One of my readers sent me an article from the June 2019 magazine Parents. The name of the article — What Blind Parents Want You to See.

The article doesn’t address macular degeneration, but it does cover issues that all blind and low vision folks can relate to. They are so important, I wanted to share some with you.

It’s tough to constantly confront other people’s skepticism about your abilities. This is true whether you are a mom or living alone with low vision or blindness. Some people will think and even ask – Why did you have children? Or Why don’t you live in assisted living? They just don’t think you can do it. Wrong. The parents in this article prove how wrong this thinking is.

Having a positive attitude is crucial. One mom says each day she must decide if the stresses will get to her or if she will search for the bright side? If you have kids or not, this is a great way to start the day. If you have low vision or not, a positive attitude is important.
Be aware blind people can help and want to be treated like every other person who has something to contribute. When it came time for a bake sale at one mom’s school, she was told they didn’t want her contribution because they were afraid to eat it. Whoa. This mom cooks meals six days a week at home. Such a reaction is a real blow and shows a total lack of understanding.
Transportation is a challenge whether you are a blind parent or someone who is blind or has low vision. It can be expensive and inconvenient to use public transportation. An offer of a ride is always appreciated. Going to the mall or grocery store, why not offer a ride? Or simply call and ask if someone needs a ride to a doctor or anywhere else.
Technology helps. iPhones can read texts and emails out loud. Screen reading software can do the same thing. Be My Eyes (Link) of course connects users with millions of sighted volunteers. Help is a phone call away.
Devices are available to identify colors, currency denominations, and supermarket items by their bar codes. Did you know the United States is the only country to print all denominations in the same size? This makes it harder for people with low vision.
Here’s an interesting article (Link) that details future help with this problem. Talking Books subscribers can get a free iBill without filling out the application or getting a doctor’s verification by calling their state library and putting in a request.

Even though guide dogs can be so cute, don’t talk to it or pet it while it’s working.

I like the way the article concludes. When showing people your comfort with blindness, it puts others at ease.

Here are the blogs mentioned in the article if you have an interest in how a blind parent adapts to parenting challenges. The information contained in each of the blogs has good hints for all people with low vision.

www.Blindmotherhood.com – be sure and look under resources for lots of good hints.
www.Blindmovingon.com – contains blogs
www.Makingitontheplayground.com – good advice with resources under the category “My recommendations.”

Readers: If you come across information that you think would help others, please share it with us.